Clarification from the agency

This position is open to local commuting area only. First consideration may be made 14 days after the opening date. This is a career ladder opportunity with promotion potential to grade 14. Selected candidate may be non-competitively promoted to the next higher grade level, up to grade 14, upon the recommendation of the supervisor based on classification requirements, satisfactory performance and qualifications of the employee.

The Supervisory Librarian assists in the formulation of policies, program goals, budgets and financial operations, and objectives that include the development of short and long-range plans to accomplish the library department’s goals. The incumbent is responsible for a broad range of library services, including administration, collection development, collection management, information systems, reference services, interlibrary loans, document delivery, digital curation, preservation of digital objects, and the management of the library’s physical space.

Duties:

1. Compose policies, program goals, budgets and financial procedures, and objectives on an as-needed basis.
2. Create short and long-range plans to accomplish the library department’s goals on a quarterly basis.
3. Oversee all section activities including administration, collection development (acquisitions and cataloging), collection management (circulation, binding, de-accession, preservation, conservation, digitization, and security), information systems, reference services, interlibrary loans, document delivery, digital curation, preservation of digital objects (research software, datasets), and the management of the library’s physical space.
4. Work together with vendors, publishers, societies, archives, government agencies and other institutions worldwide.
5. Plan, coordinate and supervise the department’s work: copy cataloging in all subjects, languages and physical formats; receiving and processing materials and records through vendor-supplied services; project management involving collaboration with contract and collections staff; and maintenance of the Libraries’ Collection records in SIRIS.
6. Lead and train staff to resolve complex copy cataloging and post-cataloging data problems. Troubleshoots and resolves data integrity issues and errors.
7. Manage the supply and use of vendor-supplied bibliographic records, including working with vendors to provide catalog records that meet national and international standards. Develop and implement changes and improvements to cross-departmental workflow.

1. Supervise approximately 5 employees both exempt and non-exempt professional and support staff, including both Harvard College Observatory (HCO) and Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory (SAO) employees. Assign projects and tasks; prepare performance plans and perform performance appraisals; approve work schedules, leave, and overtime; resolve conflicts and take disciplinary action when required; nominate staff for awards to reward exceptional performance; give advice, counsel, or instruction to staff on both technical and administrative matters; determine training needs and arrange training as appropriate; and interview and hire new staff when vacancies occur.

9. Communicate and present library goals, objectives, plans, and the status of individual projects to CfA administrators, university administrators, and all relevant library stakeholders.
10. Participate in institutional committees and working groups (e.g. Harvard Library Stewardship Standing Committee, Science Libraries Council, CfA Scientific Computation Advisory Committee) and participates in institution-wide policy development regarding the stewardship of research artifacts.
11. Present original research and projects at both astronomy and library-related conferences. Publish research in the scholarly literature.
12. Solicit external funding to support original research and library services. Keep abreast of and responds to trends in national service models and changes in research and curricular environments.
13. Develop, establish, and maintain professional relationships with librarians, curators, and facilities staff to share resources and information to coordinate workflow, project planning and policy development in the Library.
14. As a consultant for CfA to provide technical recommendations on the conservation and/or preservation of Library materials.
15. Fulfill other duties as assigned by the Director.

Conditions of employment

• Pre and Post appointment background check
• Direct Deposit/Electronic Funds Transfer required for salary payment
• May be required to serve a one-year probationary period

Applicants must meet the basic qualification requirements as described in the Office of Personnel Management's Qualification Standards Handbook for General Schedule Positions. These standards may be viewed at the following address on the web at https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/1400/librarian-series-1410/

Qualifications

Basic Requirements:

A. Completion of 1 full academic year of graduate study in library science in an accredited college or university, in addition to completion of all work required for a bachelor's degree; OR

B.   A total of at least 5 years of a combination of college-level education, training, and experience. To qualify on this basis, the applicant must establish conclusively that the education, training, and experience provided a knowledge and understanding of the theories, principles, and techniques of professional librarianship; knowledge of literature resources; and the knowledge and abilities essential for providing effective library and information services.

Additional Requirements:

Grade 13: 1 year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the Grade 12 in the normal line of progression for this occupation. Examples of specialized experience may include but are not limited to: professional knowledge of the theories, principles, practices and techniques of librarianship in combination with the supervisory and managerial training and experience needed to direct a major research library; applying standard practices of other disciplines as they relate to the librarian profession; and locating information, often of a specialized or technical nature, from a wide variety of published and unpublished sources and electronic data bases; and managing a library providing the full range of services; supervising employees, determining training needs, preparing performance plans and appraisals, interviewing and hiring new staff.

Additional Information:The Center for Astrophysics is managed jointly by Harvard University and the Smithsonian Institution. The Head Librarian will hold a half-time appointment at Harvard and a half-time appointment at the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory and will receive those benefits that accrue on each appointment. Position vacancy announcements will be issued by both Harvard and the Smithsonian, and candidates who apply to either position vacancy announcement will be considered.

The John G. Wolbach Library, comprising the library collections of the Harvard College Observatory and the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory, is one of the world’s preeminent astronomical collections, with more than 70,000 volumes, including significant historical collections. The Library includes a main facility at the Harvard College Observatory and ancillary facilities elsewhere in Cambridge, Mass.; Harvard, Mass.; and Amado, Ariz.

How you will be evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

Your application will be evaluated first for the basic qualifications described above. Further you will be evaluated:

Professional knowledge of the theories, objectives, principles, practices and techniques of librarianship in combination with managerial experience to direct the functions of the CfA library.

Ability to provide strong leadership, management, vision, and strategic direction in a complex organization.

Ability and skill in utilizing information and technology systems.

Ability to identify and solve a broad range of problems with creativity and diplomacy.

Knowledge of scientific research process and the uses of scientific literature and data in scientific research and the ability to interpret research methodologies /results to faculty, staff and students.

Ability to lead and perform in supervisory and management role.