Salary: $76,720.88 - $91,024.45 Annually
Location : Town of Andover, Andover, MA
Job Type: Full Time
Job Number: T27025
Department: Library
Opening Date: 11/13/2026
Closing Date: 12/6/2026 11:59 PM Eastern
Minimum Hours per Week: 36.25
Grade: IE-20
Description Under the direction of the Coordinator of Reference Services, the Reference / Local History Librarian provides reference, research, collection management, programming, and outreach services, with a focus on local history and genealogy. The position assists patrons in using library materials, resources and technology; staffs public service desks; performs assigned opening and closing procedures; and serves as the staff member in charge on assigned evenings and weekends.
Responsibilities Essential Functions - Reference- Provides courteous and responsive service to patrons of all ages, backgrounds and abilities
- Staffs public service desks and provide reference and research assistance, readers' advisory, interlibrary loan assistance, and instruction in the use of library resources and technology
- Assist patrons in locating and using library materials, equipment, online resources and digital services
- Assist patrons with library technology and equipment and troubleshoots routine problems
- Explains and applies library policies and procedures
- Maintains the confidentiality of patron records and other sensitive information
- Participates in collection development, including recommending materials and assisting with collection maintenance
- Performs basic circulation functions
- Complete assigned opening and closing procedures and serve as the staff member in charge on evenings and weekends
- Completes required training and participates in professional development
- Follows established safety, security and emergency procedures
- Performs other related duties as assigned
Essential Functions - Local History - Manages the library's local history collection, including selecting, evaluating, cataloging, preserving, promoting and weeding materials in a variety of formats
- Researches, identifies and acknowledges gifts and additions to the local history collection
- Provides in-depth reference and research assistance related to local history and genealogy
- Prepares grant applications and recommends materials for conservation and digitization efforts
- Assists the Library Director in developing long-range preservation plans and policies and procedures for use of the local history collection
- Identifies and recommends supplies, equipment, shelving and environmental conditions needed to maintain local history materials
- Plans and implements programs on local history and genealogy, including instruction in research methods
- Works with Town departments on archival material transfers, preservation, storage and reference requests
- Trains and directs staff and volunteers assisting with special projects related to local history collections and programming
- Conducts community outreach related to Andover's history and cultural heritage and develops relationships with local history organizations and other community partners
Qualifications Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities- Knowledge of library operations, resources, policies and procedures.
- Knowledge of archival principles and practices related to the organization, preservation and use of historical materials.
- Ability to conduct reference and historical research and assist patrons with a range of information needs.
- Strong customer service and communication skills, including the ability to interact effectively with patrons of all ages and backgrounds.
- Ability to use and adapt to library systems, equipment, technology and digital resources.
- Ability to plan and implement programs and instructional activities.
- Ability to organize and prioritize work, balance competing demands, and maintain accuracy and attention to detail.
- Ability to work independently within assigned responsibilities and collaboratively with staff, volunteers, Town departments and community partners.
- Ability to exercise sound judgment and respond calmly to patron concerns, disruptions and emergencies.
Education and Experience A Master's Degree in Library and Information Science from an ALA-accredited program, with a concentration in archives management; or an equivalent combination of education and at least two years of experience related to archives, local history and preservation.
Knowledge of archival principles and best practices and reference experience are required. Programming experience is preferred.
Supplemental Information Schedule and Additional Requirements- The regular schedule includes one evening per week and one Saturday every four weeks.
- Possession of a Massachusetts Notary Public Commission is preferred. The Town will cover the costs associated with obtaining and maintaining the commission.
Physical/Environmental Requirements The work requires the ability to:
- Move throughout the library and remain standing or walking for sustained periods
- Work in a public environment that may be busy and moderately noisy
- Use computers, office equipment, and library technology requiring hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills
- Regularly handle, lift, carry, shelve, and retrieve library materials
- Push and pull loaded book carts and reach materials located at varying heights
