Director of Library Services, Town of West Hartford, West Hartford, CT
Posted April 21, 2020
Job Purpose
The Director of Library Services is the chief administrative officer for the town of West Hartford’s library system and performs a variety of managerial, administrative, and professional library duties including providing leadership for planning, directing, and coordinating all activities related to the operation of the library. As head of a town department, the Director works directly with the Town Manager and across other town departments to coordinate operations, town financing and budgeting, and implementation of town policies and initiatives for both the library and other town departments. As the chief public spokesperson and representative of the Library, the Director is responsible for relations with the community, government and partnering organizations.
Minimum Qualifications
Possession of a Master’s degree in Library Science (MLS) or a Master’s degree in Library and Information Science (MLIS) from an ALA accredited college or university and eight years of experience in professional library work that includes five years supervisory experience.
Job Operation
As provided by the Town Charter, the Director of Library Services is appointed and removed by the Library Board and is responsible to the Board for the library system including implementation of the policies established by the Board. As the head of a town department, the Director works with the Town Manager and is responsible to the town for the operational aspects of the library system including implementation of town policies.
Work is primarily performed in a business office setting and is accomplished independently, subject to the policies established by the Library Board and the Town of West Hartford. The position requires travel to the three locations of the town’s library system, other town departments and to out-of-town meeting locations, as needed.
Method of Selection
Applications and resumes will be evaluated and processed upon receipt. The evaluation of education and professional experience will determine qualified candidates for further consideration. Telephone interviews may be conducted with a selected number of qualified applicants for further screening prior to face to face interviews. Potential employment is contingent upon pre-employment checks.
West Hartford
The Town of West Hartford, with a population of 63,268, (2010 census) is a vibrant and diverse community, which prides itself on its quality municipal services, educational opportunities, citizen involvement and cultural events. West Hartford has been repeatedly recognized for these qualities by its citizens, visitors and numerous educational and lifestyle studies including Time/Money Magazine’s The Best Places to Live in America 2018.ive in America
With a history dating back over a century, the West Hartford Library has evolved from an initial collection of 78 books donated by Noah Webster to a system of three facilities with over 240,000 volumes, a collection of downloadable materials, seventy online research databases, a digital collection, public computer labs, a local history room, professional information and research services, and a varied and wide-ranging selection of programs for all ages. Working closely with the community, the library develops and maintains services that reflect the diverse needs and interests of the town including reading, listening and viewing for pleasure, life-long learning, digital literacy, cultural appreciation and citizenship preparation. Emphasis is placed on accessibility to the library’s offerings by providing WI-FI access, a user-friendly website featuring 24/7 access to downloadable and digital materials, homebound loan delivery, and equipment for individuals with vision, mobility and hearing challenges. The library’s size and central location make it the library of choice for many users in the Greater Hartford area.
Salary Range
- $100,000 – $165,000
Application Deadline
- June 15, 2020 or Until Filled
Application Process
To apply online, visit the Town of West Hartford website at www.westhartford.org and click on “Jobs” on the “I Want To” tab. Click the link “Municipal Job Openings” and select this posting for application instructions.
Applications will be accepted through Monday, June 15, 2020, or until the position is filled. Interested candidates are encouraged to submit their application and background information early in the recruitment process.