LIBRARIAN, SENIOR - EMERGING TECHNOLOGIES

JOB DESCRIPTION LIBRARIAN

(EMERGING

TECHNOLOGIES

)

LIBRARIES & INFORMATION SERVICES

Newport News, Virginia Human Resources Department

GENERAL STATEMENT OF RESPONSIBILITIES

Under limited supervision, this position is responsible for performing advanced professional work that will lead the design, delivery and implementation of digital library services, focusing on emerging and applied technology, digital platforms, and service development. The position oversees usability and accessibility of digital platforms, pilots new tools, and fosters innovation through collaboration and mentorship to enhance community learning and digital literacy. This position will report to the Assistant Director of Libraries and Information Services. There are three (3) levels of Librarian distinguished by the level of work performed and the level of experience of the employee.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Provides strategic direction in digital library services and emerging technologies aligned with Newport News Public Libraries' (NNPL) strategic plan, vision, and goals. Assists the Library system in determining long-term goals. Translates emerging technologies into practical library services and workflows. Develops a working relationship with vendors supplying digital library services. Analyzes local demographics and makes recommendations based on library and community interests and needs. Responsible for regular reporting of various statistical and related data and written reports. Researches, plans, designs, pilots, implements, manages, and evaluates emerging technologies relevant to libraries, system-wide digital library tools, and digital literacy for effectiveness based on the department's goals. Oversees digital platforms, and applications to ensure usability, accessibility and innovation. Participates in team meetings with branch staff to ensure new technologies are being applied using practical services. Coordinates with staff to develop technological competencies. Identifies, develops, implements, and leads a regular schedule of technology instruction for staff and the public through workshops, one-on

• one support, guidance on new tools and platforms, and instructional resources for each library location.

Leads the Technology Committee, and serves on the Adult Programming Committee and Youth Services Programming Committee. Performs a variety of administrative functions including the development of written policies, procedures and best practices, provides training to staff, develops training materials; develops resource materials, provides budgetary recommendations to the Library Director, and assists with grant writing. Creates, maintains, and updates library online resources specific to emerging digital services. PC# 22351 Page 1 of 3

Revised:

04/01/2026 Maintains regular communication, collaboration, and participation with NNPL departments, NNPL committees, and external departments to support the integration of current and innovative technology into library services and programs in an organized and constructive manner. Makes suggestions for improvements and ensures that digital services are functional, accessible, and responsive to user (public & staff) needs. Responsible for effectively coordinating assigned staff including prioritizing and assigning work, employee relations, and related activities. Performs other duties as assigned.

PERFORMANCE STANDARD

Employees at all levels are expected to effectively work together to meet the needs of the community and the organization through work behaviors demonstrating the City's Values. Employees are also expected to lead by example and demonstrate the highest level of ethics.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE

Community Engagement

• Knowledge of community demographics and needs to include developing working relationships with community partners and working collaboratively to affect positive impact through library programs and services. Technology
• Knowledge of new developments in the library profession, including technological advances, integrated library systems, digital technology applications.

Working knowledge of current digital tools and platforms, including cloud-based applications, collaborative workspaces, and data management systems. Familiarity with social media platforms, basic web content management, and digital communication tools. Experience with productivity software (e.g., Microsoft 365 or Google Workspace) and an understanding of emerging technologies such as AI

• assisted search tools and digital resource platforms. Customer Service
• Considerable knowledge of principles and processes for providing excellent customer service. This includes setting and meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of patron and staff satisfaction. Supervision
• Knowledge of supervisory techniques, principles and procedures to assign work, schedule, supervise, train and evaluate the work of assigned staff.

Knowledge of personnel recruitment, selection, and the use of personnel information systems.

REQUIRED SKILLS

Interpersonal Relationships

• Develops and maintains cooperative and professional relationships with Library patrons, employees and all levels of management to include representatives from other departments and organizations. Emerging Technology
• Proficient in using computers and digital systems to access online resources, including internet-based research tools and library catalog systems, to effectively assist patrons. Skill in navigating and utilizing integrated library systems (ILS) and other administrative software with speed, accuracy, and attention to detail. Judgment and Decision Making
• Evaluates the best method of research and then exercises appropriate judgment in establishing priorities and resolving complex matters.

Considers the benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one. PC# 22351 Page 2 of 3

Revised:

04/01/2026 REQUIRED

ABILITIES

Communication

• Ability to effectively communicate ideas and proposals verbally and in writing, to include the preparation of reports which include numerical information and statistics. Ability to listen and understand information and ideas being presented verbally and in writing. Ability to handle a variety of personal information in a confidential manner. Coordination of Work
• Ability to establish and implement effective administrative programs and procedures. Ability to plan and organize daily work routine. Ability to establish priorities for the completion of work in accordance with sound time-management methodology. Performs a broad range of supervisory responsibility over others. Accounting
• Ability to perform arithmetic, algebraic, and statistical applications to perform purchasing and financial transactions.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Librarian I

• Requires a Master of Library Science degree from an accredited American Library Association (ALA) library school or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Librarian II
• Requires a Master of Library Science degree from an accredited ALA library school and 1-2 years' experience as a professional librarian with some lead or supervisory experience and experience providing services to the community or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Senior Librarian
• Requires a Master of Library Science degree from an accredited ALA library school, 3-5 years' experience as a professional librarian, and 1-2 years of supervisory experience and experience providing services to the community or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Specialized knowledge in emerging technologies in library services for adults and school-age children is required to attain the Senior Librarian level and is preferred at all other levels.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

An acceptable general background check to include a local and state criminal history check and an acceptable sex offender registry check.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Requires the ability to exert light physical effort in sedentary to light work. Some lifting, carrying, pushing and/or pulling of objects and materials of light weight (5-10 pounds). Tasks may involve extended periods of time at a keyboard or workstation.

SENSORY REQUIREMENTS

Some tasks require the ability to perceive and discriminate sounds and visual cues or signals. Some tasks require the ability to communicate orally.

ENVIRONMENTAL EXPOSURES

Essential functions are regularly performed without exposure to adverse environmental conditions. PC# 22351 Page 3 of 3

Revised:

04/01/2026