Library Director, Haston Free Public Library, (Brookfield, MA)

Posted September 17, 2024

Summary: The Town of North Brookfield is seeking applications from qualified candidates to serve as its next Library Director at the Haston Free Public Library. North Brookfield, MA is a picturesque town with under 5,000 residents, located in Worcester County, 19 miles west of the City of Worcester. Housed in a beautiful 13,000 square foot building, the library serves as a welcoming meeting place for individuals of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities to access the world of information and explore ideas.

The Director of the Haston Free Public Library provides leadership and direction to dedicated team of one (1) full-time and two (2) part-time employees. The library has a collection of 24,450 items and, as a member of the CW MARS consortium, has access to nearly 237,000 e-books, magazines, and other materials. An annual budget of $155,683 helps the library provide rich resources to its over 2,500 cardholders.

The Board of Trustees is proud to soon celebrate the library’s 130 th  birthday with a year-long series of events. Known for its active programming, the library offers around 140 events annually, catering to both youth and adults. As part of their initiative to create a welcoming environment, the library recently organized a Planting a Pollinator Garden event for all ages. The library’s pollinator garden is a proud new addition made possible by a National Cultural Council grant and the dedication of the Library Staff. The Haston Free Public Library is not only a place for learning and exploration, but also a beloved
gathering space supported by a committed Board of Trustees, the Friends of the Library, and a host of volunteers who collectively contribute more than 450 hours annually.

Title:     Library Director            
Location:   Haston Free Public Library, North Brookfield, MA
Position Type:     PERMANENT
Schedule:     30 Hours a week, benefits eligible
Compensation:     $38,000 annually

Summary of Position Responsibilities:
The Library Director performs highly responsible administrative and supervisory functions in the professional management, planning, direction, administration and evaluation of all library functions and services to effectively meet the growing cultural, recreational, informational, and educational library needs of the community.  The Library Director must exercise independent judgment and initiative in the planning, administration and provision of library services, including the supervision of personnel. 
As certain library records are not public record, the Library Director ensures that confidential information is properly maintained.
 

Description of Supervision/Supervisory Responsibilities:   
    
The Library Director is selected and appointed by, and reports directly to, the Board of Library Trustees.  The Director is required to work independently, within established policies and procedures and the requirements of federal, state and local law (as applicable), with minimal direct supervision.  The Director supervises all library employees and volunteers.

Duties & responsibilities:
– Plans, directs and supervises the day-to-day operations of the Library:
– Oversees all Library programs, services, operations and activities provided to the general public and special user groups
– Supervises all personnel, and volunteers, in all aspects (i.e., recruitment of personnel, assignment of duties, performance evaluations and supervision, payroll preparation, maintenance of personnel records)
– Performs collection development and maintenance (i.e. researches variety of professional reviews, prepares orders, evaluates collection needs, supervises materials processing, participates in systematic weeding of collection)
– Assists in daily library operations (i.e. staffs circulation desk, ILL operations, reference, cataloging, etc.) as needed
– Manages and effectively utilizes C/W MARS Evergreen computerized circulation and cataloging functions, including database maintenance
– Promotes library activities and services in person, online, and via regional news publications
– Maintains ongoing communication with Town officials, employees and organizations; responsible for positive community relations
– Coordinates maintenance of the Library’s physical facility and systems (i.e. HVAC, electrical, plumbing, grounds, alarm systems, computer networks, etc.)
– Works closely with the Board of Library Trustees:
o Proposes and administers the department budget
o Develops and institutes short and long-term goals and objectives for Library
o Develops, interprets and implements Library policies
o Advises the Board in library matters and keeps it informed of relevant issues and developments at regional, state, and national levels
o Composes Director’s report for the monthly Trustees meeting and assists the Board in planning, posting, and holding meetings; attends Board of Library Trustees meetings
– Periodically, or as appropriate:
o Gathers statistics, runs reports and completes forms, and guides the creation of 5-yr long-range plans and annual action plans as required to be eligible for library certification and State grant funds; evaluates current programs and services and recommends changes to meet emerging needs
o Identifies available grants and prepares and submits grant applications; administers grant funds received and ensures compliance with grant requirements
o Participates in C/W MARS Users Council, state and regional library organizations, and attends library workshops and meetings as needed; guides the professional development of library staff
o Provides support and advice to the Friends of the Library in their fundraising efforts and other activities
– Performs similar or related work as required or assigned

Skills & competencies: 
– Thorough knowledge of the principles, practices and current trends in library science with knowledge of and experience in automated library systems and other technologies
– Knowledge of federal, state and local laws, regulations, and policies and procedures applicable to library operations (i.e. Open Meeting Law, Public Records Law, and State Ethics Law)
– Ability to communicate effectively, orally and in writing, with Town officials and employees, library staff and volunteers, governmental representatives, and the public
– Leadership ability, strong interpersonal skills, and a high degree of motivation, initiative, and resourcefulness
– Honesty, reliability, patience, discretion, and good judgment essential
– Good organizational skills; detail-oriented and able to work independently 
– Ability to plan and effectively manage Library budget
– Strong proficiency in the use of word processing and spreadsheet computer applications (such as MS Word and Excel) and Evergreen library information system

Education & Experience/Other Requirements:
– Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited 4-year college required.  Master’s Degree in Library and Information Science in a program accredited by the American Library Association preferred
– Minimum of two (2) years professional experience involving finance, budgeting, facilities management, library automation and personnel administration, one (1) year of which should be in an administrative or supervisory capacity, preferably in a public library environment; or any equivalent combination of education, training and experience
– Minimum of two (2) years of previous public library experience strongly preferred
– Professional Certificate of Librarianship issued by the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners required

Work Location:
Haston Free Public Library, 161 North Main Street, North Brookfield, MA

How to Apply

Please submit via email as separate documents (DOC, DOCX, or PDF)  your Resume and a Cover Letter to [email protected]
Use the subject line: Haston Library Director
All submissions will be handled in confidence. Do you have questions before you apply?
Contact Amanda, BiblioTemps Manager – [email protected].