MASSACHUSETTS LIBRARY SYSTEM
JOB DESCRIPTION COLLECTION
ASSISTANT DIRECTOR
Athol Public Library
SUMMARY
The
Assistant Director of the Athol Public Library is a professional supervisory
position, with limited supervision from the Director. The position involves
assisting the Director with planning, implementing, and managing library
services in accordance with established principles and policies of library
operation, local policies and procedures, and pertinent local, statewide, and
national laws, regulations, and practices. In consultation with the Director,
the Assistant Director is particularly responsible for managing the cataloging
and circulation functions, for delivering for overseeing and providing reference
services, for training and supervising staff, and for day-to-day management of
the library. S/he also serves as Acting Director in the Directors absence.
LEVEL OF RESPONSIBILITY
The
Assistant Director serves under the supervision of the Director and performs
duties independently in line with established policies. The position requires
the ability to exercise judgment, to interpret policies, to make decisions, and
to maintain contact with the public, the Library Board of Trustees, and public
officials in consultation with the Director and/or in the Directors absence.
MAJOR DUTIES
1. Staff/volunteers:
A. Supervises and assists full- and part-time employees and volunteers, interpreting policies, establishing and implementing procedures, assigning duties, and monitoring performance.
B. Trains new employees in library policies, proper procedures, and monitors their progress.
C. Prepares staff schedule ensuring adequate coverage of library hours.
D. Assists
the Director with recruitment, evaluation, selection, and hiring of new
employees.
2. Computers, Equipment:
A. Organizes and delivers basic computer instruction classes in the librarys mobile computer lab. Develops curriculum and produces publicity.
B. Maintains, troubleshoots, and repairs library computers, computer programs and resources, and audiovisual equipment in conjunction with the library computer technician.
C. Trains staff and assists public in the proper handling, care, and use of the computers, programs, and equipment.
D. Implements computer applications to improve library efficiency.
E. In consultation with the Director, and with input from the staff, makes recommendations for the consideration of the Board of Trustees for the purchase and use of computer equipment and resources, along with suggestions for appropriate policies and procedures.
F. Serves
as the official liaison to C/W MARS.
3. Programs, Planning:
A. Plans and implements programs and services, assessing community needs and desires in consultation with the Director.
B. Assists the Director and Board of Trustees in long-range planning and community relations.
C. Writes
press releases and reports as necessary.
4. Circulation, Reference, Public Service:
A. Coordinates and oversees circulation procedures. In consultation with the Director, and with input from the staff, makes recommendations for the consideration of the Board of Trustees for appropriate policies and procedures.
B. Establishes and implements training procedures for new employees.
C.
Researches and provides authoritative answers to reference questions,
maintaining confidentiality of patrons requests. Supervises use of library
equipment and computers by patrons.
5. Building Maintenance:
A. Trains new staff to open and close the building, to operate library security system, and to follow library policies for personal safety and security.
B. Responds to building emergencies, taking appropriate action when necessary.
C. Oversees and makes arrangements for emergency clean-up, snow shoveling, minor repairs.
D. Regularly moves or arranges for moving heavy cartons of books and supplies, furniture, equipment. Assembles or supervises assembly of furniture and equipment.
E.
Contacts equipment repair providers, building maintenance contractors, and
office supply vendors when appropriate.
6. Library Materials:
A. Oversees staff to ensure that accurate cataloging information for all library materials using AACR2 (Anglo-American Cataloging Rules) and related library reference systems is being properly applied.
B. Manages technical aspects of processing library materials and services.
C. Selects
and orders purchase of library materials and services when appropriate.
7. Other:
A. Confers with Director regarding efficient operation of the library. Informs the Director about personnel performance and patron services. Makes suggestions for improving work and building conditions and public service.
B. Meets and assists Board of Library Trustees, town officials, regional library personnel.
C. Performs
related work as required.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
1.
Considerable knowledge of current library theory, policy, procedures, methods,
practices, and
materials.
2. Knowledge and competence in using library reference materials and media.
3. Knowledge and competence in current library cataloging and circulation procedures.
4.
Considerable knowledge of or willingness to learn about up-to-date computer
equipment,
maintenance and repair techniques, operating systems, programs, and
networks. Ability to create
and deliver instructional classes for basic computer software programs and
database searching.
5. Some
mechanical ability and/or willingness to learn techniques for cleaning,
maintaining, and
operating audiovisual and other electronic equipment and computers.
6. Ability
to accomplish or to arrange for the accomplishment of physical tasks involving
lifting and
bending. Ability to stand for long periods of time.
7. Ability
to establish and maintain effective working relationships with library patrons
and employees,
and various outside entities, such as news media, regional library staff,
town officials.
8. Good verbal and writing skills, to ensure effective communication with the public and the staff.
9. Ability to assure staff responsibility for maintaining confidentiality of patron records and requests.
10. Good decision-making and leadership skills and the ability to think and respond quickly.
11. A
temperament that is flexible, courteous, and tactful, capable of performing a
variety of duties
with good judgment and initiative, and capable of dealing appropriately
with a wide spectrum of
people in an atmosphere of sometimes noisy activity.
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS
1.
Masters degree in library studies preferred. Bachelors degree with library
experience and MLS
coursework will be considered, or any equivalent combination of education
and experience
demonstrating the necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities in library
operations.
2. Supervisory experience.
3. Coursework in cataloging and classification.
4. Two
years library employment.
Approved by the Board 21 April 1999
Revised 30 May 2004