Assistant Library Director and Technology Librarian, Ipswich Public Library, Ipswich, MA
Posted September 24, 2021
Description:
Responsible for assisting the Library Director in the planning, organization, supervision, development and administration of all library services, personnel, operations, technology and programs. Assumes the duties of the Library Director in his/her absence. Is directly responsible for personnel administration and the Adult Services department, ensuring operational and budget efficiency. Assists in personnel selection. Directly supervises and schedules training for all personnel. Assists Director in evaluation and assessment of overall departmental functions and in the implementation of new service objectives and programs. Responsible for conveying and carrying out of the Library’s Mission and Vision Statements, Objectives and Service program. Is responsible for oversight of all library computer networks and electronic resources. Related work as required.
Performs professional administrative level work requiring judgment, leadership and initiative, as well as supervisory and technical skills, implementing library policy, evaluating library services and developing library automated resources. Has access to confidential information such as personnel records. Frequent contact with the public and outside agencies and organizations. Responsible for carefully and accurately communicating on behalf of the library.
Recommended Minimum Qualifications:
A Master’s Degree in Library Science from an accredited graduate library school of recognized standing with three to five years’ experience in a library supervisory and/or administrative position. Good knowledge of professional library principles, methods, techniques and procedures. Demonstrated understanding of systems analysis and planning, including Internet applications. Demonstrated knowledge of standard office software. Strong understanding of computer hardware and software. Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work with library staff, patrons, outside vendors and other Town departments. Strong communication and public speaking skills.
Essential Elements of the Job:
- In the absence of the Library Director, performs his/her duties as necessary to maintain normal Library operations. Assists in administering all library services and programs; supports, mentors and monitors operations of the library departments.
- Assists the Library Director in reports, policy and procedural matters and overseeing personnel matters within the library. Acts as liaison between library staff and the Town Human Resources office, and serves as point person for staff questions regarding collective bargaining agreement and other human resources policies and procedures.
- Assists the Library Director by coordinating the goals, objectives and activities of professional department heads in their delivery of public service and in their actualization of the goals of the Library Long Range Plan.
- Contributes to the effectiveness of the Library operations by communicating staff suggestions and needs to the Library Director. Assists the Library Director in developing library goals, objectives and policies, participates in departmental and staff meetings.
- Supervises and schedules orientation and training of all personnel within the library including full- and part-time paid, and volunteer positions. Maintains up to date training manuals and training materials throughout the departments.
- Develops and conducts instructional training for library personnel, to implement policy and long-range objectives, to promulgate best practices, to reinforce standards of service delivery and to ensure excellent customer service.
- Ensures maintenance of electronic master personnel schedule as well as monthly and daily personnel scheduling, including all leaves, absences, meeting dates, swaps and transfer requests.
- Oversees all functions of Adult Services. Plans and facilitates adult program offerings. Performs outreach and coordinates programs and services with other organizations and departments. Contributes to the selection of adult circulating and reference materials.
- As Technology Librarian, is responsible for planning, organizing, operating and managing all technology within the library Acts as the library’s liaison with outside vendors of equipment and software, with the staff of MVLC, and with the Town’s IT Department. Administers and maintains all electronic resources, and discovery platforms. Provides technical expertise, day-to-day administration, and troubleshoots issues that may arise with these tools.
- Is responsible for long-range planning of technology resources for the library. Provides leadership in identifying, evaluating, selecting and implementing appropriate new trends in library technology. Anticipates and adapts/adopts technologies in support of evolving library reference, instruction, and access services models. Stays current with developments in library and educational technologies.
- Coordinates and contributes to library publicity efforts, including but not limited to:
newsletter and informational brochures, social media platforms, website news posts, and press releases. Maintains library website and other related sites and social media accounts, either directly or through delegation. - Oversees all aspects of the library’s volunteer program, including recruitment, application process, CORI checks, training and supervision. Works with library department heads to ensure that volunteers meet the library’s diverse needs, and that suitable needs and projects are assigned.
- Writes and initiates grant proposals seeking funding designed to aid, enhance or create library service programs or assets.
- Stays informed of professional issues, trends and attitudes, including managerial, financial, and personnel issues, through reading professional literature, newsletters, journals and electronic media. Takes active role in professional groups and attends workshops and conferences. Contributes to the profession and maintains professional knowledge through participation in appropriate state, regional and national library (and related) organizations.
- Represents the library at professional workshops or conferences pertinent to public library service, personnel issues, collection development, management, grants writing and publicity.
- Works on cooperative ventures with town-wide groups and with town representatives and officials to promote and coordinate public service campaigns and advocate for public library service. Perform community outreach including speaking before groups within or outside the library on library programs and services.
- With guidance of the Director, performs research, conducts studies, or garners statistics relating to departmental effectiveness, user needs, new services and technologies, promotional campaigns and combined departmental procedures.
- Is responsible for scheduled routine evening and weekend coverage of a library reference desk. Provides backup for both the reference and circulation desks as needed. Based upon need, is required to work flexible hours.
- Routinely functions as daily, evening or weekend building supervisor, having first-
response responsibility for the staff, facility and public. In role as building supervisor, maintains meeting room calendars. - Orders library supplies and maintains records of supply orders. May be assigned accounts receivable and accounts payable duties.
Desirable Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
Ability to perform the full range of tasks with minimum supervision at a fully capable level of competence. Broad familiarity with library operations, procedures, and best practices, especially but not exclusively in relation to automated library systems and the use of electronic library information resources. Ability to plan, develop and administer library program of service. Ability to supervise the work of others. Ability to speak and write effectively. Knowledge of marketing, publicity, and social media desired. Proven ability to work effectively in a team setting and independently in a changing work environment.
How to Apply:
Read full job description and apply online here: