MASSACHUSETTS LIBRARY SYSTEM

JOB DESCRIPTION COLLECTION

Bolton Public Library

Assistant Library Director

(Public Services and Technical Services)

Position Purpose:

The purpose of this position is to assist the Library Director in the daily operations of the Bolton Public Library; performs professional, administrative, technical, and supervisory work. In the absence of the Library Director, is responsible for the operation of the Library and the supervision of staff in accordance with policies established by the Board of Trustees. Assists the Director with library tasks related to public services, technical services, budgeting, reporting, training and supervising staff.  The incumbent performs all other related work as required.  The Assistant Library Director is responsible for maintaining and improving upon the efficiency and effectiveness of all areas under his/her direction and control.

Supervision:

Supervision Scope: Performs varied and responsible duties requiring a thorough knowledge of departmental operations and the exercise of independent judgment and initiative in completing tasks, particularly in situations not clearly defined by precedent or established procedures.

Supervision Received: Works under the general direction of the Library Director; generally establishes own work plan and completes work in accordance with established departmental policies and standards; only unusual cases are referred to supervisor.

Supervision Given: Assists the Library Director in the supervision of all library employees. Acts as the Library Director in his/her absence.

Job Environment:

Majority of work is performed under typical office and library conditions; the noise level is moderate.  Library operating hours may require evening and weekend work. Regularly attends meetings and seminars.

Operates personal computers, printers, facsimile machine, copier, calculator, telephone, and other standard office/library equipment.

Has frequent contact with personnel at the Central Mass. Regional Library System, personnel from other central and western Massachusetts libraries, other town employees and the general public. Contacts are in person, in written format, by e-mail, by facsimile, and by telephone and involve an information exchange dialogue.

Has access to confidential information regarding patron records.

Errors could result in considerable confusion and delay, and monetary loss, cause significant adverse public relations, and may have legal repercussions.

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.)

Assists the Library Director to plan and oversee the implementation of library services and operations. Keeps informed of administrative functions of the library and performs such functions in the absence of the Library Director. Keeps records and statistics in accordance with standard procedures.

In the absence of the Library Director, supervises staff. Directs staff in work assignments as requested by the Director. Trains library staff and contributes to employee performance evaluations.

Assists the Library Director in a variety of administrative duties involving standard library procedures, such as circulation, reference, cataloging, and collection development.

Assists patrons in the use of the library, helping them in the use of the on-line catalog, Internet, computer databases, reference, and in the selection of reading materials.  Acts as advisor, suggesting reading materials and other information for patron’s consideration.

Responsible for the on-line catalog and for inputting information in the C/W MARS database and updating the catalog as materials are added to or deleted from the collection.

Assists the Library Director to compile statistics and prepare various reports. Assists the Library Director to prepare the annual library budget and annual report.  Assists the Library Director in preparing policies and procedures for Trustees’ approval.

Assists the Library Director to select all materials offered to the public. Reads reviews and makes recommendations regarding purchases and weeding out of materials.

Has the primary and continuing responsibility for the physical arrangement, maintenance, appearance and organization of the collection.

Responsible for interlibrary loan aspects of circulation including processing materials for the public according to accepted system-wide policies and procedures. Uses the C/W MARS online system to initiate interlibrary loans.

Performs a variety of technical support functions including processing new materials, shelving, and assisting in organizing displays.

Responsible for training library personnel regarding new computer programs that are received into the Library collection. This may also require explaining how to use the library computers to library patrons. Trains staff on Library operating policies and procedures.

Sets-up a schedule of adult programs each quarter. Publicizes these events after review by the Library Director.

Seeks grants to fund library programs and services.

Required to attend continuing education seminars, workshops and meetings to keep current with new or changing technology, policies and library issues. Represents the Library at local, regional, and state conferences, etc. Attends town meeting, trustee meetings, and other committee meetings as necessary.

Processes all library materials, entering all pertinent information into the computerized database.

Performs circulation duties, which include the checking of materials in and out of the Library for patrons, registering new patrons and entering them into the computer system.

Provides information over the telephone concerning library hours, available materials, museum passes, or materials on loan from other sources. May be required to respond to patrons’ questions regarding reference materials or information. May call borrowers about reserve books or overdue materials.

Maintains the library and its materials in a neat and orderly condition.

May be responsible for the opening and secure closing of the library building; ensures building is prepared for public use; turns computer on and establishes PC network connections.

May be responsible for retrieving and processing mail at the Director’s request.

Performs a variety of clerical duties including typing and data entry.

In the absence of the Library Director, may assist with processing payroll for the Library.

Regular attendance and punctuality at the workplace is required.

Performs similar or related work as required, directed or as situation dictates.

Recommended Minimum Qualifications:

Education, Training, and Experience:

Bachelor’s degree required, MLS highly desired, supplemented by two years of general library experience; or any equivalent combination of education, training and experience, which provides the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities for this job.

Special Requirements:

Massachusetts Certification required.
 

Knowledge, Ability and Skill:

Knowledge:  Knowledge of professional library principles, practices, services and library laws and ethics. Knowledge of state, regional and local resources and services vital to library operations. Knowledge of the library’s collection and publishing patterns. Knowledge of library policies and procedures. Extensive knowledge of current library technology, its application within the Central Mass. Regional Library System, and other library networks.  Solid understanding of computers and computer system.  Knowledge of standard office procedures, practices, forms, and equipment.  Knowledge of the Dewey Decimal Classification System, Library of Congress Subject Headings, and Anglo-American Cataloging Rules.

Ability:  Ability to analyze administrative problems and library needs, to evaluate library services, and to make recommendations for revisions. Ability to communicate effectively with the all members of the public, including children, in a courteous and tactful manner. Ability to direct the work of library staff.  Ability to fairly and tactfully enforce library policies. Ability to understand, operate, and troubleshoot computer systems and associated related software.  Ability to interpret community interests and needs.

Skill:  Skill in all of the above listed tools and equipment. Excellent public relations skills to deal with people effectively and appropriately.  Strong oral and written communication skills.  Skill in grant writing.
 

Physical Requirements:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Tasks require the ability to exert light physical effort in sedentary to light work, which may involve some lifting, carrying, pushing and/or pulling of objects and materials of light weight (up to 25
pounds). Tasks may involve extended periods of time at a keyboard or workstation. Vision and hearing at, or correctable to, normal ranges is necessary. Must be able to communicate verbally. Requires the ability to operate, maneuver and/or control the actions of equipment, machinery, tools, and/or materials used in performing essential functions. 

(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.)