Library Director, Belding Memorial Library, Ashfield MA
Posted November 13, 2013
Belding Memorial Library, located in Ashfield, Massachusetts, population 1800, is looking for its new part-time Library Director. The successful candidate must have a sense of humor, positive attitude, and a strong commitment to public service. The successful candidate will be familiar with current library, electronic and internet technologies and well-versed in traditional library skills. An appreciation of the role of libraries in a democratic society is imperative. Education/Experience: Bachelor’s Degree with at least 3 years of employment in a public library in positions of increasing supervisory and administrative experience. Masters in Library Science preferred. Evening hours required. Please submit resume and letter of interest (include the name of three professional references) to [email protected]. This position provides benefits and will remain open until filled; resumes considered as received.
Position: Library Director, Belding Memorial Library
Reports To: Library Board of Trustees
Hours: 23 Hours a week
Compensation: Hourly basis
I. Position Overview: The Library Director provides and promotes library services to our community consistent with the Library’s current Mission Statement. The Library Director works under the direction of and in collaboration with the Board of Trustees on present and future needs of the Library and is responsible for oversight of the Library’s budget, and for the day-to-day supervision of staff and volunteers. The Library Director shall adhere to the policies and procedures of the Town of Ashfield.
II. Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
- Provides vision and strategic direction for library services consistent with the Library’s Mission Statement, including but not limited to developing programs and services;
- Effectively communicates and publicizes to the public programs and services offered;
- Develops and maintains positive relations with patrons, the Board of Trustees, the Friends of the Library, staff, volunteers, and appropriate representatives and/or officials of the Town of Ashfield;
- Selects books and resources consistent with the Library’s Collection Development policy;
- Reports regularly to the Board of Trustees and attends the monthly Trustees meeting;
- Makes optimal use of Library funds to provide Library services.
- Participates in the budget planning process, maintains records adequate to support budget requests, and efficiently uses library funds to provide library services.
- Participates with the Board of Trustees in developing short and long term plans to accomplish the Library’s mission.
- Selects, hires, supervises and trains all employees and volunteers. Develops job descriptions for all positions filled by regularly-scheduled employees.
- Maintains and contributes to the Library’s web site;
- Evaluates performance of all employees once a year and maintains records of these evaluations;
- Reviews existing policies and recommends new policies on a regularly scheduled basis.
- Maintains user outreach to determine user needs. Translates these needs into acquisitions, programs and services within the Library’s budget limitations and in accordance with the Library’s mission.
- Participates in professional development, including attending meetings to receive current information on best practices, stays abreast of advances in the profession and of changing state policies, and encourages the staff to do the same.
- Maintains the facility economically and efficiently, including overseeing maintenance and repair of the exterior and interior of the building, and makes recommendations for improvements to the building to the Board of Trustees.
III. Qualifications
A. Education and Experience
Required: Bachelor’s Degree with at least 3 years of employment in a public library in positions of increasing supervisory and administrative experience. Masters in Library Science preferred.
B. Special Requirements
Must be an organized and flexible person, able to manage several projects at a time.
C. Knowledge, Ability, Skills and Attitude
Knowledge: Of policies, principles and procedures of public libraries.
Ability: To communicate clearly, concisely and politely in person, by phone and in writing. Ability to work effectively and tactfully when dealing with employees, volunteers, members of the public and the Library Board of Trustees. To make necessary decisions in a timely fashion. Ability to organize time and work independently to accomplish required tasks. Ability to maintain accurate, detailed records.
Skills: supervisory, budgetary, communication and administrative skills, experience using a content management system, standard technology and troubleshooting skills.
Attitude: Able to maintain a positive, creative, supportive and practical attitude. Work cooperatively with staff and the Board of Trustees and the public.
D. Job Environment: Work is performed under office conditions. The work involves some data entry, use of computer keyboard, mouse and printer; knowledge of Windows computer programs; willingness to learn new computer programs; the use of a photocopier, a fax machine, internet, calculator, technology trouble-shooting. Must be able to lift books and equipment up to 50 pounds.
E. Physical Requirements: Work requires several hours a day spent sitting, as well as frequent reaching, bending and twisting. Position requires use of hands to grasp objects such as books, writing utensils and office equipment. Vision requirements include close vision for dealing with books, office work, and computer work.
I. Summary:
The duties and requirements listed above are intended to serve for illustrative purposes only. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude those duties from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical outgrowth of the position. This position description does not constitute an employment agreement between the Town and the employee and is subject to change by the Town as the needs of the Town and the requirements of the position change.