Head, Public Services, Abbot Public Library, Marblehead, MA

Posted February 27, 2019

Focusing on the total user experience, The Head, Public Services oversees, coordinates, participates in, and continuously advances the Library’s Public Services operations — Reference, Reader’s Advisory, Circulation, Stack Maintenance and related activities.

Reporting to the Library Director and partnering with the Head, Technical Services, the Head, Public Services is a key member of the Library’s management group. In addition, the Head, Public Services serves as selector for materials in defined areas of the adult collections. 

The successful applicant will be an enthusiastic and flexible team player, with professional experience well-matched to the position’s duties and responsibilities. The full-time 40 hours/week work schedule includes some evening and weekend shifts.

A traditional New England coastal community, 18 miles north of Boston, the Town of Marblehead features a notable historical heritage, a lively cultural scene, ample natural beauty and strong support for its public library. 

Come join a dedicated, creative and energetic team, at an exciting time in the Library’s history, as we move forward from celebrating our 140th anniversary to planning for a major building renovation!

Duties and Responsibilities

• Directly oversees staff whose primary responsibilities are in the Public Services area. Coordinates the Public Services activities of staff whose responsibilities are equally or primarily in other areas. Participates in and/or coordinates the training and onboarding of all staff with responsibilities in Public Services.
  
• Coordinates and oversees all staff providing Reference service in performance of duties.
  
• Selects materials for purchase in assigned areas of the adult collections, including informational resources in both print and electronic formats.  Makes recommendations regarding the development and management of materials in these collections.
  
• In consultation with the Library Director, oversees scheduling to ensure adequate coverage of public service desks (Circulation, Reference, Children’s Room). Modifies daily schedules, when needed.
  
• Provides input on Public Services issues, for the Director.
  
• Stays informed regarding current issues and trends related to library public services and proposes ways to move the Library’s public services forward.
  
• In coordination with the Head, Technical Services, oversees daily operation of the Library in the Director’s absence.
  
• Performs other duties of a similar nature and complexity as requested.

Qualifications 

• A Master’s Degree in Library Science, with a minimum of 2 years of experience in a library public services supervisory position.
• Strong communication and customer service skills.
• Excellent computer literacy, including ability to explain technology to users.
• Flexibility; dependability; demonstrated ability to function effectively as both a team member and team leader.
• Must be able to lift up to 20 lbs. and stand for extended periods.

Salary Range

$54,549.33 – $72,542.48, annually

Closing Date
Open until filled.  Preference given to applications received by March 8th, 2019.

Applications

Please email a letter of interest and resume to:
Patricia Rogers, Director, Abbot Public Library, at [email protected]

Mailing address is:
235 Pleasant Street
Marblehead, MA 01945