Assistant Director of Library Services, Weymouth Public Libraries, Weymouth, MA

Posted April 12, 2021

Description:

The Weymouth Public Libraries is in need of a proven professional and self-starting library leader interested in being a key member of a progressive, dynamic library system. We seek an innovative, collaborative, flexible, and service-oriented professional librarian to help lead the Weymouth Public Libraries. Our culture of “Yes!” has resulted in a large growth in programs and services for grateful and increasingly engaged library patrons and local decision makers. Our new $33-million, 50,000-square-foot main library opened in October 2020.

Supervision
Works under the administrative direction of the Director of Library Services. Generally establishes own work plan and priorities, using and/or modifying established procedures, to complete the work in accordance with established departmental policies and standards. Assumes responsibility for library activities in absence of Director. Performs professional library duties of a complex and responsible nature involving the administration of library operations, and assisting the Director of Library Services in designated areas of administration, planning and daily operations. Provides functional supervision to 17 full-time employees and 12 part-time employees.

Job Environment
Work is performed under typical office and library conditions. The work environment is moderately quiet. Occasionally required to work outside of normal business hours. In addition, may be required to work on weekends and evenings when staffing levels and staffing situations dictate. Employee is on-call 24 hours a day in the event of facility issues. Operate computer and other standard office equipment. Experience working with an integrated library system and emerging technology. Familiarity, comfort, and skill with downloadable media, blogs, social networks, and website maintenance. Daily contact with library patrons, other town departments, vendors, and other library organizations by phone, in person, and in writing. Excellent customer service skills required. Has access to department-related confidential information, including personnel records, patron
registration records, and bid documents.

Essential Functions
Staff:
● Coordinates and prepares all operational schedules for library staff
● Ensures staff compliance and familiarity with established procedures
● Monitors training and professional development amongst staff
● Monitors current best practices in librarianship and reviews, updates, or develops procedures and training for staff that reinforce current standards of service

● Participates in various aspects of hiring process, including interviewing of potential candidates for certain positions
● Assists Director as needed with preparation of weekly payroll

Planning/Policies:
● Assists in strategic planning, including submission of Annual Action Plan and Long-Range Plan to the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners
● Reviews, updates, or creates library policies in collaboration with staff, trustees, patrons, or other town departments as needed

Budget/Reports:
● Assists Director in preparation of annual budget
● Assists with preparation of Annual Report Information Survey and Financial Report for the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners
● Tracks and analyzes monthly and quarterly statistical reports
● Researches grant opportunities and oversees grant process from application to evaluation Marketing/Public Relations
● Leads effort to maintain consistent branding across all marketing avenues—digital and print
● Assists Director with press releases and other written outreach to media representatives
● Leads social media strategy and implementation
● Assists Director in overall marketing and public relations strategies Programming
● Oversees and develops adult programming in collaboration with the Head of Reference and Adult Services
● Assesses current programming and evaluates community needs to plan future events
● Advises on teen and children’s programming Patrons and Community Outreach:
● Provides back up and assists staff at public services desks when needed
● Handles escalated patron issues; works with other town departments to resolve if necessary
● Advocates for the library through community outreach and participation in community events and organizations

Collection Development:
● Oversees selection of adult print nonfiction and deselection of materials in all areas of the collection
● Keep informed of trends and provides insights pertaining to digital collections

Facilities:
● Assists Director with facility maintenance issues

Other:
● Other duties as assigned

Required Minimum Qualifications
Education and Experience
Master’s Degree in Library Science from an ALA-accredited school with five years progressively responsible experience in professional library work; demonstrated successful supervisory experience required. Experience in library automation and networks, and library administration; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Knowledge, Ability, and Skill

Knowledge. Thorough knowledge of library principles, practices, and current trends and resources in reference. Knowledge of and comfort with emerging library/information technology skills and trends. Knowledge of the organization and management of library operations. Familiarity with library automation. Knowledge of facility management.

Ability. A strong public service commitment. Ability to direct the work of professional and non- professional subordinates. Ability to meet and deal with people appropriately and effectively. Ability to initiate ideas and projects. Ability to communicate well both orally and in writing. Ability to operate a keyboard, computer, telephone and standard office equipment. Ability to move between tasks with
patience, flexibility and ease.

Skill. Excellent organizational, planning, and problem-solving skills. Must be comfortable with and have a history of public speaking and presentation experience.

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 an 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 arms and hands. The employee may occasionally lift and/or move materials weighing up to 20 pounds. 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.

Salary: The salary is $80,790.35. It will increase to $83,214.06 on July 1, 2021 and then over ten steps climbs to $102,559.50

How to Apply:

Applicants interested in applying for a position can send their resume and Town of Weymouth employment application either by fax to 781-682-3561, by email to [email protected], or by mail or in person to Human Resources, 182 Green Street, North Weymouth, MA 02191. The Town of Weymouth Employment Application can be found at https://www.weymouth.ma.us/sites/g/files/vyhlif4041/f/uploads/employment_application_wreferences_1.pdf

Questions can be directed to Human Resources at 781-340-5010.

Applications will be accepted through Wednesday, April 14, 2021.