Library Director, Town of Canton, Canton, MA

The Library Director is responsible for department level management of the Library Department within the scope of the policies established by the Board of Library Trustees; including planning, administration, supervision and staff development, collection development, policy management, services and programs, financial management, network management, buildings, grounds and equipment maintenance, and public relations.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

The essential functions or duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various type of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position.

• Identifies community needs for informational, cultural, educational, and recreational services; analyzes the particular needs of community segments and user types, determining appropriate service responses for each, prioritizing objectives within resource limitations; defines short and long term goals; develops surveys and other statistical tools for determining needs and measuring and evaluating the effectiveness of services; provides and coordinates overall direction of service programs and activities; and maintains a strategic plan of service.
• Develops, administers and communicates written policies and procedures to ensure administrative and operational objectives are met; defines the rights and responsibilities of library users and regulates the use of services and facilities so as to provide broad and equitable service to all individuals and group users; develops and maintains procedural guidelines for staff to appropriately respond to typical and unusual circumstances or requests.
• Maintains current awareness of issues and developments in the profession including the Internet, literacy, censorship, preservation, regional networking, and resource sharing; maintains current working knowledge of the library research methods and products, automated catalog and loan management systems, information and communication technology, internet and web developments, literary and reading trends, changes in musical and recreational tastes, print and electronic publishing, media and consumer electronics formats, desktop software, and networking systems; maintains awareness of social changes that may potentially impact the library, including trends in education, learning, and management theory; and maintains awareness of local, state, and federal laws affecting the library, including laws related to personnel administration, copyright, confidentiality, obscenity, public bidding and procurement, and non-profit corporations.
• Prepares, justifies, and administers annual operating and capital improvement budgets; researches and selects products and services for quality and cost effectiveness; performs and authorizes procurement of goods and services in compliance with legal procedures, including books and periodicals, audio-visual and digital information products, office and library supplies, equipment, and services; communicates with vendors and service providers; prepares bid specifications requests for proposals, publishes legal bidding documents; may prepare and negotiate contracts for services; oversees the retention of financial and personnel records; and prepares grant applications to fund special projects.
• Oversees and participates in collection development, performing selection and withdrawal of books and other materials to ensure a well-balanced, current and accurate collection that meets needs and tastes particular to the community.
• Analyzes, organizes and manages human resources within the context of a public service agency and collective bargaining group; deploys staff according to service demands. Integrates and manages internal workflow; plans staff schedules, monitors and records staff absences and time accrual balances; recruits, hires, orients, supervises, evaluates, disciplines, and dismisses personnel; delegates and assigns non-routine work; provides instruction or advice in handling unusual circumstances; oversees that fair and proper supervision is provided within departmental divisions; promotes morale, and communication among staff and works to resolve staff issues; and provides for in-house training of new staff and encourages appropriate outside development opportunities. Oversees a program of library volunteers, and its appropriate integration with paid staff functions.
• Oversees the maintenance or replacement of departmental facilities, systems, equipment, collections, and other assets; attends to the safety, security and well-being of staff and users; attends to the order, cleanliness and aesthetics of the building and grounds; responds to emergency situations involving weather, loss of power, accidents, injuries or sudden illness, threatening persons, or other threats to persons or facilities; and responds to inappropriate behavior that endangers or infringes the rights of other users.
• Oversees the acquisition, management, and maintenance of computer equipment and network components; oversees and assists in installing, configuring, and troubleshooting software and hardware; and directs the customization of systems for specific uses, including the provision of security measures for public use of equipment.
• Participates as a voting member of local, regional, and state library organizations, including the resource-sharing network and regional library system; attends meetings and participates in developing organizational programs of common benefit; may serve official roles in library organizations or professional associations; communicates regional policies and procedures to local staff; and submits financial and statistical reports to State Board of Library Commissioners.
• Attends Town Meeting and all meetings of the Board of Library Trustees and Friends of the Library; orients new Board Members; prepares written agendas and reports; proposes and provides alternatives for new policies, service programs, expenditures, and projects for Board consideration; works with the Friends to develop programs, or assists in organizing activities to raise funds, and promote the library; and assists Friends’ treasurer with book keeping and prepares State and Federal tax filings.
• Works cooperatively with the school department, town government boards, and other service departments, particularly in areas of technology; maintains contacts with and serves the needs of town clubs and organizations; schedules the use of library meeting room and other facilities by clubs and organizations; and organizes cultural or educational workshops and seminars.
• Performs community relations, and serves as spokesperson for the library, in oral or written presentations; publicizes and promotes programs and services through local media. Oversees and contributes to website publishing and social media.   Responds with assistance to special requests or complaints from the public; and accepts and acknowledges donations. Works closely with the Friends of the Library and other groups to organize and conduct community events.
• Strategic planning including assessing and prioritizing community needs, goals and objectives for providing services
• Public relations, including working with the Board of Library Trustees and Friends of the library, local organizations and general public.
• Perform all other duties as required.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Master’s degree in Library Science from an accredited program and Massachusetts Library Board Certification and five years of professional experience in a library or in a related field; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

TO APPLY:

Please send cover letter, resume and Town Application to: Meredith Hartling, HR Generalist,  801 Washington Street, 2nd Floor Canton, MA 02021; Email: [email protected];  Fax: 781-575-6602

AA/EEO