MASSACHUSETTS LIBRARY SYSTEM

JOB DESCRIPTION COLLECTION

 

Bolton Public Library

Library Director

 

Position Purpose:

The purpose of this position is to provide leadership for the library system by directing and managing the Bolton Public Library; performs highly professional, administrative, and supervisory work in directing the activities and operations of the Library and in overseeing all library services and resources in accordance with the policies established by the Board of Trustees.  This work is accomplished by anticipating, discovering and working to meet the information and library needs of all customers; in conjunction with the Board of Library Trustees, plans and formulates services and policies; directing, training and supervising staff for optimum service; acquiring, maintaining and creating access to collections of print, media, other forms of information and materials which meet the needs of the library’s customers. The incumbent performs all other related work as required.  The 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 complex and highly responsible duties requiring a high level of initiative and independent judgment in the planning, administration and execution of the department's programs and services, and in the direction of personnel. Makes recommendations and decisions regarding department policies, procedures, operations and plans in accordance with State, Federal and Local Guidelines and in conjunction with the Library Board of Trustees. 

Supervision Received: Works under the policy direction of the Library Board of Trustees with considerable latitude for independent judgment and action.  Assumes responsibility for developing and achieving the department goals and objectives.

Supervision Given: Supervises all library employees; hires employees, develops job direction, assigns tasks and instructions, monitors personnel performance evaluation, and counsels and disciplines staff consistent with library policies.

 

Job Environment:

Work is performed under typical office and library conditions; the noise level is moderate.  Essential functions are regularly performed without exposure to adverse environmental conditions.  Library operating hours may require evening and weekend work.  Responds to all emergency situations at the library. Regularly attends meetings and seminars.
 
Operates computers, printers, facsimile machine, copier, calculator, telephone, and other standard office/library equipment.

Has frequent contact with the Board of Library Trustees, other Library Directors, other town/school departments, vendors/service providers, educators, book dealers/library material vendors, and the general public. Occasional contact with regional and state library leaders and elected officials. Contacts require a high level of persuasiveness, resourcefulness, and discretion to influence the decisions and behavior of others.  Work requires significant internal and external interaction.

Has access to all department-level confidential information, which requires the application of appropriate judgment, discretion and professional office protocols.

Errors could result in considerable confusion and delay, have a continuing adverse effect on the library’s ability to deliver services, be costly to correct, 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.)

Plans and oversees the implementation of library services and operations. Plans and carries out assignments and coordinates work of library employees.

Develops, coordinates, and prioritizes annual and long-range goals and objectives for the library in accordance with the policies of the Trustees, and Federal, State and Local laws and guidelines.

Hires, trains, supervises and disciplines staff, including developing work schedules. Maintains personnel records.

Generates various reports including annual report to the town and monthly reports for the Trustees. Compiles statistics and prepares reports for the regional library system and the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners as necessary.

Recommends to the Trustees an annual budget request. Keeps records of expenditures. Verifies and submits to the Town Accountant the Library Department’s bills for payment. Maintains bookkeeping records pertaining to day-to-day operations.

Selects all materials offered to the public. Reads book reviews and makes decisions regarding purchases and weeding out of materials. 

Supervises the cataloging and processing of books and other library materials by library staff members. This includes maintaining and updating the present on-line catalog as well as entering new titles into the C/WMARS database.

Supervises all aspects of circulation, recording data, and compiling statistics. The Library Director also answers reference questions and provides instruction to patrons on the use of the library.

Orders supplies, equipment, and materials needed for the day-to-day operations of the Library.

Works with the Board of Trustees to develop and revise the Long Range Plan, Technology Plan, Library Disaster Plan and other documents on file with the Library Commissioners. Writes and updates the Policies and Procedures Manual. Submits an annual “State of the Library” report to the Board of Trustees which includes accomplishments and special events and improvements to the physical plant. Submits to the Board of Trustees as requested written and/or verbal accounts of employee work duties and accomplishments.

Attends C/WMARS Network meetings and training workshops and oversees implementation of the Network. The Library Director investigates and makes recommendations regarding automation and technology in the library.

Applies for Grants to enhance services and facilities.

Manages the physical plant.  Oversees all aspects of maintenance of the building, equipment within the library, and grounds; informs DPW of maintenance needs and requests.   Establishes agreements with service providers and vendors.

Publicizes the services available at the library and encourages their use through various means including local newspaper.  Serves as an advocate for the library among the public, the Trustees, and other town/school officials and organizations. 

Represents the Library to local and state agencies and by membership and participation in professional organizations. Attends regional and national meetings and workshops including attendance at the Central Mass. Regional Library System and C/W Mars meetings and workshops that have relevance to the operations and services of the Library.

Ensures staff members take part in regional continuing education opportunities.

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:

Master’s in Library Science from an A.L.A.-accredited institution, supplemented by three years of library experience at a progressively responsible level, with at least one year supervisory experience; or any equivalent combination of education, training and experience, which provides the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities for this job.
 

Special Requirements:

Must possess and maintain a valid Massachusetts driver’s license.

Certification as required by the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners.
 

Knowledge, Ability and Skill:

Knowledge:  Extensive knowledge of professional library principles, practices, services and laws.  Considerable knowledge of library administration and management as applied to automation, personnel, collection development, planning, and budgeting.  Knowledge of state, regional and local resources and services vital to library operations.  Extensive knowledge of current library technology, its application within the Central Mass. Regional Library System, and other networks.  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 write and administer grants.  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.  Good public speaking skills.  Excellent public relations skills to deal with people effectively and appropriately.  Superior oral and written communication skills.  Strong budgetary and financial management skills.

 

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.)