Librarian

Librarian Position

Under the supervision of the Vice President of Programs, the Librarian will oversee all library operations, including the fiscal budget, for both the Sheffield Botanical Library and the Orchid Research Library.

This position requires managing collection development, acquisitions, cataloging, interlibrary loan services, compiling library statistics, providing reference services, library user training, maintaining library access technologies, and providing high-quality customer service. Both collections serve as science reference libraries in botanical and horticultural disciplines for departmental and professional staff, members, volunteers, scholars, students, and the general public. Maintaining the collection with care, custodianship and conservation of collections requires a periodic inventory and de-accessioning.

Key Responsibilities

• Selects and orders books, periodicals, and computer software for purchase for the library using budgeted funds and gifts
• Accessions, catalogues and classifies all books and periodicals
• Maintains indexed clippings and vertical files in both collections
• Has responsibility for maintaining files of non-book collection including DVDs, images, slides, and photographs including archival Garden materials
• Provides research and reference assistance to staff, volunteers, members, visiting researchers and the general public in person, by phone and via email
• Reviews incoming journals for staff with specific notes for areas of research interest
• Studies book reviews and on-line listings for new horticultural and botanical publications for selection purposes
• Is an active member of CBHL (Council on Botanical and Horticultural Libraries) and participates in activities and annual meetings
• Arranges with other horticultural libraries through CBHL for the borrowing and lending of botanical literature
• Delegates and supervises the work performance of up to 20 Library and Plant Hotline volunteers
• Maintains library records, and prepares monthly and annual reports and budget requests as directed by the VP of Programs
• Manages the budgets for both collections
• Processes all gifts of books and funds toward the purchase of gift and memorial books, manages bookplate installation, writes letters of acknowledgement to donors
• Conducts periodic inventory and de-accessioning of the collections

Requirements

• Three or more years of library experience; experience using the Atriuum Integrated Library System by BookSystems, Inc. or other ILS; experience in cataloging practices, Ebook management (preferably with OverDrive), E-journal services via EBSCONET
• MLS/MLIS degree from a program accredited by the American Library Association is required
• Professional experience in a specialty library environment is a plus
• Understanding of core library competencies and functions including the Library of Congress classification schedule and MARC records
• Subject expertise in botany, horticulture, ecology or life sciences discipline is desirable
• Excellent interpersonal skills
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
• Experience managing and supervising volunteers
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision
• Ability to prioritize, meet deadlines and multi-task simultaneously

Physical requirements

• Frequently required to stand, sit, walk and reach with hands and arms, hear and speak
• Must be able to lift 20 lbs
• Must be able to safely climb a ladder

The above job duties and responsibilities describe the general nature and level of work for employees in this position, but this is not intended as an exclusive or all-inclusive inventory of all duties required of employees in this job.

It is the policy of the Atlanta Botanical Garden to provide equal employment opportunity (EEO) to all persons regardless of age, color, national origin, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, race, religion, creed, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law. In addition, reasonable accommodations will be made for qualified individuals with disabilities.

Atlanta Botanical Garden Core Values

• Conservation: We value natural resources and ecosystems, making choices with the long term sustainability of our planet in mind
• Excellence: We hold ourselves to high standards and expect commitment from each other to contribute to a positive image and reputation for the Garden
• Inspiration: We inspire through the creation of an environment that supports imagination and expression of beauty, providing joy, delight, and a deeper appreciation of plants for everyone
• Integrity: We demonstrate honesty, transparency, accountability, trustworthiness, and ethical behavior, exercising good judgment in our actions and communication
• Respect: We value the diversity of our coworkers, volunteers, and guests, holding each other in the highest regard