Title: Head Librarian, Weston Family Library
Position Type: Full-time, one-year contract position
Supervisor: Director, Education

Overview:
Reporting to the Director of Education, The Head Librarian is responsible for furthering, through the Weston Family Library, the Toronto Botanical Garden’s mission to connect people, plants and the natural world through education, inspiration and leadership. The chief responsibility of the Head Librarian is to increase awareness of the Library’s collections and services, with a particular focus on web-based initiatives and improved outreach to our diverse audiences. Duties are not strictly limited to the Library but extend to the TBG website, the taxonomic database, Trellis, the e-newsletter, programming, donations, outreach and strategic communications as required.
 
RESPONSIBILITIES:

Reference and Research

• Provides reference and research services to the general public, TBG members, TBG staff and volunteers, as well as Master Gardeners in person, by phone and via email.
• Establishes and launches new “distance learning” service offering information packages on subjects related to our collections.
• Automates Library user collection and implements computer orientation and training.
• Works with Director of Horticulture and Head Gardener to help maintain the plant taxonomy database, using BG-Base plant taxonomy software.

Collection Development and Maintenance

• Positions and defines, then develops, expands and maintains the Library’s holdings and collections, including access to appropriate online databases and products.
• Performs a periodic inventory of the collections and sends and monitors notifications to borrowers of overdue books.
• Ensures that cataloguing procedures, library practices and offerings are up to the standards of other Horticultural and Special Libraries.
• Strategically de-accessions books and culls periodicals as required.

Volunteer Management

• With the assistance of the Head, Volunteer Services, recruits, trains and supervises library volunteers.

Technology

• Researches, recommends and adopts modern, up-to-date technologies and methods.
• Works toward the goal of turning the Library into a multi-media, multi-platform, multicultural information and community centre.
• The Head Librarian is the first line for selection, maintenance, troubleshooting and day-to-day management of all Library computer equipment, printers, and automated systems.
• Possesses superior knowledge of library catalogue/circulation automation systems (InMagic DBTextworks).
• Oversees weekly import of new TBG members from membership database into Inmagic Library database.
• Regularly compiles and exports new catalogue records to keep website version up-to-date.

Promotion, Programming and Outreach

• Promotes the Library and other TBG services.
• Partners with Education and other TBG departments to provide appropriate programming for children and adults, and assists with program planning

Reporting and Tracking

• Working with the Executive Director and Director of Business Initiatives and Finance, establishes and adheres to the Library budget.
• Orders Library operational supplies for book processing, general office and computer needs.
• Tracks and analyzes monthly Library statistics and prepares Library reports.

Other

• Generates revenue for TBG through ongoing book sale and the annual book sale event; solicits donations of books for the Library. In addition, collects fines for overdue items and copier/printer fees.
• Liaises with other professional librarians and stays familiar with current library literature and standards.
• Meets with Library Advisory Committee quarterly to assist with planning and steering of the Library and its short- and long-range goals.
• Develops online teaching and learning materials in collaboration with other departments and managers.

 QUALIFICATIONS

An MLS/MLIS degree or equivalent.

Minimum two years of professional experience, preferably in a special library, including hands-on experience with an in-depth reference service to a diverse, multicultural clientele, library web applications, personnel management and budgeting, collections development, donations, and cataloguing and/or archival processing.

A sound knowledge of current and emerging practices and trends in the use and integration of technology to deliver information resources and services, including web 2.0 technology and social networking applications.

Highly developed oral and written communication skills.

Proven facility with Office and database applications including DBT Textworks.

Applicant must have excellent interpersonal, organizational and problem-solving skills, and the ability to work effectively and creatively in a collaborative, service-oriented environment with a significant volunteer component.

Interest in and knowledge of plants, gardening and botanical Latin a definite asset.

Some flexibility in the work week, including weekend or evening work required.

Posting closes Thursday, December 1, 2011. To apply please send a resume and covering letter in a single PDF with the applicant's name as a title to:

Liz Hood
Director of Education
Toronto Botanical Garden
education@torontobotanicalgarden.ca