Public Library Assistant Jobs in Connecticut (NOW HIRING)

The Town of West Hartford

Announces an Open Competitive Examination

For the Position of

Librarian II Collection Services Librarian

APPLICATIONS WILL ONLY BE ACCEPTED ELECTRONICALLY

Application Deadline:                                                                       Salary Range:

August 25, 2026, at 11:59pm                                                              $89,856-111,540 annually*

                                                                                                            *Salary to increase upon of union contract ratification

This Opportunity: 

The West Hartford Public Library consists of a main library and two branches, and holds an estimated 190,000 physical items between the three locations.  The Collection Services Librarian (Librarian II) is responsible for the oversight of the Collection Services Department, including cataloging, acquisitions, processing, and receiving.  This position works with consortium staff to ensure catalog records meet applicable standards, performs original cataloging, and works with library staff to load records for a wide variety of library materials.  The Collection Services Librarian manages vendor accounts and establishes library workflows for ordering, cataloging, and discards.  They also coordinate the selection of materials with library staff.

This is a full-time position that includes 1 evening per week and participation in the Saturday schedule rotation.

Job Purpose:

This is professional library work in one or more of the specialized fields of librarianship.  Employees are responsible for the performance of duties requiring the application of professional techniques and procedures in the administration of a function of the library operation, in one or more divisions of the organization.  A Librarian II has considerable latitude in the application of professional practices to the field of specialization.  Supervision is received from a superior through the review and coordination of plans and programs and through conferences.  Librarian II may supervise subordinate personnel of various levels.

Essential Job Functions:

• Will assist in the supervision and operation of a library division or department.
• May be responsible for a specialized area of service such as marketing, public relations, collection management, cataloging, circulation, information technology, or local history.
• Develop specialized collection processing; planning special programs; preparing publicity releases, book lists, and exhibits; work with clubs and organizations.
• May develop, write and administer grants related to the field of specialization.
• May write library publicity releases, assist in research and report writing, and other forms of communication.
• Participates in the selection of staff; trains staff and recommends merit increments.
• Plans, assigns, and supervises work of department staff.
• Attends professional meetings.
• Prepares reports and assists in the preparation of budget estimates for the department.
• May select books and other materials.
• Provides reference services for library users; assists patrons in selection of material.
• Keeps informed of developments in a specialized field.
• Suggest policy and procedure revisions.
• Performs related work as required.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Considerable knowledge of professional principles, methods, materials, and practices.
• Considerable knowledge of reader-interest levels and books, authors and related materials.
• Considerable knowledge of the library materials and tools available for specialized library work to which assigned.
• Considerable experience with current and emerging technology, and the ability to effectively train staff and members of the public.
• Ability to analyze professional and administrative problems, and to make recommendations for their solution.
• Ability to establish and maintain favorable public relations and effective working relationships with other employees.
• Ability to plan and direct a specialized library service. 

Work Environment:

Work is performed in a business office setting subject to some interruptions and background noise.  Work is performed with independence and initiative. Performs varied and responsible functions requiring judgment to ensure compliance with applicable departmental and town policies, procedures and methods.  Manages and coordinates multiple priorities adhering to established time frames.  Must be mobile, able to push/pull light objects, occasionally lift objects up to 30 pounds.    Must be able to sit for prolonged periods.  Has frequent contact with employees, other town departments, vendors, community representatives, and the general public.  Must be able to concentrate on fine details with occasional interruption, attend to tasks/functions for more than forty-five to sixty (45-60) minutes at a time, remember multiple assignments given over long periods of time, and understand the theories behind several related concepts. Must be able to communicate in English. Work may occasionally be required beyond normal working hours.

Minimum Qualifications:

Possession of an ALA accredited master's degree in Library Science and at least two years of experience in professional library work including the supervision of personnel, or any equivalent combination of experience and education.

Method of Selection:
                                                                  Weight                  Passing Score
            Oral Board Examination                 100%                             70
The Town reserves the right to limit the number of qualified candidates invited to participate in any portion of the selection process.  Candidates must achieve a passing score of seventy (70) on the oral examination in order to have their name placed on the Eligible List for this position.  An individual appointed to the position must satisfactorily complete a one (1) year probationary period.

Application Process

The Application for Employment may be accessed from the Town of West Hartford website at www.westhartfordct.gov under "Jobs".  Your resume and letter of interest may be linked to your application.  All application materials must be received by the application deadline.

APPLICATIONS WILL ONLY BE ACCEPTED ELECTRONICALLY

An Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer

The Town of West Hartford shall not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, age, sex, national origin, physical disability or sexual orientation. The Human Resources Department provides reasonable accommodation to persons with disabilities in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). If you need an accommodation on the application or testing process, please contact the Human Resources Department. If you need an accommodation on the application or testing process, please contact the Human Resources Department at 860-561-7488 or email Alan Horner.
Individuals who do not have access to a computer or need assistance completing an online application may visit the Noah Webster Library or its branches for access and assistance.

AH 8/12/2026