Library Branch Manager: Brightwood and Indian Orchard Branches, Springfield City Library, (Springfield, MA)

Posted October 29, 2025

Job Description:

Responsible for administrative and professional work in the management of personnel, services and operations of assigned branches. Develops and maintains collections; develops programs and services; plans branch goals and objectives; and other similar duties. Work is performed with professional independent administrative judgment and decision in accordance with the policies and objectives of the Library Department, with review by the Library Director through reports and conferences. Supervision is exercised over other employees as assigned.

Essential Functions

Establishes branch goals and objectives to best serve the community within the overall policies of the Springfield Library system. Provides feedback and makes suggestions concerning system-wide goals, objectives and activities.
Plans, develops and implements programs, events and services to meet the needs of a particular neighborhood.
Maintains responsibility for branch collection selection, development and maintenance within approved budgetary limitations. Analyzes circulation trends and makes appropriate recommendations; reviews selection and monitors budget performance; evaluates branch collection; removes outdated or unused materials; reorders replacements; and orders materials to supplement collection.
Evaluates the services, programs, methods and practices used in the branch; determines adequacy; modifies or adapts services to meet new or unusual patron requirements within the limits of established policy; and prepares and submits appropriate reports to the Library Director.
Provides patron assistance at the reference or circulation desks as required.
Trains, directs, assigns and checks the work of subordinates on organization policies and procedures, methods and practices, standards of performance, and other matters affecting their work. Detects substandard performance and takes corrective action within the limits of established Library policy.
Evaluates performance of staff members, maintains good personnel relations and consults with supervisor regarding personnel or other matters effecting subordinates.
Oversees and participates in adult and/or children’s services in assigned branches. Oversees and participates in system-wide adult and/or children’s activities, such as school visits, summer reading club, book discussion groups, and outreach activities.
Monitors building repair or maintenance needs, and submits requests to appropriate authority.
Represents Library within the community to various agencies, businesses and groups.
Writes grant proposals to fund projects or programs.
Keeps abreast of developments and technological advances in the library field, current events, popular reading interests, and other issues necessary to maintain awareness of public information needs. Conducts informational training of other personnel to increase awareness of methods and procedures.
Performs related work as required.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Demonstrated ability to plan, assign, coordinate and supervise the work of a library branch.
Extensive knowledge of library programs, functions, operations, polices and procedures.
Thorough knowledge of rules, regulations, laws and ordinances governing the work performed.
Thorough knowledge of the practical application of computer operations.
Ability to assemble, develop, evaluate, and analyze data in special administrative areas and to make recommendations affecting polices and procedures based on this work.
Ability to plan, assign, supervise and review the work of subordinates.
Ability to make independent work decisions in accordance with governing policy, law, rules and regulations.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with administrative officials, subordinates, and the general public.
Ability to express oneself clearly and concisely orally and in writing.

Education and Experience

Bachelor’s degree with major course work in library administration plus completion of the American Library Association accredited Masters of Library Science.
Five years library experience with some experience in library administration.

Compensation and Hours:

The annual salary range is $70,778.76 – $92,040.00 depending on qualifications. Benefits include twelve paid holidays, plus paid vacation, personal, incentive, and sick time after 6 month probationary period.

Locations:

The Brightwood Branch Library is very busy with school group visits throughout the day. Co-located with a middle school, neighbors include two elementary schools, including a newly-constructed one. The Branch is located in the heart of the neighborhood, and staff work closely with many non-profit organizations, civic groups, and residents to provide, in partnership with the community, for their informational, educational, and leisure needs. The very large community room is undergoing an upgrade to provide state of the art projection and sound systems to enhance library and resident programming and meetings. The Branch is well-known for its extensive collection of materials in Spanish. See inside here.

The Indian Orchard Branch Library opened March 18, 1909, and is a Carnegie library. This Classical Revival Style building was designed and built by local talented architects and craftsmen. See their incredibly beautiful work here, some of which was restored during a renovation and expansion in the 1990s. Beyond traditional library services, the Indian Orchard Branch has always played an important role as a community center and has traditionally been a place new immigrants could come to learn to become U.S. citizens. A popular Play & Learn Space was created thanks to an LSTA grant. The staff came together to convert a storage room to a modest-sized meeting room that hosts library programs and community group meetings. The tight-knit neighborhood includes parks, schools, a former mill complex that now houses artist galleries, and commercial zones as well.

The Manager at our Brightwood and Indian Orchard branches, with the able assistance of two supervisors, is responsible for leading the teams of these two libraries. This includes staff hiring and mentoring, public interaction, programming, administrative duties, system-wide initiatives, and community engagement. Work is performed with professional independent administrative judgment in accordance with the policies and objectives of the Library. Supervision is exercised over a team of twelve people, including a supervisor at each location.

How to Apply:

Questions are welcome via LinkedIn or email! Please apply by Monday, November 3, 2025 at 11:59 pm Eastern time here: https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/springfieldma/jobs/5116911