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Branch Manager, Somerville Public Library, (Somerville, MA)

Posted January 8, 2023

Job Summary

The Somerville Public Library seeks a creative, self-starting individual to supervise the East Branch library. The ideal candidate will focus on building community partnerships, engaging underserved groups, and developing new programs and services for adults of all ages.

Duties

  • Reports to the Manager of Branch Services and/or their designee.
  • Responsible for the planning, development, implementation and coordination of new and existing activities involved in the patron-friendly operation of the Branch Library. 
  • Oversees selection, ordering, budget, and maintenance of all print and non-print Branch collections. 
  • Assists patrons in the use of the Library’s print and electronic resources. 
  • Conducts outreach activities in Library’s neighborhood, including at schools, local organizations, and community events. 
  • Oversees staff in planning and implementing programs for youth of all ages and families including storytelling programs, films, class visits, tours and other activities. 
  • Plans and facilitates programs for adults throughout the year.  
  • Performs basic troubleshooting and support for library technology and audio-visual equipment.
  • Working with library’s marketing team, publicizes Branch Library events and resources through press releases, newsletters, and other outlets, including social media. 
  • Uses print and electronic resources to meet the informational needs of patrons and to answer specific reference questions. 
  • Submits monthly and annual statistics and reports; assists with developing, evaluating, and revising Department policies and procedures. 
  • Works collaboratively with other departments for the purposes of supporting library programs and services.
  • Supervises full-time employees, part-time staff and volunteers; keeps weekly and daily schedules for public desk work and other assignments. 
  • Attends civic and community meetings and events. 
  • Participates in professional development and follows professional literature and resources to expand knowledge of library trends, skills, and best practices.
  • Schedule includes evenings and Saturdays.
  • Performs other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

  • MLS from an ALA Accredited Library School plus 3 years’ experience in serving the public and supervising staff.
  • Must have the demonstrated ability to deal effectively and professionally with the public of all ages and backgrounds.
  • Knowledge of standard library procedures, current Information Technology, Integrated Library Systems, Internet and database search capabilities.
  • Ability to effectively communicate orally and in writing to persuade, educate, explain and inform, and to work effectively in group settings.
  • Ability to prepare effective written reports and presentations.
  • Ability to solve problems effectively, and to research and evaluate Library procedures, policies, services, collections and programs.
  • Demonstrate ability to provide support and troubleshooting for Library computers and other technology. 
  • Must be able to pull book carts, bend, lift, carry and shelve library materials weighing up to 50 lbs.
  • Knowledge of recreational and educational needs of neighborhood residents, along with the knowledge of community interests, trends, and resources and ability to use this information to develop effective library services, collections, and programs.
  • Knowledge of current trends and best practices in Library services.
  • Familiarity with Library materials in various formats and materials appropriate for teens, as well as adults.
  • Working knowledge of conversational Spanish, Portuguese, or Haitian Kreyol, a plus.

Work Environment

The work environment involves everyday discomforts typical of offices, with occasional exposure to outside elements. Noise or physical surroundings may be distracting, but conditions are generally not unpleasant. 

PHYSICAL AND MENTAL REQUIREMENTS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the position’s essential function.

Physical Skills
Some physical demands are required to perform the work.  Work effort principally involves sitting to perform work tasks, with intermittent periods of stooping, walking, and standing.  There is also some lifting of objects such as books, office equipment and computer paper. Job requires ability to bend, lift and carry library materials and pull book carts (up to 40lbs.)

Motor Skills
The job requires motor skills for activities such as moving objects, operating a telephone system, computer and/or most other office equipment, typing and/or word processing, filing, and sorting.

Visual Skills
Visual demands include constantly reading documents in print and on the computer, for general understanding and for analytical purposes.

How to Apply

For more information and to apply, please go to the following link: https://cityofsomerville.applytojob.com/apply/kqEy33Hhge/Librarian-III-Branch-Manager

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