Librarian 2: James Brown African American Room - Newark Public Library

Job Specification

LIBRARIAN 2: James Brown African American Room

DEFINITION:

The James Brown Room (JBAAR) Librarian 2 oversees the development and management of the room and its associated collections, with a focus on African American studies. This role includes curating and expanding the Library’s distinctive African American collections and archives, as well as coordinating programming, exhibitions, speaking engagements, and related services.

NOTE: The examples of work for this title are for illustrative purposes only. A particular position using this title may not perform all duties listed in this job specification. Conversely, all duties performed on the job may not be listed.

EXAMPLES OF WORK:

Defines JBAAR’s goals and ensures alignment with the Library’s mission and Strategic Plan. Develops and recommends both short- and long-term plans for program development and operations

Supervises and trains JBAAR staff; evaluates employee performance and conduct to support effective recommendations regarding hiring, promotion, discipline, and termination.

Orders or recommends the purchase of collection materials and other library supplies, considering priority needs and budget constraints. Regularly reviews the JBAAR collection to guide development, retention, or deaccessioning as appropriate

Develops and delivers library programs—including tours, exhibits, book talks, signature programs, and lectures—to promote general literacy and African American history.

Provides advanced research consultation in African American studies and related fields, and delivers readers’ advisory services to assist patrons in selecting appropriate materials.

Represents the Library at seminars, meetings, and conferences to stay informed about current and emerging library services and technologies, and to enhance methods for presenting JBAAR materials through displays, exhibits, and special programs.

Establishes and maintains effective working relationships with community organizations and contributes to Library operations and initiatives through leadership and participation on assigned committees, task forces, and working groups.

• Serves as liaison to the affinity group, Friends of the James Brown African American Room, supporting the group’s initiatives and goals.
• Serves as a member of the Selection Committee for the Newark Black Film Festival at the Newark Museum of Art.
• May take the lead over Librarians 1 and/or paraprofessional/technical staff, coordinate assignments, and provide instructions for their completion.
• Provides research services, answering reference questions of varying difficulty and explaining the use and availability of reference sources in all appropriate formats.
• Explains or demonstrates procedures for searching print, electronic and online catalogs, and resources to obtain materials.
• Assists public and staff and provides formal training in the effective use of library equipment and electronic resources.
• Designs, organizes, and maintains library materials and electronic resources by using appropriate systems of access that are compatible with the needs and styles of learning of the public.
• Determines content and arrangement of library material for displays, exhibits, and special library programs.
• Composes publicity releases or program announcements for media, social media, newsletters, or other publications; utilizes social media outlets to promote programs and events.

Attends seminars, meetings, and conferences of professional and technical organizations to keep informed about current and emerging library services and technical developments.

Reviews collections to develop or discard/discontinue as needed; assists in selection and evaluation of resources for delivery in the most appropriate format; may recommend the purchase or rental of library supplies/materials taking into consideration priority needs and budget limitations.

Exchanges ideas, information, and opinions with supervisors to formulate policies, procedures, programs, etc. to provide high quality services.

Mentors Librarians 1 and newer staff members.

Gives talks before groups, organizations, co-workers, and the public.

Participates in professional associations concerned with improving methods and techniques of information services.

May apply for grants and ensures their proper implementation.

Establishes and maintains effective work relationships with community organizations, school groups, library associates, and the general public.

Prepares clear, accurate, and informative narrative and statistical reports.

Maintains files and records.

Will be required to learn how to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems used by the agency, office, or related units.

REQUIREMENTS:

EDUCATION:

A Master's degree in Library or Information Sciences in a library program accredited by the American Library Association or from a New Jersey College Master's program in Library Science that has been deemed acceptable by Thomas Edison State University.

Knowledge of African-American history and culture required.

EXPERIENCE:

One (1) year of librarian experience.

LICENSE/CERTIFICATION:

Appointees may be required to possess a valid certification as a Professional Librarian issued by Thomas Edison State University.

NOTE: N.J.S.A. 45:8A-3 and N.J.A.C 15:23-2.1(a) state that any library supported in whole or in part by public funds may require, and any library serving any municipality or group of municipalities having a population of 10,000 inhabitants or over shall require that any person employed as a professional librarian shall hold a Professional Librarian’s Certificate.

NOTE: N.J.A.C. 15:23-2.1 (b) states that pursuant to N.J.A.C. 15:21-2.3 and 2.4, a library serving any municipality or group of municipalities having a population of 7,500 inhabitants or over, N.J.S.A. 45:8A-3 notwithstanding, will employ, in all professional librarian positions counted for State Library Aid purposes, librarians holding a New Jersey Professional Librarian's Certificate.

Appointees will be required to possess a driver's license valid in New Jersey only if the operation of a vehicle, rather than employee mobility, is necessary to perform the essential duties of the position.

KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES:

• Knowledge of theories, objectives, principles, and techniques of librarianship.
• Knowledge of Library Classification Systems.
• Knowledge of form, content, and use of bibliographies and book lists.
• Ability to effectively use social media formats and platforms.
• Ability to appropriately organize library materials, including files, books, periodicals, digital media, etc.
• Ability to take the lead, determine work to be accomplished, coordinate assignments, and instruct Librarian's 1 and/or other paraprofessional/technical staff in proper methods and techniques to utilize in the performance of their duties.
• Ability to conduct library programs such as story hours, book talks, film programs, senior citizen programs, etc.
• Ability to remain knowledgeable about library services, activities, and facilities.
• Ability to keep informed of current theories, objectives, principles, and techniques of librarianship and adapt to modern technology, library trends, and innovations.
• Ability to keep informed of current events, and popular and local culture.
• Ability to work harmoniously, creatively, and respectfully with others.
• Ability to work with professional associations toward the improvement of methods and techniques of library services.
• Ability to give clear, concise, and informative talks before professional and nonprofessional groups.
• Ability to think critically and creatively to solve problems and implement ideas.
• Ability to communicate effectively and share knowledge with others using oral, written, and electronic communication skills.
• Ability to analyze, interpret, and apply the rules, regulations, policies, and procedures of a library.
• Ability to practice effective customer service skills to best determine patrons' needs.
• Ability to train and assist the public with communications, technology literacy, and all information resources.
• Ability to identify and present innovative programs and services and integrate new technologies into library service.
• Ability to analyze, comprehend, and use current approved public library standards, methods, and techniques.
• Ability to comprehend the specific problems and functions of a library and to select appropriate materials for the use of the unit concerned.
• Ability to promote and foster public access to information and assist patrons in developing technology literacy.
• Ability to prepare clear, sound, accurate, and informative statistical, financial, and other library reports containing findings, conclusions, and recommendations.
• Ability to establish and maintain essential library records and files.
• Ability to learn how to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems used by the agency, office, or related units.
• Ability to read, write, speak, understand, and communicate in English sufficiently to perform the duties of this position. American Sign Language or Braille may also be considered as acceptable forms of communication.

Persons with mental or physical disabilities are eligible if they can perform the essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodation. If the accommodation cannot be made because it would cause the employer undue hardship, such persons may not be eligible.

Physical requirements

Must be able to lift large boxes weighing a maximum of 25 pounds and carry, push, and pull, trucks of materials.

Some combination of stooping, kneeling, and crouching.

Residency Requirement: Successful candidates must reside in New Jersey within 1 year from date of hire per the New Jersey First Act

Working conditions: Saturday and evening hours may be required.

Salary: $68,000

Deadline to apply: TUESDAY FEBRUARY 17, 2026 BY 5:00PM

Please send a cover letter expressing your interest in the position, resume, and three references to:

Theresa Wright

Assistant Director for Human Resources

Newark Public Library

5 Washington Street

P.O. Box 630

Newark, NJ 07102

twright@npl.org