Adult Services Librarian (Fiction Specialist

Adult Services Librarian (Fiction Specialist)

Westfield Memorial Library is seeking a passionate, thoughtful, and creative professional to engage adult readers in our vibrant community.

Under the supervision of the Head of Adult Services, the Adult Services Librarian (Fiction Specialist) coordinates collection development and maintenance (print and digital), readers advisory, and programming, as it relates to adult fiction materials. Additionally, the successful candidate will display an eagerness to provide generalized information and technology services to adults, and contribute to the general operation of the Adult Services department.

The department currently consists of (4) full-time and (3) regular part-time librarians. This position also collaborates on community outreach, marketing, and partnership efforts, and pursuing grant opportunities.

Westfield Memorial Library is a county leader in public library service, with a reputation for providing high quality materials, programming, and information services to Westfield’s 32,000+ residents. Recent accomplishments include the installation of (7) private study rooms on the library’s 2nd floor, construction of a new state-of-the-art public makerspace, and procurement of a fully electric (EV) bookmobile and outreach vehicle expected to finish production in early 2027.

The library is currently working on a new strategic plan, which is expected to be completed later this year.

Westfield is a community of readers, boasting 350,000+ materials borrowed, 112,000+ visitors, and 37,000+ event attendees in 2025. Westfield is frequently listed as one of the best places to live in New Jersey, including a 2026 report from Niche, which gave Westfield an A+.

Noted for its beautiful downtown, lovely and diverse housing, excellent school system, and varied commuting options to New York City, Westfield offers its residents the best of friendly small-town living influenced by the sophistication of New York City. Westfield’s historic downtown is a mix of locally owned specialty stores and well-known national retailers. Downtown is the scene for popular year-round events, attracting visitors of all ages.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED:
Reports to the Head of Adult Services.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Answers a wide range of reference questions of varying degree of difficulty.
• Provides readers' advisory service to patrons seeking aid in the selection of reading materials utilizing both print and non-print sources.
• Instructs library patrons in the effective use of print and non-print reference sources as well as use of library equipment.
• Locates and requests materials from other libraries or institutions specifically requested by the public using established methods and procedures.
• Recommends the acquisition of adult fiction materials based on priority needs and budget limitations.
• Curates a monthly readers advisory email newsletter for adult fiction readers.
• Reviews and weeds library collections of books, and other assigned materials utilizing the library weeding guidelines.
• Develops and conducts library programs such as book discussions, author talks, and literary events both inside and outside of the library for the purpose of stimulating reading and adult literacy.
• Prepares reading lists and bibliographies for public distribution.
• Determines content and arrangement of library material for displays, exhibits, and library programs.
• Attends seminars and meetings of professional and technical groups or organizations for the purpose of keeping current with developments in the field of librarianship.
• May select materials and prepare them for delivery for the “Books-On-Wheels” home delivery program.
• Reads professional literature to keep abreast of current trends;
  Exchanges ideas, information, and opinions with Department Head to formulate policies, procedures, and programs for service improvements.
• May supervise Library Pages, Volunteers and Librarian Trainees
• May prepare weekly desk schedule
• May prepare drafts of publicity and news releases.
• May be in-charge of Library building and staff; may need to re-schedule and reassign staff as required.
• May compile statistical data and periodically composes…