Director, Tyler Memorial Library, Charlemont, MA

Posted January 26, 2021

Description:

The Trustees of the Tyler Memorial Library are seeking a Director. The library serves the rural western Massachusetts towns of Charlemont and Hawley with a combined population of approximately 1600. The Director is responsible for all aspects of the library’s management, operations, and program of services. BA/BS required, MLS preferred or certification from the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners. Position is part time: 17 hours per week, including four hours on Saturday. Salary is $14,793.

The library director is responsible for the management and operation of the library and its program of services in accordance with policies established by the Board of Library Trustees. The director works in close cooperation with the Board of Library Trustees, serving as its advisor and as an active participant in policy and budget development, goal setting, long range planning, and evaluation. The Board delegates to the Director full authority in such areas as collection development, budget management, and personnel administration, selection, and supervision. The position is directly accountable to the board of library trustees.

Essential Job Functions:

Supervise library services, operations, and activities, including but not limited to overall collection development, materials selection and purchase, weeding, cataloging, and other technical service operations; reference, children’s, young adult, adult, and other services including inter-library loans, provided to the general public.
Develop the library’s collection in accordance with a Board-approved collection development policy.
Develop and implement library programming for both adults and children.
Safeguard freedom from censorship of library materials; implement the selection policy so that different points of view on controversial issues are represented.
Oversee the library space. Ensure that furnishings, equipment, and supplies are available and in proper condition. Report problems to the proper authority.
Assist and encourage patrons in using library resources, including the use of technology.
Arrange for service to patrons unable to come to the library as time and finances permit.
Publicize library services and encourage their use through website development, social media, newspaper articles, displays, and special events.
Manage all aspects of the library’s budget, including initial preparation of annual budget recommendations for Board approval and participation in presentation to municipal officials.
Oversee the expenditure of funds and maintenance of financial records.
Notify Trustees of grant monies available. Apply for grants to enhance services and facilities with the approval of the Trustees. Implement and administer grant funds.
Serve as the library’s liaison with municipal government, school department, civic groups and the community in general.
Speak before groups and boards as required.
Generate various reports including annual report to the town and reports for the Board of Trustees as requested. Compile statistics and prepare reports for the Massachusetts Library System and the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners as necessary.
Participate, with the Board of Library Trustees, in a continuing formal planning process which identifies and addresses community and library needs, provides direction for library development, and serves as the basis for evaluation of library effectiveness in relation to changing community needs.
Attend all Board meetings, report on library activities and important issues, participate actively in discussion, and contribute ideas and suggestions during the decision making process.
Make policy recommendations to the Board. Policies should include, but not necessarily be limited to, collection development, personnel, use of library facilities, and circulation of materials.
Implement and interpret policies adopted by the Board.
Advise the Board in library matters and keep it informed of relevant issues and developments at the regional, state, and national levels.
Closely monitor local, state, and federal laws and regulations applicable to library operation and take action to ensure compliance as appropriate.
Attend, when possible, regional, informational, and promotional meetings and maintain a close liaison with the Massachusetts Library System.
Perform other similar or related duties as required or as a situation dictates.

Skills/Experience/Training Required:

Educational qualifications at least equal to those specified for Library Directors in Massachusetts Minimum Standards for Free Public Library Service for communities in the appropriate population range.
General knowledge of library principles and practices.
Ability and desire to work with diverse ages and cultural populations.
Ability to speak and write effectively and clearly.
Leadership ability and a high degree of motivation, initiative, and resourcefulness.
Ability to exercise independent judgment in decision making.
Intellectual curiosity and an appreciation of libraries and literature.
Competent and comfortable with technology and the on-line environment.

Supervisory Responsibility:

Recruit and select personnel and volunteers with the approval of the Board of Library Trustees.
Responsible to train, supervise, and evaluate personnel and volunteers.

Working Conditions/Physical Demands:

Frequently required to reach with hands and arms, stand, walk, sit, kneel, crouch, use hands to finger, grasp, handle, feel or operate objects, tools, or controls. The employee needs to speak, hear, and see both at a distance and at close range.
Occasional periods of physical exertion, requiring ability to lift, carry, and position objects up to 30 pounds.
Required to perform work under typical office conditions.
Operate standard office equipment and hand tools.
Attendance at evening meetings is occasionally required.

Other:

Will be reviewed annually by the Library Board of Trustees

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to do this job. The above is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and duties required.

How to Apply:

Send cover letter, resume, and three letters of professional reference to Evelyn Locke, Library Trustee Chair at [email protected] or PO Box 518, Charlemont, MA 01339