Assistant Library Director, Peterborough Town Library, Peterborough, NH

Posted February 28, 2016

Located in the heart of the Monadnock region, Peterborough is home to The MacDowell Colony, The Peterborough Players, The Monadnock Center for History and Culture, as well as art museums and shops. Peterborough has top-notch recreation facilities, parks and schools, State Parks, town-owned lands with beautiful views, and a trail network that runs through hills and valleys. But Peterborough’s most important asset, above all, is the people who live here. A civic minded, eclectic community of more than 6,000, Peterborough has a mixture of long-time residents and newcomers from around the country who are drawn to the town’s vibrancy, beauty and sense of community.

THE LIBRARY

The Peterborough Town Library, established in 1833, is the oldest free public library in the world supported by taxation. The community members enjoy a high level of library services today, but our facility itself is in need of a major upgrade. The 1833 Society, a non-profit organization, was formed to raise sufficient funds to finance a major upgrade of the Peterborough Town Library, and to assist with the design and construction of a revitalized and updated facility. Centerline Architects have entered the schematic design phase of the project and a capital campaign committee has begun work to raise the needed funds.

The new Assistant Library Director will play an important role in providing support to the Library Director during the capital campaign, and the renovation and building process, which will include moving library collections to a temporary location. The Assistant Director will be an integral part of maintaining exceptional library service for our patrons during these exciting transitions.

POSITION SUMMARY

Under the general direction of the Library Director, the Assistant Director is responsible for the operation of the Adult Department of the Library, including reference, reader’s advisory services, collection development, programming, marketing, advocacy and outreach services. Assists the Director with supervising, selecting, and evaluating library staff. Provides positive leadership and facilitates collaboration among all staff. Assumes responsibilities of the Library Director in his/her absence. 

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Oversees the general environment of the Adult and Reference Department to maintain an orderly, smoothly functioning department.
• Assists patrons in meeting informational needs by providing reference, readers advisory, and referral services to patrons, in person and by telephone. 
• Provides instruction and technology support to patrons through classes and on demand as needed.
• Responsible for adult collection development: Evaluates reviews and selects all materials in collaboration with the Library Director.  Assists Director with schedule for evaluating collection and selecting items for de-selection. 
• Anticipates patron needs and investigate new technologies to better serve our community. 
• Assists the Library Director with maintaining social media and website content. 
• Evaluates the library’s program of services to adults; makes recommendations to the Library Director on program policy, service improvements, and marketing ideas.
• Plans, markets, and develops a program schedule (some during evenings) to provide cultural, educational, entertainment experiences to patrons. 
• Assist with marketing efforts for adult services by creating and managing content for a monthly newsletter, monthly calendar, and internal and external publicity.
• Represents the library on appropriate committees and task forces.  Develops interactive community relationships with the business community, civic groups, and other town departments.
• Prepares brochures, news releases, bulletins, posters, and other public relations materials to promote library services.
• Manages the local history collection and actively works to improve community awareness of these resources. Provides reference services in the areas of local history.
• Assists Director with training and supervising staff. Supports established expectations for customer service and professionalism among all staff.
• Assists the Director and Trustees with long term planning by researching and compiling reports on new technologies.
• Keeps abreast of best practices in public libraries and works to bring all departments in-line with those benchmarks. Assists Director with maintaining adherence to library policy.
• Submits monthly and annual statistical reports to the Director and Board of Trustees regarding circulation, adult reference service, programming, etc.
• Stays abreast of advocacy issues related to public libraries and works to inform the public, staff, and trustees about these issues. 
• Assumes responsibilities of the Library Director in his/her absence.
• Provides circulation assistance when needed. 

SKILLS/EXPERIENCE/TRAINING REQUIRED

• An M.L.S. and at least 3 to 5 years of experience in supervisory role of a public library, or related relevant experience, are required
• Ability to maintain effective working relationships with staff members, community groups, and other libraries
• Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing, to establish positive public relations for the library, and to interact effectively with a wide variety of people
• Demonstrated knowledge of innovative resources, programs, and services available to public libraries and a commitment to the mission and philosophy of public library service
• Commitment to excellence in patron service
• Knowledge of adult literature and collection development strategies
• Professional knowledge of public library operations, policies and procedures
• Working knowledge of library technology products including, but not limited to, online databases, integrated library systems, audio/eBook download technology
• Ability to assess the trends relating to library services and to effectively plan in order to meet those trends
• Ability to write press releases and promote the library through social media
• Strong written and oral communication skills and the capacity to project a positive public image and to make effective public presentations
• Experience with WordPress or similar content management systems preferred

IMPORTANT ATTRIBUTES

• A positive, friendly, and enthusiastic individual, open to growth for themselves and the library
• Excellent leadership and interpersonal skills
• Demonstrates initiative and self-direction
• Ability to work productively, while balancing a broad range of projects  
• Views challenges as opportunities
• Positive open communicator
• Sense of humor

Start Date: July 1, 2016

Salary: The starting salary is $55,000 dependent on qualifications with a competitive benefits package.

Application: Apply via email with a meaningful cover letter and resume as pdf attachments to Corinne Chronopoulos at [email protected].

This position will close March 27, 2016.