Assistant Library Director, Ipswich Public Library, Ipswich, MA

Posted January 19, 2023

Description:

Responsible for assisting the Library Director in the planning, organization, supervision,
development and administration of all library services, personnel, operations, technology and
programs. Assumes the duties of the Library Director in his/her absence. Is directly responsible
the Adult Services department, ensuring operational and budget efficiency. Assists in personnel
selection. Directly supervises the staff of the Circulation Department and assists the Director in
the supervision and evaluation of all personnel. Assists Director in evaluation and assessment of
overall departmental functions and in the implementation of new service objectives and
programs. Is responsible for oversight of all library computer networks, software and electronic
resources. Related work as required.

Performs professional administrative level work requiring judgment, leadership and initiative, as well as
supervisory and technical skills, implementing library policy, evaluating library services and developing
library automated resources. Has access to confidential information such as personnel records. Frequent
contact with the public and outside agencies and organizations. Responsible for carefully and accurately
communicating on behalf of the library.

Essential Duties:

In the absence of the Library Director, performs duties as necessary to maintain normal Library operations. Assists in administering all library services and programs; supports, mentors and monitors operations of the library departments.
Assists the Library Director in reports, policy and procedural matters and personnel matters within the library.
Assists the Library Director with coordinating the goals, objectives and activities of professional department heads in their delivery of public service and in their actualization of the goals of the Library Long Range Plan.
Contributes to the effectiveness of the Library operations by communicating staff suggestions and needs to the Library Director.
Develops and conducts instructional training for library personnel, to implement policy and long-range objectives, to promulgate best practices, to reinforce standards of service delivery and to ensure excellent customer service. Maintains up to date training manuals and materials throughout all library departments.
Routinely functions as daily, evening or weekend Building Supervisor, having first response responsibility for staff, facility and patrons. Assumes responsibility for the operation of any Library department in the absence of the department supervisor.
Oversees all functions of Adult Services. Plans and facilitates adult program offerings. Performs outreach and coordinates programs and services with other organizations and departments.
Contributes to the selection of adult circulating and reference materials.
Is responsible for all technology within the library and acts as a liaison with the library’s technology partners: MVLC (the regional, automated library network), Town IT and vendors.
Administers and maintains all electronic resources, and discovery platforms. Provides technical expertise, day-to-day administration, and troubleshoots issues that may arise with these tools.
Is responsible for long-range planning of technology resources for the library. Provides leadership in identifying, evaluating, selecting and implementing appropriate new trends in library technology.
Coordinates and contributes to library publicity efforts, including but not limited to: newsletter and informational brochures, social media platforms, website news posts, and press releases. Maintains library website and other related sites and social media accounts, either directly or through delegation.
Oversees all aspects of the library’s volunteer program, including recruitment, application process, CORI checks, training and supervision. Works with library department heads to ensure that volunteers meet the library’s diverse needs, and that suitable needs and projects are assigned.
Takes active role in professional groups and attends workshops and conferences. Contributes to the profession and maintains professional knowledge through participation in appropriate state, regional and national library (and related) organizations.
Represents the library at professional workshops or conferences.
Performs community outreach including speaking before groups within or outside the library on library programs and services.
With guidance of the Director, performs research, conducts studies, or garners statistics relating to departmental effectiveness, user needs, new services and technologies, promotional campaigns and combined departmental procedures.
Is responsible for scheduled routine evening and weekend coverage of library reference desk. Provides backup for both the reference and circulation desks as needed. Based upon need, is required to work flexible hours.

Qualifications:

Ability to operate and view a computer screen for extended periods of time.
Manual use of telephone, computer, copier, fax machine, microfilm reader/printer.
Ability to sit at a workstation for extended periods. Walking and standing required occasionally.
Seeing, hearing, talking, feeling, and reaching required.
The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 40 pounds.
Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and the ability to adjust focus.
Ability to operate and view a computer screen for extended periods of time.
Manual use of telephone, computer, copier, fax machine, microfilm reader/printer.
Ability to sit at a workstation for extended periods. Walking and standing required occasionally. Seeing, hearing, talking, feeling, and reaching required.
The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 40 pounds.
Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and the ability to adjust focus.
A Master’s Degree in Library Science from an accredited graduate library school.
Minimum of three (3) to five (5) years’ professional public library experience at progressively responsible levels.
Knowledge of professional library principles, methods, techniques and procedures.
Demonstrated understanding of systems analysis and planning, including Internet applications.
Demonstrated knowledge of standard office software.
Strong understanding of computer hardware and software.
Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work with library staff, patrons, outside vendors and other Town departments.
Strong communication skills.
Broad familiarity with library operations, procedures, and best practices, especially but not exclusively in relation to automated library systems and the use of electronic library information resources.
Knowledge of marketing, publicity, and social media desired.
Proven ability to work effectively in a team setting and independently in a changing work environment.
Ability to supervise the work of others.

To Apply:

Please provide a resume, letter of interest and a completed Town of Ipswich application form. The full job description as well as application form and information on ways to submit your application are available at: https://www.ipswichma.gov/Jobs.aspx?UniqueId=107&From=All&CommunityJobs=False&JobID=Assistant-Library-Director-91