Library Director, Town of Dalton, MA
Posted October 24, 2023
Description:
Purpose:
Performs supervisory, administrative, and professional work in planning, organizing, and directing all library services and activities, responsible for the daily Management and operations including administration and program development. Performs all other related work as required.
Essential Functions:
(The essential functions or duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position.)
Plans and oversees the operation of the library including the development of library policies, programs and related services and the measures used to monitor service accomplishments against recognized library service standards.
Responsible for the selection and withdrawal of all Library materials, including books, audio, movies, databases, and E-Books. Archives, stores, and disposes of materials as determined by Library policy.
Maintains a public website and social media presence.
Advises, consults, and confers with the Library’s Board of Trustees, other libraries, professions, officials (at state and local level), citizens, and community groups regarding library services and operations. Attends all Board meetings and reports on library activities and important issues. Participates actively in discussions and contributes ideas and suggestions during the decision-making process.
Responsible for staff management including hiring, training, scheduling, supervising, disciplining, and terminating staff when necessary.
Performs varied administrative task such as submitting bills for payment, payroll, compliance, personnel, state, and town reports.
Selects, sets up, maintains, and troubleshoots all Library computers, chrome books, printers, copiers, etc. Installs software on all computers.
Promotes community use and support of the library and involves the library in community affairs.
Prepares the annual budget with the Library Trustees
Coordinates the ongoing training and development of department employees.
Responsible for promoting and publicizing library activities and programs including maintenance of the department’s website, preparation of flyers and brochures as well as press releases.
Proactively seeks opportunities to obtain grants from foundations, organizations, and government
sources. Prepares grant applications and seeks alternative funding like gifts to the library in support of library operations, services, programs, or events. Will help to promote the Library during the Capital Campaign for the renovation of the building.
Oversees the repair and maintenance of the library’s physical plant including surrounding grounds.
Attends library workshops or seminars to maintain current knowledge of new developments in the field of library science and related services including technology.
Serves as liaison for the library to various town, state, civic and community organizations; speaks to groups and individuals to provide information and/or to advocate for library services.
Develops goals, objectives and long-range plans and presents them to the Board.
Performs similar or related work as required, directed or as situation dictates.
Supervision:
Supervision Scope: Performs highly responsible work of a complex nature which involves the exercise of independent judgment and initiative in planning and overseeing the administration of the library and in the development and delivery of library services to meet individual and community needs.
Supervision Received: Works under the policy direction of the Library Board of Trustees.
Supervision Given: Directly supervises all full and part-time staff.
Recommended Minimum Qualifications:
Education, Training and Experience:
Bachelor’s Degree in Library Science or Information Science from an American Library Association accredited school required, Master’s preferred; five years library and supervisory, administrative experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Special Requirements:
State Certification of Librarianship from the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners.
Knowledge: Thorough knowledge of the principles and practices of professional library work; and thorough knowledge of the management and organization of library operations including collection development, administration, personnel, and finance. Working knowledge of computerization and appropriate library applications. Working knowledge of state procurement laws and laws pertaining to governance of public libraries.
Ability: Ability to supervise staff in an effective and supportive manner. Ability to establish and maintain working relationships with organizations, departments, patrons, and officials. Ability of leadership, independent judgment, initiative, and decision-making. Ability to plan, implement, and evaluate effective library services, strategies, facilities, and staff. Ability to communicate effectively.
Skill: Strong managerial, supervisory organizational and interpersonal skills. Excellent written and verbal communication skills, administrative and problem-solving skills. Proficient with computer software and applications including Microsoft Office and Evergreen, and budgetary and grant writing skills.
Physical 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 essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job, minimum physical effort is generally required to perform duties in typical office conditions. This position is regularly required to sit, talk, and hear; uses hands to finger, handle, feel or operate objects, tools, or controls, and reach with hands and arms as in picking up paper, files, and other common office objects and equipment. Employee may frequently lift and/or move objects weighing up to 60 pounds. Vision and hearing at or correctable to normal ranges.
Job Environment:
- Work is performed under typical office and library conditions and work environment is moderately noisy; occasionally may be required to work outside of normal business hours.
- Operates computer, calculator, copier, facsimile machine, and other standard office equipment.
- Contacts are by phone, through correspondence in writing and email, and in person; contact is with town departments and staff, the public, varied organizations and agencies, vendors, and other libraries and consist of an information exchange dialogue, discussing routine and complex issues.
- Has access to all department-related confidential information, including personnel records, and patron records.
- Errors could result in delays or loss of services, poor public perception of the library, and financial repercussions.