Access Services Director/Systems Librarian, Portland Public Library (PPL), Portland, ME

Posted April 8, 2021

Description:

Reporting to the Associate Director, the Access Services Director/Systems Librarian leads the operations
and systems that acquire and make accessible the Library’s collections in all formats, in person and
online. As Area Director for the Access Services Department, the Librarian supervises the Technical
Services Manager, Interlibrary Loan Supervisor, and the Lending/PC Supervisor and their sections,
develops protocols and quality measures to ensure that users have the most satisfying and meaningful
experience using Library resources, and that the Library staff can successfully manage and sustain these
operations.

This position leads the Library’s customer service strategy in both the online and in person
environments. This includes the Library’s integrated library system (ILS), the public catalog and its portal,
as well as the Library’s public computer operations and self-service systems. This position works closely
with Library Administration in strategic decision-making, initiative development, and change
management.

This is a 37.5 hour/week position and the pay band begins at $29.36/hour. Excellent benefits include
health, dental, and vision insurance, retirement options, and paid leave. This position is represented by
the Staff Association/Union.

Nature & Scope of the Position:

1. This position is accountable for developing and implementing the Access Services Department’s
   long and short-range goals and objectives, in conjunction with institutional and staff goals.
2. Plays a key role in staff hiring, training, managing, and conducting performance reviews.
3. The position is accountable for the administration and management of collections acquisitions,
   discovery, and processing, as well as the daily experience for library users of Lending/PC Services
   and other public services.
4. Directly manages the software systems and public interfaces to library collections, programs,
   and services, and plays a key role in the statewide resources-sharing consortium. The incumbent
   is responsible for all aspects of maintaining and optimizing these systems, their integration, and
   the vendor relationships that support them, as well as evaluating and updating systems to
   benefit our patrons.
5. The incumbent collects and interprets Library impact statistics; documents and evaluates
   services; and analyzes the costs of Library services in order to develop and justify appropriate
   levels of services.
6. Serves as the lead for the program with schools to issue library cards for students, managing the
   datasets and processes to import and maintain the data and accounts.
7. The incumbent pursues professional development and continuing education activities to
   strengthen skills and contribute to the profession, and encourages this practice with
   supervisees.

Basic Qualifications:
• An MLS in Library and Information Services from an ALA-accredited institution, or equivalent
education and experience.
• Strong service orientation and demeanor to provide a high level of service to a diverse public.
• Three (3) years’ staff leadership experience demonstrating success in supervising teams,
managing change, and developing others’ professional talent.
• Three (3) years management experience in public library services, including demonstrated ability
to implement strategic library objectives and provide strong leadership through change.
• Proven experience with deep-level maintenance and optimization of library software systems,
and overall technology proficiency including the ability to evaluate and learn new technologies.
Experience with Innovative Interfaces Sierra, INNREACH, BiblioCommons, and OCLC strongly
preferred.
• Proficient in the use of Excel, Google Analytics, and other evaluation and analytical tools.
• A keen desire for continuous learning and mastery.
• Ability to remain calm, courteous, and accurate in an often-demanding environment, juggling
tasks and using excellent judgment.
• Strong verbal and written communicator with patrons, community, and colleagues.
• Astute ability to balance and reconcile individual and institutional needs.
• Sufficient physical stamina and general health to perform the tasks as noted above

Work Environment:
This position is performed in a busy public library environment where public interaction can sometimes
present challenging situations involving people who have mental, emotional, or physical disabilities, or
are not fluent in the English language.

About PPL:
Portland Public Library is an equal-opportunity employer dedicated to creating a culture that fosters
continuous staff development and engagement to reflect the learning role we play for our patrons. We
therefore value self-directed growth as well as sharing knowledge and experience, working
collaboratively, and communicating in a regular, open, and constructive manner.
In an effort to promote professional engagement with colleagues, with community efforts, and in the
broader library field, the Library strongly encourages and supports staff participation in activities that
enhance staff skills and experience, and contribute to the overall mission and services provided by the
Library. Every employee of the Portland Public Library will strive to provide the highest quality service
both externally to library patrons and internally to colleagues.
We are committed to hiring and maintaining a diverse workforce of highly qualified staff to broaden
perspectives, promote equity and inclusion, and connect to the breadth of our community. Applicants
with racially, ethnically, or culturally diverse identities or backgrounds are encouraged to apply. PPL is in full compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

How to apply:

To apply, please send your resume, letter of interest, and three references to [email protected]. Initial
consideration will begin on April 9, 2021 and this posting will remain open until filled.