Library/Museum Professional

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs): Knowledge of specialized area and terminology. Knowledge of research methods and tools such as on-line databases, web-based resources and other reference sources. Project management skills. Customer service skills. Ability to communicate effectively with people from diverse backgrounds.

Role Description

Responsible for performing complex library/museum work in specialized areas such as archives, documents, collection development, cataloging and metadata, searching, reference circulation, acquisitions, and periodicals requiring the application of special skills, knowledge, and independent judgment. This role provides specialized support and instruction for the educational and research needs of students, faculty, staff, and the community by maintaining bibliographical data. Library/Museum Professional roles require specialized knowledge of library/museum operations, applicable information systems, and other related technology. Competencies for this role are usually gained through formal education, specialized training, and/or experience in a program or specialty area specific to the position responsibilities. Specialized and progressively responsible experience is required as the level increases.

Levels

Library/Museum Professional 1

Supervises the maintenance of an assigned collection or electronic media and equipment, including selection, evaluation, appraisal, classification, and acquisition of library or museum materials.
Assists staff and librarians in completion of complex assignments to which special knowledge or skill is applicable.
Resolves issues independently and refers more complex issues to higher level.
Performs professional work requiring knowledge of one or more specializations.
Recommends, implements, and interprets policies, procedures, standards, and systems.
Consults and advises faculty and staff members in the selection and acquisition of materials.
Provides reference and resource services as required in subject area or area(s) of specialty for patrons.
Provides instruction and research support in an area of specialty.
Develops and delivers courses related to library/museum resources and research techniques.
Provides work direction to others.

Education/Experience:

Typically requires a Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field and one year of relevant experience, or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience. Applicable certification may be required.

Library/Museum Professional 2

Resolves issues independently and refers unprecedented issues to a higher level.
Serves as an expert in assigned area.
Performs more complex assignments requiring special knowledge or skills in applicable area(s) of cataloging/records, and data manipulation.
Provides complex reference and resource services as required in subject area or area of specialty.
Provides oversight of daily operations.
Interprets and enforces policies, procedures, standards, and systems.
Oversees assigned collections or electronic media and equipment, including selection and care of library or museum materials.
Consults and advises faculty and staff members in the selection and acquisition of materials.
Identifies content for exhibitions; performs research and make recommendations on acquisition of collections or specimens.
Serves as supervisor for staff and students, providing oversight of daily operations.

Education/Experience:

Typically requires an advanced degree in a relevant field and one year of relevant experience, or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience. Applicable certification may be required.

Library/Museum Professional 3

Performs advanced professional work requiring an expert knowledge of one or more specializations.
Performs more complex assignments in which advanced knowledge and skills are applicable in areas of cataloging records and data manipulation.
Serves as a supervisor for staff positions.
Develops proposals to seek external funding.
Develops, recommends, implements, interprets, and enforces policies, procedures, standards, and systems.
Resolves complex issues independently.
Develops and oversees specialized collections, including selection, evaluation, appraisal, and acquisition of library or museum materials.
Provides complex reference and resource services to all levels of patrons as required in subject area or area of specialty.
Performs research in area of specialty in order to enhance collections and scholarly activity.

Education/Experience:

Typically requires an advanced degree in a relevant field and two years of relevant experience, or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience. Applicable certification may be required.