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Library Director, Westhampton Public Library, Westhampton, MA

Posted July 3, 2019

Nestled in the center of a Pioneer Valley hilltown, the beautiful nine-year old Westhampton Public Library is seeking to fill a 40 hour/week benefitted Library Director position.This position covers all aspects of library needs. It includes leading a team of a youth services librarian, trained staff volunteers, a custodian, and active patrons.

General Statement of Responsibilities:
The Library Director is responsible for the management and operation of the library and its programs of services in accordance with policies established by the Board of Trustees. The Director supervises all aspects of library operation, including services, staff, budget, programming, community outreach, social media, public relations, and the writing and management of grants.

 Detailed Statement of Duties and Responsibilities:

The Library and the Collection
The Director evaluates and plans all areas of library services to anticipate and meet the needs and interests of the Westhampton community. These needs and interests are evaluated on an ongoing basis and short-and long-range plans for library services are developed based on this evaluation. Other duties of the Director include:

  • Collaborate with the Board of Trustees to develop policies for safe and effective use of the library.
  • Select, train, and supervise library staff and volunteers.
  • Ensure the library’s public computers are in working order and able to connect to the internet and print.
  • Evaluate the library’s collection on a continuing basis and select additional material in accordance with the library’s collection development policy.
  • Orders materials for the adult and young adult collections.
  • Supervise and/or perform processing, cataloging and barcoding of incoming material and entry of the bibliographic records to the C/W Mars database.
  • Supervise and/or perform the weeding, de-accession, and mending of material from the library collection.
  • Ensure that the library complies with C/W Mars agreements, policies and practices.
  • Evaluate donated materials for inclusion in the collection in accordance with the library’s collection development policy.
  • Prepare monthly Director’s Report, contributes to agenda, and attend monthly Board of Trustees meetings.
  • Inform Board of current problems or issues relating to library services and advises Board in matters that require board action or involvement.

Circulation Services
The Director establishes and evaluates circulation policy and procedures for effectiveness and suitability. The Director trains volunteers and staff in circulation services and schedules staffing of circulation desk. The Director also supervises and/or performs circulation desk activities. These duties include:

  • Check in/out library materials
  • Place holds/ILL requests
  • Perform reference services
  • Shelve materials and shelf read
  • Record patron usage statistics
  • Assist patrons with technology and library use
  • Provide reader’s advisory
  • Monitor library and enforces library policies
  • Open/close library as required
  • On-call during library hours

Fiscal Development and Management
The Director pursues funding to support library operations from municipal, state, federal, and other sources and manages municipal budget allocations, grant money, and gifts and Gift Fund. Other fiscal duties of the Director include:

  • Monitor status of spending of library finances in all categories including maintenance/repairs, purchasing, and payroll throughout the year.
  • Prepare payroll and expense warrants for approval by the Board of Trustees and prepare monetary gifts for deposit to Town Treasurer.
  • Participate with the Board in presenting the proposed budget to the Westhampton Finance Committee and Town Meetings.
  • Collect and maintain statistics and complete reports as required for certification by the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners.
  • Actively seek additional grants from local, state, federal, and other sources.
  • Meet with the Friends of the Westhampton Public Library monthly to identify funding needs and develop fundraising ideas.
  • Notify services contractors when repairs or other building maintenance is needed and keep Board of Trustees informed of any problems with the facility.

Public Relations and Library Programming

The Director promotes public awareness of the library, library services and programs. These duties include:

  • Develop and/or approve programs for all ages groups in accordance with community interests and needs and secures funding for programs.
  • Oversee press releases and content and updates social media/website to highlight special events and general library services.
  • Encourage community use and support of the library by attending municipal and civic meetings regarding objectives and activities of the library.
  • Work with the Friends of the Westhampton Public Library to support their activities and inform them of library needs.

Qualifications (MLBC Requirements):

An ALA accredited MLS or MLIS degree is strongly preferred, however applicants with a Bachelor’s degree and other qualifications may be considered. Administrative and supervisory experience at a public library is strongly preferred as are strong written and oral communication skills.

Applicants must have a pleasant personality and demonstrate the ability to work effectively with others and must possess a thorough knowledge of library administration including finance management of all fund types, preparation and management of annual budget and procurement, personnel administration, grant writing, strategic planning, technology and public relations as outlined in the job description.

The Director should also possess the ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with trustees, Friends, library staff and volunteers, town officials and the general public. The Director should also have:

  • Considerable knowledge of the principles and practice of public library functions, including collection management, circulation services, and programming.
  • Experience with and knowledge of automatic library systems, knowledge of and ability to use computers and software to conduct database searches, spreadsheet management, word processing, and cataloging.

Please click https://www.westhampton-ma.com/westhampton-public-library/news/westhampton-public-library-director-position-openingto view complete job description.

Apply: Resume and cover letter may be sent via email or post to [email protected] or Anne Marie O’Reilly, Westhampton Public Library, 1 North Road, Westhampton MA 01027. Application deadline is July 15, 2019.

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