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Assistant Director, Boylston Public Library, Boylston, MA

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.

  • Interact with staff and general public of all ages on behalf of the Boylston Public Library in a professional, courteous, knowledgeable, and welcoming fashion.
  • Provides Reader’s Advisory services to patrons of all ages.
  • Maintain knowledge of new and popular books, movies, and other materials for adults, teens, and children.
  • Maintain front desk schedule and coordinate part time employee work schedules.
  • Serves as liaison to the Friends of the Library.  Manages grant funds from the Friends of the Library for programming and museum passes.
  • Stay current with library trends and improvements.
  • Assists in planning and execution of programming and schedules ongoing library groups.
  • Promotes library services, collections, and initiatives to public.
  • Provides input on library goals, objectives, and policies.
  • Attends network meetings as a representative of the library.
  • Manage staff and volunteers, as necessary.
  • Analyze community tastes and needs for library materials.
  • Maintain and update computer software.
  • Coordinates Home Delivery service.
  • Oversees cataloging of new materials.
  • Collect and analyze pertinent data and statistics; evaluate utilization of current programs and services, gather stakeholder input, and recommend changes to meet emerging needs and address trends.
  • Provide coaching and support to library personnel.
  • Assist with training of new part time staff on use of computer software and library procedures.
  • Serve as Director in the absence of the Library Director.
  • Monitor condition of facilities and report problems to Director.
  • Support and promote ongoing facility renovation efforts and library initiatives.
  • Produces and publishes materials for library displays, social media, and web site.
  • Provides 1-1 technology and software training to the public.
  • Creates library fliers and other print marketing materials.
  • Updates library web site and social media pages

Supervision Received:

Employee works under the general direction of the Library Director.  Most planning and prioritizing of tasks is done independently.  Employee is expected to solve problems independently, using their best interpretation of library policy.  Instructions for new assignments or special projects usually consist of statements of desired objectives, deadlines, and priorities.  Unique circumstances, policy problems, or procedural issues are discussed with the Library Director. 

Judgement:

Employee is expected to utilize their experience and education when making judgement calls.  Judgement is needed in selecting materials and in planning programs.  Many situations that arise in a typical day may fall outside of written policy and in some cases may require additional interpretation.  Judgement is needed to select, interpret, and apply policies in order to resolve issues.

Complexity:

The work consists of a variety of duties which generally follow standardized practices, procedures, regulations or guidelines.  The sequence of work and/or the procedures followed vary according to the nature of the transaction and/or the information involved, or sought, in a particular situation.

Nature and Purpose of Contacts:

Relationships are primarily with co-workers, vendors, children of all ages, parents, teachers, and the general public.  Work involves frequent explanation, discussion or interpretation of practices, procedures, regulations or guidelines in order to render service, plan or coordinate work efforts, or resolve operating problems.  Other regular contacts are with service recipients and employees of outside organizations.  More than ordinary courtesy, tact and diplomacy may be required to resolve complaints or deal with hostile, uncooperative or uninformed persons.  

Confidentiality:

Employee has access to sensitive information in the performance of their duties, including personal information for patrons throughout the library’s extended network.

Physical, Motor, and Visual Skills:

The work involves sitting, standing, walking and stooping. May be required to lift objects such as files, boxes of papers, office supplies, and office equipment weighing up to 30 pounds. Duties are largely mental rather than physical, but the job requires motor skills for activities such as moving objects, shelving and pulling materials from the shelves, making and demonstrating art projects, using office equipment, including but not limited to telephones, personal computers, handheld technology, and other office equipment. Visual demands require routinely reading documents for general understanding and analytical purposes, reading small writing on book spines, and reading computer screens.

Qualifications:

  • Must have completed some coursework in Library Science.  MLS strongly preferred.
  • Must have 4-5 years of related programming and customer service experience, preferably in a library setting.  A combination of experience and education will be considered.
  • Considerable knowledge of the standard principles and practices of public libraries
  • Knowledge of and interest in literature and library services
  • Knowledge of technology, including PCs, Apple products, and library software
  • Considerable experience in providing customer service to children and adults
  • Ability to plan and implement creative programs
  • Excellent oral and written communication skills
  • Ability to organize work independently in a busy environment

Salary:

$19.73- $26.61 per hour, 35 hours per week.

How to Apply:

Please submit a letter of interest, resume, and references to Erica Hout, Library Director, via email: [email protected] Position closes March 31, 2021.