Definition
Professional, administrative and supervisory work in directing the activities and operations of the public library and in overseeing all library services and resources; all other related work as required.
Supervision
Works under the general administrative direction of the Assistant Town Administrator, and under the policy direction of the Library Trustees. Performs professional library functions of a complex and responsible nature involving the administration of the library and the development of library services to meet individual community needs. Supervises the equivalent of five or fewer full-time employees, as well as part-time employees and volunteers.
Job Environment
Work is performed under typical office and library conditions. Operates library computers and other standard office and library equipment. Makes frequent contacts with other libraries, Town and school employees and officials, professional organizations, civic groups and the public requiring the ability to influence actions and resolve problems; meets with the board of trustees, the media, and salespeople; contacts are by phone, in person, and in writing and require discussing complex administrative and technical matters. Errors could result in waste of public funds, misuse of personnel, unsafe conditions in the library, poor public relations, and lower levels of library service for the Town.
Essential Functions
(The essential functions or duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position.) Plans and supervises the services, operations and activities of the public library; collaborates with the Board of Library Trustees in a continuing formal planning process to develop library policies, programs and procedures based on community and library needs; advises the Trustees in library matters and provides updates on relevant issues and developments at the regional, state and national level. Supervises library staff, including part-time employees. Oversees the recruitment, training, and evaluation of library staff; recommends new hires, promotions and disciplinary actions to the Town Administrator. May supervise volunteers. Assigns work and schedules activities in accordance with the library’s goals, policies and procedures. Prepares the annual departmental budget for the library; monitors library budget, authorizes all expenditures; oversees payroll and payment of bills; researches and prepares special grants for library funding; may make budget presentations to the Board of Selectmen and Finance Committee. Oversees and participates in the purchasing of books, supplies, equipment, and other library materials; adds and discards all collection materials, establishes collection development policies; creates and modifies cataloguing system. Promotes and publicizes library activities; plans and executes library programs related to fund raising events, speakers, etc.; represents the library at ceremonial occasions in the community and at professional meetings; attends a variety of professional meetings for state and region; serves on professional councils and committees, etc. Responsible for overseeing the maintenance of the library building, equipment and grounds; coordinates repairs and maintenance needs of the building and grounds; evaluates the use of space in the library and supervises the rearranging of shelves and other equipment as needed; continuously reviews the library’s equipment to meet operational and information service needs. Attends meetings of the library trustees and represents the library at meetings of other Town boards and/or committees; maintains contact with other community associations; collaborates with the board of library trustees to develop short and long-range plans for the library; recommends policies to the trustees for implementation.Performs similar or related work as required or as situation dictates.
Recommended Minimum Qualifications
Education and Experience
Master’s Degree in library science from an ALA accredited library school; five years of progressively responsible experience in library administration; or any equivalent combination of education and experience.
Special Requirements
Professional certification from the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners. Possession of a Class D motor vehicle operator’s license is desired.
Knowledge, Ability and Skill
Knowledge. Thorough knowledge of the principles and practices of professional library work and of the organization and management of library operations, including administration, personnel and finance. Knowledge of current and emerging technologies and appropriate library applications, including automated library networks. Ability. Ability to meet and deal with people effectively and appropriately. Ability to communicate clearly both orally and in writing. Ability to manage a facility. Ability to direct the work of subordinates. Ability to assess the needs of the community for public library services. Skill. Budgetary skills. Skill in pursuing and administering grants. Excellent communication skills.
Physical Requirements
Moderate physical effort required in performing typical library functions. Frequent standing, walking, bending, reaching, and climbing. Ability to operate a keyboard at efficient speed. Frequently required to sit and talk or hear, use hands to finger, handle, feel or operate objects, tools, or controls; and reach with hands and arms. The employee must regularly lift and/or move materials weighing up to 30 pounds. Vision and hearing at or correctable to normal ranges. (This job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.)
Starting salary is up to $67,034.
Please submit letter of interest, Town application and resume to Town Administrator, 19 School Road, Orleans, MA 02653, by May 10, 2013. Application and job description are available at the Town Hall, or on the Town of Orleans Web site under Employment Opportunities.