Collection Management Director, Bucks County (PA) Free Library, PA
Posted March 23, 2015
“Try Something New” at Bucks County Free Library! Contribute, collaborate, and connect Bucks County customers to information–when they need it and where they want it–as the next Collection Management Director. The successful candidate will be an intrepid, strategic thinker focused on the future of access and information while continuing to provide traditional and nontraditional collection management practices. The Bucks County Leadership Team wants its newest team member to be knowledgeable, passionate and engaged about the role libraries play in individual lives and the community. A quality customer service philosophy – internal and external – is vital. Bucks County is looking for the right person who is willing to take thoughtful risks, initiate and implement new ideas, and enthusiastically inspire and motivate support services and public services staff through teaching and coaching.
Governed by a seven-member Library Board, the Bucks County (PA) Free Library, a seven-branch county library system, serves 490,577 residents and circulates 2.8 million items annually with a $9 million operating budget. In 2014, the Library developed its 2014-2017 Strategic Plan with a focus on future library services and programs. As a designated Pennsylvania public library district center, the Bucks County Free Library collaborates on county wide projects, shares a public catalog, and provides support services to 11 additional public libraries in Bucks County. These libraries are independently governed and managed by their own local boards and directors.
Bucks County, in the southeastern corner of Pennsylvania, is a blend of dynamic towns, farms and forests. Created in 1682 by William Penn, Bucks County was and is a cultural and recreational destination. Home to more than 621,000 people, Bucks County maintains the integrity of its lively past by protecting its historic resources. Today, the past, present, and future blend beautifully throughout the County’s 608 square miles filled with an array of parks, quality housing, cultural and recreational facilities, quaint boutiques, modern shopping malls, industrial complexes, and much, much more. Located only 25 miles from Philadelphia, 75 miles from New York City and 125 miles from Baltimore, Bucks County is easily accessible from many major highways and rail systems. Additional information on the Library and the region can be found at Bucks County Links.
Responsibilities. This position oversees collection management, technical services, and inter-library loan operations; develops goals and plans for all aspects of centralized collection development and services for seven branch libraries; provides for tie-in ordering and processing of materials by eleven independent member libraries; formulates policies and procedures; introduces new materials and services; leads and plans for staff training in collection-related areas, such as weeding, merchandising and reader’s advisory; works with the Executive Director, management team members, and staff to ensure that the department meets county wide operational and strategic goals as well as customer service standards. Visit BCFL Collection Management Director for the complete description.
Qualifications. Minimum qualifications are a Master’s degree in Library Science or Information Science from an ALA accredited college or university and five years progressively responsible public library or related experience including three years of supervisory experience. Desired qualifications include, but are not limited to, proven project management skills, an understanding of the relationship between support services and public services; strong communication skills – both written and spoken; a history of responsiveness to customer and community needs; and a knowledge of trends, issues and methods of information access to library resources as well as emerging technologies; commitment to staff development and training; and experience in a union environment. The Collection Management Director will report to the Director and serve as a member of the Library’s leadership team.
Compensation. Salary range of $76,518-$93,522 (placement dependent upon qualifications) and an attractive benefits package.
For further information, contact Bradbury Associates/Gossage Sager Associates, via email or telephone. To start the application process, send a meaningful cover letter and your resume as Word or pdf attachments via email to Dan Bradbury, [email protected], or Jobeth Bradbury, [email protected], on or before the closing date of May 3, 2015.