The Robert E. Kennedy Library has a posted a position for a Library Services 
Specialist IV (para-professional). The first review of applications will begin 
on August 30 th , but the position remains open until filled. The job 
description appears below. For a direct link to the position description or to 
apply, visit www.calpolyjobs.org to complete the required online staff 
application and apply to requisition #102968.



POSITION DESCRIPTION

Information Resources is responsible for acquiring, describing and managing new 
books and serials in all formats, overseeing the library collections and 
maintaining the data in library systems including the online catalog and OCLC. 
Under general supervision, reporting to the Director, Information Resources & 
Archives this position contributes to the fulfillment of collection management 
services, as well as contributing to the overall services and programs of 
Information Resources and the Library. Primary activities of this position 
include supporting collection development and management activities; 
supervising the acquisitions, description and management of acquired and 
licensed resources; assisting subject librarians in collection analysis; 
overseeing collections projects; planning and implementing workflows for 
metadata needs across library units and assisting in the collection development 
budget process.



The Library Services Specialist IV level performs the most complex 
paraprofessional and/or specialized library functions to support library 
operations and programs. Incumbents often are responsible for overseeing daily 
operations of (a) large or significant library unit(s), which may include 
directly or indirectly providing lead work direction to other library and 
clerical staff, as well as student workers, assigned to the unit(s). Incumbents 
often are involved in supporting the unit’s budgetary and/or other 
administration functions.



DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

The following examples illustrate typical work activities and are not meant to 
be all inclusive or restrictive:



ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS Daily 90%



• Develop and oversee collections projects related to the acquisition, 
description, processing and management of information resources in all formats.

• Provide lead work direction to staff in acquisitions, cataloging and bindery 
operations; including assisting in employee selection, training employees in 
new work procedures, assigning work, organizing work flow and establishing 
priorities, reviewing work and providing feedback, and promoting teamwork to 
optimize effectiveness.

• Ensure that ongoing assignments and unit projects are planned, performed and 
completed successfully.

• Perform more complex cataloging and metadata applications and database 
management operations.

• Create bibliographic and item records in the Library ILS using standard 
library utilities.

• Interpret bibliographic records and resolve problems in the catalog or for 
staff.

• Coordinate and oversee authority work in the ILS.

• Coordinate and oversee bibliographic data record loads from multiple sources 
(Serials Solutions e-books, Marcive, etc.).

• Liaise with other library units as appropriate to conduct daily operations or 
special projects.

• Serve as the representative of the unit in project planning or other meetings 
or activities as assigned.

• Liaise with faculty librarians as needed to conduct collections analysis and 
provide reports as appropriate.

• Provide reports, plans and produce documentation for collections activities, 
procedures and policies.

• Coordinate unit operating budget.

• Support Director with information resource budget allocations and 
expenditures, reports and analytics.

OTHER JOB FUNCTIONS As Needed 10%

• Perform other job-related duties and special projects as assigned.

• Attend training and maintain skill currency as appropriate to effectively 
complete assignments.



MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:



EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE: High School or equivalent certification plus two to 
three years of related library and/or clerical experience or an equivalent 
combination of experience and education.



LICENSES, CERTIFICATES, DEGREES, CREDENTIALS: None



REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS (SKAs):

• Comprehensive and in-depth knowledge of library technical services operations 
including acquisitions, metadata and cataloging standards and practices and 
their relation to overall library operations.

• Comprehensive and in-depth knowledge of acquisitions and cataloging 
department principles, policies, practices and procedures and their 
relationship to overall library functions and other units, and the ability to 
apply this expertise and judgment to address unique problems.

• Thorough knowledge of the library collection itself, its organization, and 
classification schemes. Demonstrated expertise in creating and correcting 
bibliographic records.

• Comprehensive knowledge of external on-line databases, systems and resources 
and trends pertaining to acquisitions and cataloging including expertise in 
searching strategies.

• Comprehensive knowledge of library policies and practices associated with 
ethical use of and access to library and on-line resources, as well as general 
knowledge of library bill of rights and code of ethics.

• Comprehensive knowledge of national standards and resources pertaining to 
library operations, copyright and intellectual property protection, including 
the ability to source and interpret information from such resources and apply 
this knowledge to ensure full compliance with legal requirements.

• Expertise in most aspects of the library’s automated and on-line catalog 
systems, including database maintenance functions.

• Ability to participate in long range planning through the collection, 
organization, analysis, and interpretation of data and information.

• Comprehensive knowledge of library accounting and budget policies and 
procedures, including the ability to collect, organize and analyze data to 
support planning and budgeting.

• Comprehensive knowledge of all aspects of lead work direction and knowledge 
of or ability to quickly learn campus human resource and payroll policies and 
procedures.

• Demonstrated ability to investigate and research more complex problems, 
including analyzing and interpreting information.

• Demonstrated ability to oversee library collections-related projects in all 
phases, from conception, to successful implementation or conclusion.

• Strong written and verbal communications to be able to prepare internal 
library reports and written and visual presentations on library resources and 
present them to library patrons, including students.

• Strong communication and interpretive skills to be able to assist in 
resolving patron problems and complaints, assess patron information needs, and 
orient and guide patrons in use of library resources both verbally and in 
writing.

• Ability to initiate, establish, and foster communication and teamwork by 
maintaining a positive, cooperative, productive work atmosphere in and outside 
the University with the ability to establish and maintain effective working 
relationships within a diverse population and with those from various cultural 
backgrounds.

• Thorough knowledge of English grammar, spelling and punctuation.

• Excellent organizational and time management skills with the ability to set 
own priorities to coordinate multiple assignments with fluctuating and 
time-sensitive deadlines.

• Excellent computer skills and proficiency with a variety of computer 
applications including word-processing, spreadsheets, databases, on-line 
systems, Internet as well as online calendaring and email.

• Demonstrated knowledge of or ability to quickly learn University 
infrastructure, policies and procedures.



PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s level degree.

• Three or more years of library operations experience in a technical services 
role, especially in cataloging or acquisitions operations.

• Demonstrated expertise with Innovative and OCLC system(s)/software.

• Demonstrated knowledge of standards and trends in collections and electronic 
resources acquisition and management

• Knowledge of Interlibrary loan standards, best practices and operations.

• Demonstrated knowledge of non-MARC metadata Schemas (Dublin Core, VRA-core, 
etc.)



SPECIAL CONDITIONS:

• Must be willing to travel and attend training programs off-site for 
occasional professional development.

• Must be able to work overtime, occasional holidays, and adjust working hours 
to meet special jobs. May be called back periodically to perform work as needed 
on an emergency basis.

• Must be able to handle large, heavy books and materials, maneuver fully 
loaded book trucks safely.

• Must be able to tolerate dusty and/or musty environments for moderate periods 
of time.

• Must be able to work in an area where there is constant traffic, noise and 
interruption.

• Must be able to work in a building with no air conditioning.

• In order to provide materials requested by patrons must be able to retrieve 
items from library shelves.



Timothy Strawn
Director, Information Resources & Archives
Robert E. Kennedy Library
California Polytechnic State University
One Grand Avenue
San Luis Obispo, CA. 93407-0605
805-756-1485 (Voice)
805-756-7711 (Fax)

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