Genealogy Local History Manager

Position Objectives

Oversees all functions of the Genealogy/Local History Department, Staff and Room. Assists patrons with research and coordinates special projects. Collects and maintains the Department’s collection. Offers programs relevant to Genealogy and Local History both in-house and in the community. Promotes the Library Genealogy/Local History Room to the community.

Duties & Responsibilities

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Illustrative Examples of Work
• Maintain positive internal and external customer service relationships. Represents the
library in an appropriate manner when dealing with staff, managers, vendors,
contractors, colleagues, and members of the public.
• Assists patrons with research on genealogy and local history, while also assisting them in
operations of office equipment.
• Maintain and develop the Local History Room Collection— selection, inventory,
weeding. Stay aware of newly transcribed records or books relating to McDowell, (or
Rutherford, Burke, or Rowan Counties prior to 1842).
• Coordinate, manage and maintain digitization projects, including microfilmed
newspapers, Oral Histories, scrapbooks, family and historical vertical files.
• Train other staff and the public on research methods and how to access physical and
digital resources.
• Knowledge of or willingness to learn archives preservation requirements, storage needs,
and procedures for archives.
• Schedule and present programs, sometimes along with the Library Adult Program
Coordinator, of genealogical instruction and historical interest both in-house and within
the community.

Additional Examples of Work Performed

• Basic maintenance of office equipment, copiers, printers, scanners, and microfilm
readers.
• As perform genealogy/local history searches/requests, collect and maintain the
information to add to the research file collection.
• Assess and accept donations of genealogical/historical materials.
• Serve as liaison to county and state historical and genealogical societies, as well as
Western Regional Archives, and Digital NC at UNC-CH personnel regarding ongoing
Digital projects.
• Continuing education by attending professional meetings, webinars, workshops and
conferences, both in fields of Library and Historical/Genealogical professional
development.
• Keeping abreast of local community events (especially historical events) and able to
attend, often on Saturdays or evenings. May need to plan occasional programs for
evenings when the Library is open late.
• Provide coverage at public service desks when assigned by Circulation Manager or
Director.
• Other duties as assigned.

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Minimum Requirements

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• Knowledge of basic library services and functions, with the ability to adapt to newer and
different functions.
• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written, attention to detail, and ability
to multitask.
• Instruction methods to train other staff and the public on research methods and how to
access physical and digital collections.
• Knowledge of archives preservation requirements, storage needs, and procedures for
archives.
• Knowledge of basic office equipment such as printers, scanners, microfilm readers.
Proficiency in computer programs such as Word and Excel, genealogy databases and
resources such as Ancestry.com, Heritage Quest, etc.
• Ability to do in-depth research on genealogy and local history projects.

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PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The physical demands described here are representative of the essential
functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with
disabilities to perform the essential functions. The employee may frequently perform these
actions: Stand, walk, sit, use hands and fingers to handle books, paper, technology, lift and/or
move up to 25 pounds

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Benefits

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Benefited after 90 days

Medical, dental, and life insurance
Sick, vacation, and holiday pay
Membership in the Local Government Retirement System

Supplemental retirement 401k/457