Director, Somerset Public Library, Somerset, MA
Posted January 19, 2018
Position Summary: Responsible for the management, direction and administration of the Somerset Public Library including all library services, personnel, policies, outreach and programs as well as the development and administration of financial resources ($500,000+) for the development, management and enhancement of the library as a town department. Responsible for short and long-range planning of the library facility, personnel, programs and the overall library department. Plans, organizes, directs and evaluates, in conformity with the policies established by the elected Board of Trustees, the By-Laws of the Town of Somerset, the regulations and standards promulgated by the Board of Library Commissioners and the laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Also responsible for the historic Hood Library Building and under the direction of the Town Administrator the Old Town Hall building. Related work as required.
Principal Responsibilities:
- Responsible for the development, direction and management of library personnel, public library services and programs. Adopts and executes services, policies and programs approved by the elected Board of Library Trustees.
- Recruits, selects, evaluates library personnel in cooperation with the Personnel Director/Town Administrator and follows policies in accordance with Town of Somerset Policies and Procedures.
- Develops and prepares annual operating budget, personnel budget and capital outlay programs for the approval of the Library Trustees, Board of Selectmen, Advisory and Finance Board and Town Meeting. Develops and prepares long-range planning for the library facility and the operational growth of the library, based upon established goals and related performance data, as promulgated by the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners.
- Supervises the cost effective and judicious expenditure of all appropriated town funds, trust funds, gift monies, state aid awards and grant monies. Pursues alternative cooperative purchasing options with other Town Departments, with network and regional libraries and/or via state contract.
- Develops and directs the implementation of the Library’s Material Selection Policy, and instructs and directs the staff in compliance with same.
- Executes all library policies promulgated by the Board of Trustees; acts as Trustees’ liaison with town boards and their representatives, with the Town’s state legislators and with the representatives of the Board of Library Commissioners.
- Responsible for the management of the physical assets, as well as the preventive maintenance program associated with, the care and upkeep of, the library physical plant, maintenance systems, and grounds
- Stays informed of, and insures effective utilization of, all services available from state and regional library extension agencies, and pertinent humanities agencies providing funding and programming resources.
- Pursues grant funding from state and federal sources, from foundations and corporate donors to promote, enhance and create new library services, programs and collections. Administers grant and foundation funds according to specified guidelines and files all indicated reports within specified timeframes.
- Manages all aspects of technology-related library functions, both internal and consortium-related; investigates and recommends to the Board of Trustees technological enhancements to service programs and materials delivery. Oversees Technology Inventory as well as short-term technology planning for Department.
- Implements and directs the library’s community relations and public relations programs, while administering all community relations projects for the library.
- Maintains affiliations with local, state and national professional organizations; attends workshops, seminars and conferences addressing current professional issues, trends and developments.
- Actively supports state and federal legislation designed to aid or enhance library services and development.
- Directs all library personnel; directly evaluates the work performed by the Librarians and Department Heads. Delegates and oversees the evaluation part-time personnel to the department heads; oversees and implements inservice training and orientation programs; encourages continued staff education and professional growth.
- Submits monthly statistical reports to the Board of Library Trustees and Town Administrator. Submits the required State Aid to Public Libraries Annual Report Information Survey and Financial report to the MBLC and any applicable waiver forms. Compiles reporting for the Town of Somerset Annual Report.
- Provides leadership in establishing effective working relationships and communication, ensuring high productivity, and encouraging initiative and creativity.
- Keeps informed of professional issues, trends and attitudes through reading professional and managerial literature, listserv, newsletters and journals.
- Attends all meetings of the Board of Library Trustees and advises Trustees of programs, service, facility, planning, personnel and policy matters requiring consideration/action.
- Attends all meetings of the Executive Board of the Friends of the Somerset Public Library, Inc. as an Ex-Officio member, supporting and advising same in their auxiliary capacity.
- Presents written or oral Director’s Reports at all Library Trustees’ meetings identifying the progress and status of on-going library programs and other matters requiring their attention.
- Attends all Town and Special Town Meetings, representing the Department to the community and Town Meeting attendees.
- Oversees the volunteer program.
- Promotes and publicizes library activities; plans and executes library programs related to fund raising events, speakers, etc.,
- Manages library public relations/library marketing, to promote the library and its services, including issuing publicity releases to local newspapers and radio for specific and general library programs and services. Addresses community groups and civic organizations. Initiates or directs production of Friends of the Library newsletter.
Required Experience, Skills, Knowledge and Abilities:
- Proficiency in the procedures and practices of professional library administration and the organization and management of its operations.
- Knowledge of local, regional, state, and federal library regulations.
- Ability to develop knowledge of community library needs and interests.
- Knowledge of supervisory techniques and practices.
- Ability to direct the work of professional, paraprofessional, clerical, and maintenance personnel.
- Effective skills in oral and written communication for contact with public and staff.
- Adaptability, initiative, tact, courtesy, and good judgment.
- Extensive computer/technology experience including knowledge of automated information systems, use of MS Word, Excel, web design, Google Docs, and database management.
- Strong interpersonal skills and customer service.
- Responsible for administration of municipal Library Department budget (approximately $, 500,000) per annum.
Education, Training, Special Licensure/Certification Requirements: A Master’s Degree in Library Science, accredited by the American Library Association, with Board of Library Commissioners certification, as well as previous experience in a public library setting, preferably in an administrative position. Sound knowledge and understanding of local and state statutes relating to the operation of a municipal library as well as solid background in personnel, planning, programming, public service and fiscal management. Certification under the American Library Association’s Certified Public Library Administrator program helpful.
Contacts (boards & committees, vendors, general public, etc.): Extensive interaction with the public, Town Departments, Boards and Committees, as well as Town Departmental personnel and outside agencies. Extensive interaction with vendors, contractors, paid performers. Represents Library organization at consortium meetings and on network, regional and state committees. Represents Library organization via professional affiliations and association memberships. Represents Library organization at the network, regional, state and national level
Supervisory Responsibility (Include Positions Supervised): Works under the direction of six member elected Library Board of Trustees. Supervises approximately 15 full and half time equivalents. Performs highly responsible and complex work requiring considerable judgment, initiative and the exercise of leadership and vision in planning, implementing and evaluating library programs, services, and operations. Has access to confidential information involving personnel, bid proposals, negotiating positions, and confidential patron information protected under MGL Ch. 78; occasionally privy to criminal investigations. Errors could be significant and result in reduced efficiency and productivity of library services and staff, adverse public relations, financial loss or error, legal ramifications, injury to staff, patrons, buildings or equipment, administrative problems.
For information and job description please visit the Somerset Public Library website http://www.somersetpub