MASSACHUSETTS LIBRARY SYSTEM

JOB DESCRIPTION COLLECTION

Town of Mashpee, Massachusetts

LIBRARY DIRECTOR

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 administrative direction of the Board of Library Trustees.

Performs professional library functions of a complex and responsible nature requiring the frequent exercise of leadership, independent judgment, and initiative in planning and overseeing the administration of the library and in the development and delivery of library services to meet individual, community, and regional needs.

Supervises the equivalent of three part-time employees; supervises numerous 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, professional organizations, civic groups and the public requiring the ability to influence actions and resolve problems; meets with the Board of Trustees, the media, vendors and other town and school departments; 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, damage to the library building, 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 operation of the public library; collaborates with the Board of Library Trustees to develop library policies, programs and procedures; oversees and monitors staffing levels; assigns personnel and develops work schedules; maintains personnel records.

Prepares and monitors the annual departmental budget for the library; presents and defends same; authorizes all expenditures; oversees payroll and payment of bills; prepares special grants for library funding; prepares a variety of monthly and yearly reports. 

Oversees and participates in the purchasing of books, supplies, equipment, and other library materials; adds and discards all collection materials, establishes collection development plan; creates and modifies cataloguing system.

Selects books and other materials to maintain necessary collections in library; weeds old publications and materials.

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’s building and equipment; responds and coordinates repairs and maintenance needs of the building.

Performs a variety of professional and nonprofessional library activities necessitated by staff absences or vacancies; may serve as reference librarian and fill in at circulation desk.

Attends meetings of the Board of 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  to develop short and long range plans for the library.

Maintains membership in and attends meetings and conventions of relevant professional associations.

Determines appropriate technology for the library; arranges for its installation; trains staff; responsible for the maintenance and updating of same. 

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; state certification by the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners; or any equivalent combination of education and experience. 

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 computerization and appropriate library applications.  

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.

Skill.  Budgetary skills.  Skill in pursuing and administering grants.  Excellent communication skills.

Possession of a Class D Massachusetts' motor vehicle operator's license required.
 

Physical Requirements:

Light physical effort required in carrying and shelving books, and in performing other 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.)