Director of Adult Services, Portland Public Library, (Portland, ME)

Posted September 17, 2024

Summary: Portland Public Library (PPL) is currently seeking a Director of Adult Services. This position is responsible for the strategy and development of the library’s Adult Services. The position ensures that the library provides a wide range of high-quality services and full access for users to library materials and services they want and need.
Reporting to the Associate Director, this position is responsible for planning, directing, and coordinating system-wide research and information services, which includes reference, reader’s advisory, collection
development, and programs for adult audiences. Sets standards for reference staff, provides system-wide
direction, coordinates implementation of services, and develops related policies and protocols.
This position supervises the following full-time positions: Arts and Culture Librarian; Business and Government Librarian; Health and Science Librarian; Literature and Language Librarian; Outreach and
Technology Librarian; and Special Collections Librarian and Archivist.

This is a Full-time, salaried, 37.5 hours per week onsite position, normally scheduled for Monday
through Friday. This position is non-union.

This position:

• This position is responsible for preparing and prioritizing the department’s long- and short-range
  goals and objectives. The preparation of goals and plans may involve working with the Executive
  Director, Associate Director, and other Area Directors in developing and implementing appropriate
  responses to community needs.
• The incumbent meets regularly with the Associate Director and other Area Directors. These
  meetings serve as an opportunity for managers to: share ideas, plans, concerns, and projects with
  one another; to consider the goals and objectives of the library; and to recommend policies and
  plans to implement those goals and objectives.
• Supervises a group of professional librarians within the Adult Services department and oversees
  their supervision of other library staff, including shelvers and volunteers, within the department.
  In consultation with Library Administration, this position plays a key role in staff hiring, training,
  managing, conducting performance reviews, and providing regular feedback to direct reports. The
  Adult Services Director delegates responsibility appropriately, supervises staff constructively, and
  schedules for the efficient and effective management of the department.
• The incumbent must establish collection development, selection, and weeding policies for the
  department consistent with the policies of the library and apply these policies in acquiring
  materials for the department; and cooperate with department staff to ensure that materials are
  added to the collection as expeditiously as possible.
• This position is responsible for overseeing the selection of new materials and for having current
  knowledge of these materials by consulting/reviewing sources, by attending professional meetings
  and by reading, viewing, and/or listening. Staff within the department periodically present
  recommendations to the Adult Services Director of which materials to purchase for the collection.
  The incumbent must keep abreast of available materials (both new materials and those for
  retrospective purchase) and have broad knowledge of the collection to determine the
  appropriateness of the recommendations. Considerations of available funds must also be
  considered in approving or changing recommendations.
• The incumbent spends some of their time providing reference/information and reader’s advisory
  services to the public. This involves answering questions from patrons in person, over the phone
  or by mail; and/or assisting them in using collection resources to obtain answers/information. This
  position is responsible for enabling patrons to use libraries effectively and instructing them on
  information gathering and research skills.
• The incumbent is responsible for professional development and continuing education activities.
  The incumbent participates in professional organizations to strengthen skills and contribute to the
  profession.
• The incumbent collects and interprets statistics; documents and evaluates services; analyzes the
  costs of library services to develop and justify appropriate levels of services and programming;
  writes effective grant applications cooperatively with the development office; and develops
  communication skills necessary to define to administrators, other library staff, and members of
  the larger community the basis for reference services.
• The incumbent is responsible for overseeing the design, promotion, execution, and evaluation of
  programs based on community needs and interests and the goals of the library. This position is
  responsible for overseeing the presentation of a variety of programs planned and implemented by
  professional librarians.
• The incumbent may be responsible for managing and participating in special projects.
• Participates in maintaining a safe and welcoming environment for fellow staff and library users.

Qualifications

• An MLS in Library and Information Services from an ALA-accredited institution, or equivalent
• Strong service orientation and supervisory experience to provide high quality service in a diverse
  community
• Ability to remain calm, courteous, and accurate in an often-demanding environment, juggling tasks
  and using excellent judgment
• Excellent communicator with patrons, community partners, and colleagues
• Astute ability to balance and reconcile individual and institutional needs
• Strong knowledge of Office and personal technologies, and skilled in learning new technologies.
• Comfortable working independently and or as part of a Team
• Experience effectively managing resource collections
• Conversational ability in English and additional language(s) preferred
  Work Environment and Physical Demands
  This position requires regular use of computers. This position requires regularly moving through the
  service areas and may require lifting up to 30 lbs.
  This position is performed in a busy and diverse public library environment where public interaction can
  sometimes present challenging situations. The library hours vary, and this position may include occasional
  evening and weekend hours.

Compensation & Benefits
Hours & Pay: This is a full-time, 37.5 hours per week onsite position, normally scheduled for Monday
through Friday. Pay commensurate with experience.
Benefits & Other Details: Excellent benefits package includes health, dental, and vision insurance
(among other voluntary benefits), retirement options (in lieu of Social Security), and paid leave. This
position is non-union.

How to Apply

To apply, please send your resume, letter of interest, and three professional references via email at
[email protected]. Mailed applications can be sent to: Human Resources, Portland Public Library, 5
Monument Square, Portland, ME 04101.
For more information about PPL and a copy of the full Job Description for the position, visit
www.portlandlibrary.com/employment/