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Head of Reference and Adult Services, Weymouth Public Libraries, Weymouth, MA

Posted April 17, 2019

The Weymouth Public Libraries is in need of a proven professional and self-starting library leader interested in being a key member of a progressive, dynamic library system. We seek an innovative, collaborative, flexible, and service-oriented department head to provide professional reference and adult services. We seek an individual who is as equally dedicated to the community as to librarianship. Our culture of “Yes!” has resulted in a large growth in programs and services for grateful and increasingly engaged library patrons and local decision makers. Our new $33-million main library is scheduled to open in the summer of 2020.

 

Essential Functions

The essential functions or duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various types 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.

  • In preparation for the opening of our new 50,000-square-foot library in the summer of 2020, home to a local history center, digital media lab, and large young adult space and program room, actively participates in planning, strategizing, updating policies, and managing the collection.
  • Supervises all activities, programs, and services of the Reference Department and Young Adult Services.
  • Assists direct reports by providing general reference service using print and electronic resources and reader’s/listener’s/viewer’s advisory service to patrons of all ages.
  • Coordinates and participates in library instruction and reference use program, actively promoting the program and marketing it to patrons and the community through outreach and publicity.
  • With direction from and involvement of the Assistant Director of Library Services, develops a full range of community-relevant adult programming including but not limited to author events (we have hosted more than 100 local and NYT-bestselling authors in recent years including Jacqueline Winspear, Elin Hilderbrand, Craig Johnson and Ian Rankin), music and arts programs, book clubs, genealogy and local history events, and community-wide efforts such as the LSTA-funded All Aboard Greenbush.
  • Responsible for programming from stage of conception through planning, publicity, execution, and follow up.
  • Responsible for collection development in the areas of print and non-print reference and adult nonfiction, as well as a growing Library of Things.
  • Manages collection through reports and accepted practices of weeding.
  • Responsible for creation of effective marketing materials across all platforms, using current graphic design tools such as Canva.
  • Researches and writes comprehensive and persuasive grant applications to corporations, foundations, and local, state, and federal agencies.
  • Maintains the local history collection focusing on preservation and security and developing greater access for patrons using current technologies.
  • Assists patrons with the online public access catalog and public technology.
  • Updates library website and social media as needed to promote reference services and adult programming.
  • Meets regularly with other department heads to coordinate departmental projects and activities, and ensure consistent service across all areas of the library.
  • Active and influential participation expected on library network committees and/or statewide committees as needed.

 

Supervision

Works under the general supervision of the Library Director. Performs library duties at the professional level in assuming immediate charge and responsibility over the Reference Department, including the Young Adult Services Librarian.

 

Job Environment

Work is performed under typical office and library conditions. The work environment is moderately quiet. Occasionally required to work outside of normal business hours. In addition, may be required to work on weekends and evenings when staffing levels and staffing situations dictate.

 

Operate computer and other standard office equipment. Experience working with an integrated library system and emerging technology. Familiarity, comfort, and skill with downloadable media, blogs, social networks, and website maintenance.

 

Daily contact with library patrons, other town departments, vendors, and other library organizations by phone, in person, and in writing.

 

Required Minimum Qualifications

Education and Experience

  • Master’s degree in library and information sciences from an ALA-accredited school and at least three years of professional library experience.

 

Knowledge, Ability, and Skill

  • Thorough knowledge of library principles, practices, and current trends and resources in reference.
  • Knowledge of and comfort with emerging library/information technology skills and trends.
  • Have a broad understanding of archival practice and technology-related activities.

 

  • Ability to work creatively, effectively, independently, and cooperatively with colleagues, patrons, and the community at large.
  • Ability to foster open communication and cooperative relationships.
  • Ability to troubleshoot software and hardware.
  • Ability to communicate effectively with local media representatives as needed.

 

  • Excellent skills in supervision, interpersonal relations, and written, oral, and online communication.
  • Excellent customer service skills required.
  • Excellent organizational, planning, and problem-solving skills.
  • Must have superior skills in the area of reference and reader’s/listener’s/viewer’s advisory.
  • Must be comfortable with and have a history of public speaking and presentation experience.

 

Physical Requirements

  • Light physical effort required in carrying and shelving books, and in performing other typical library functions.
  • Frequent standing, walking, bending, reaching, and climbing.
  • Ability to operate a keyboard at an efficient speed.
  • Frequently required to sit and talk or hear, use hands to finger, handle, feel, or operate objects, tools, or controls; and reach with arms and hands.
  • The employee may occasionally lift and/or move materials weighing up to 20 pounds.

This job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee, and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.

 

Salary

Salary starts at $52,055.99 and increases over nine steps to $73,988.26

 

Closing Date

04/30/2019

 

How to Apply

The first step in applying for a job with the Town of Weymouth is to fill out a job application. All successful applicants must have an official Town of Weymouth job application form on file regardless of the position for which they are applying. The job application form can be found at https://www.weymouth.ma.us/human-resources/pages/employment-opportunities. Applicants interested in applying can send their resume and application either by fax to 781-682-3561, by email to [email protected], or by mail or in person to Human Resources, 182 Green Street, N. Weymouth, MA 02191. Questions can be directed to Human Resources at 781-340-5010

 

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