Assistant Director & Head of Adult Services, Ipswich Public Library, Ipswich, MA

Posted February 19, 2024

Summary:
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.

Supervision:
Works under the direction of the Library Director but with considerable independence in setting
own daily work plan. Unusual situations are referred to Library Director. Position involves
supervision of library staff in their daily functions. The Assistant Director is responsible for the
entire library operation in the absence of the Library Director.

Nature of Work:
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 Elements of the Job:

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.

Physical Requirements:

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.

Recommended Minimum Qualifications:

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.

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 exhaustive list of all
responsibilities and duties required.

How to Apply:

Using the link below: https://www.ipswichma.gov/Jobs.aspx?UniqueId=108&From=All&CommunityJobs=False&JobID=Assistant-Library-Director-91