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O’Neill Branch Manager (L410-705), Cambridge Public Library, Cambridge, MA

Posted May 15, 2015

The Branch Manager is a leadership position with responsibility for managing the O’Neill Branch staff, activities, and collections and for initiating new services. The Manager establishes priorities and sets the tone for this service area in order to provide consistent, personal, accurate, helpful assistance to library users.  

The work week is 37.5 hours assigned in the best interest of the Library, including evenings and weekends. Approximately one day a week will be assigned at a main library service desk.

Qualifications:

Required: A Bachelor’s Degree from a recognized college or university and a Master’s Degree in Library Science from an accredited library school.  At least three years of professional library experience in a public library setting (Circulation and/or reference preferred).  Strongly Preferred: Previous branch library supervisory experience desirable. In exceptional instances, specialized education, training, and/or experience may be substituted for part of the educational requirement.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities: Proven managerial skills. Ability to manage professional and paraprofessional staff, both full time and part time, in a fast-paced major service area. Thorough knowledge of popular adult materials. Thorough knowledge of borrower/circulation services. Ability to interpret community needs and interests, and to translate them into relevant library service. Ability to work effectively with a diverse population. Ability to handle multiple activities and interruptions at once. Ability to communicate effectively, patiently and courteously with supervisors, Library Staff, City employees, and the public. Ability to remain calm and clear-headed at all times and especially in emergency situations. Ability to organize work, set priorities, use time effectively, work independently, and meet deadlines. Flexible generally and in emergency staffing situations. Punctuality and dependability. Broad background and knowledge of library techniques, bibliographic resources, and current literature. Necessary attributes:  resourcefulness, initiative, good memory, attention to detail, excellent problem solving skills, maturity and decisiveness, excellent oral and written communication skills, commitment to outstanding customer service, commitment to team work within the library system. Tact and patience. Familiarity with computer technology. Ability to work with enthusiasm and initiative, a cheerful disposition, and a willingness to work positively, effectively and harmoniously with others in a team model, assisting and supporting coworkers.

Physical & Mental Requirements: Physically able to operate a variety of machinery and equipment. Ability to sit and use computer workstation, including keyboard and visual display terminal, for extended periods of time. Strength to push or pull a loaded book cart which can weigh in excess of 100 pounds on level floor and up ramp, to lift or maneuver onto cart loads of up to 50 pounds, and to carry cartons of books or computers and computer equipment with or without reasonable accommodation. Must be able to pay close attention to details and concentrate on work. Requires the ability to compare and/or judge the readily observable, functional, structural or compositional characteristics (whether similar or divergent from obvious standards) of data or things. Time management ability to set priorities in order to meet assignment deadlines. Sufficient clarity of speech and hearing or other communication capabilities which permits the employee to communicate effectively. Sufficient vision or other powers of observation which permits the employee to read books and patron requests. Sufficient manual dexterity which permits the employee to type and record library files. Sufficient personal mobility and physical reflexes which permits the employee to re-shelve library materials and work at public service desks. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

Work Environment: Works in assigned area, including office areas, training rooms, library locations, as necessary. Normal office exposure to noise, stress and interruptions. Attends and participates in continuing educational programs designed to keep abreast of changes in profession.

Duties:

Branch & Staff Management:

  • Manages branch services in a manner that supports overall goals of the Library and ensures that staff members offer the highest quality assistance to library users
  • Develops, implements and evaluates services and policies to meet the needs of the neighborhood
  • Directs all activities in the branch and supervises all staff assigned to the branch. 
  • Aids in the recruitment of new branch staff and evaluates staff performance annually
  • Oversees the branch building and reports needed repairs and servicing.  Ensures cleanliness and good order in both public and staff areas.
  • Makes recommendations to improve services in light of new developments

Public Service & Outreach:

  • Actively seeks and creates outreach opportunities in the neighborhood to raise awareness of the branch
  • Performs reader’s advisory and reference services for branch patrons
  • Works collaboratively to publicize branch events and contributes to the library’s social media presence
  • Performs functions related to circulation, including checkouts, check-ins, reserves, renewals, fine assessment and collection, and compilation of statistics                                                              
  • Provides leadership and supervision for circulation functions, including but not limited to:
    • Accounting for all money received at the circulation desk, maintaining orderly and efficient reserve shelves, and overseeing overdue lost and missing materials
  • Supervising the shelving of all books and other library resources and maintaining an orderly collection
  • Instructs patrons in the use of on-line catalog and all other electronic equipment
  • Operates audio-visual equipment in the presentation of library programs and troubleshoots equipment
  • Plans and implements exhibits and directs and plans programming such as films and story hours

Collection Development:

  • Directs collection development and maintenance for the branch. Selects adult materials for the branch in varied formats and supervises the selection of children’s materials, in accordance with the allocated branch budget, so as to ensure that the total branch collection will reflect the needs of the community.
  • Maintains an orderly, up-to-date, weeded collection and provides strong leadership to merchandize it.

Professional & Library Development:

  • Functions as a member of the leadership team of the library, attending regular professional department and branch meetings
  • Any other duties required for the good of the Branch or the Library

Salary: $29.02 per hour to $33.27 per hour in five steps

Deadline: June 1, 2015 

Apply To:           

City of Cambridge
Personnel Department, Room 309
795 Massachusetts Avenue
Cambridge, MA 02139

Please send 2 copies each of cover letter & resume

Fax: 617-349-4312
[email protected]

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