MASSACHUSETTS LIBRARY SYSTEM
JOB DESCRIPTION COLLECTION
Reuben Hoar Library, Littleton
POSITION DESCRIPTIONS
JOB TITLE: Library Director XE "Library Director"
SALARY RANGE: MINIMUM MAXIMUM
HOURLY
WEEKLY
ANNUALLY
CATEGORY: O&M/Professional
DEFINITION:
Professional
administrative and supervisory work in directing the activities of a public
library; all other related work as required.
DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS:
Works under the direction of the Board of Trustees.
Performs professional library duties of a complex and responsible nature involving the administration of the library and development of library services to meet individual and community needs.
Makes frequent contacts with other town departments, school department, civic groups and the public requiring the ability to influence actions and resolve problems.
Supervises approximately three full time employees and eight part time employees; supervises volunteers.
Has access to department oriented confidential information.
Errors could result in waste of public funds, misuse of personnel and lower standards of library service for town.
Light and occasional moderate physical effort required in performing duties including carrying and shelving books under typical library conditions.
EXAMPLES OF WORK:
Library Administration
1. Manages
the collection. is responsible for selecting, acquiring, cataloging,
classifying
and weeding. Provides leadership to collection development
team.
2. Maintains
and evaluates library computerized system for delivering services to the
public. Trains staff in use of system.
3. Reports
to trustees on a regular basis; prepares agenda and supporting materials for
trustee meetings; attends trustee meetings; recommends
policies to the trustees and
implements those approved; writes periodic reports as
required by trustees and
governmental bodies.
4. Maintains confidentiality of registration information.
5. Safeguards freedom from censorship of library materials; implements the
materials
selection policy so that differing points of view on
controversial Issues are represented.
6. Ensures that furnishings, equipment and supplies are available and in proper
condition.
Reports problems with the building to the proper authorities.
7. Acts as
liaison between the library and the state and regional libraries; attends
regional
meetings and workshops. Maintains current awareness and contacts with
other libraries
by belonging to and attending meetings of professional
organizations.
Service to the Public
1. Assists and encourages patrons in using the library resources.
2. Arranges
for service to patrons unable to come to the library, as time and finances
permit.
3. Plans and executes programs to encourage library use as finances permit
1.
Responsible for staff management Delegates authority where appropriate. Hires,
trains, motivates, and supervises the staff
2. Plans and organizes staff services and activities.
3. Evaluates staff performance.
1. Prepares
the yearly operating budget, expends budgeted funds, and keeps financial
records as required by law, by the town accountant, and by
trustees.
2. Notifies
trustees of grant moneys available, and applies for those grants selected by
trustees.
Public Relations
1. Serves as
an advocate for the library among the public, trustees and other town
officials and organizations
2.
Publicizes the services available at the library and encourages their use
through
newspaper articles, speeches, displays and special events.
Acquaints non-users with
library services.
3. Encourages an active Friends of the Library organization.
Summary
1. Makes
optimal use of available resources, both financial-- town, trust, and grant
money -- and human -- staff and volunteers.
2. Works to
further the goals and objectives of the library determined by the library's long
range plan; and the trustees. Oversees updating of long
range plan.
RECOMMENDED MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Education and Experience
Masters degree in Library Science with five years progressively responsible experience In library administration. State certification by Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners.
Knowledge, Ability and Skill
Thorough knowledge of the principles and practices of professional library work and of the organization and management of library operations including administration, personnel and finance. Ability to write and administer grants. Ability to direct the work of professionals and paraprofessionals. Ability to meet and deal with people effectively and appropriately. Ability to communicate clearly, both verbally and in writing. Excellent planning and organizational skills. Broad interest in learning and literature. Ability to understand, operate, and troubleshoot computer systems and associated related software.
From Dictionary of Occupational Titles:
"100.117-010 LIBRARY DIRECTOR (library) alternate titles: librarian, head
Plans and administers
program of library services: Submits recommendations on library policies and
services to governing body, such as board of directors or board of trustees, and
implements policy decisions. Analyzes, selects, and executes recommendations of
personnel, such as department chiefs or branch supervisors. Coordinates
activities of branch or departmental libraries. Analyzes and coordinates
departmental budget estimates and controls expenditures to administer approved
budget. Reviews and evaluates orders for books and audiovisual materials.
Examines trade publications and materials, interviews publishers'
representatives, and consults with others to select materials. Administers
personnel regulations, interviews and appoints job applicants, rates staff
performance, and promotes and discharges employees. Plans and conducts staff
meetings and participates in community and professional meetings to discuss and
act on library problems. Delivers book reviews and lectures to publicize library
activities and services. Provides library public relations services. May examine
and select materials to be discarded, repaired, or replaced. May be designated
according to governmental subdivision served as City-Library Director (library);
County-Library Director (library).
GOE: 11.07.04 STRENGTH: S GED: R6 M4 L5 SVP: 8 DLU: 81 "
Physical Demands: Strength = Sedentary (1 on a scale of 1 to 5)
GED: Reasoning = 6 ( on a scale of 1 to 6) Same level as a State Director of Revenue or College Professor
Mathematical = 3 (on a scale of 1 to 6) Same level as City Manager, Police Chief
Language = 5 or 6 (both are the same) Same level as City Manager, Police Chief is a 4
From MA Board of Library Commissioners FY1998 Annual Report Information Survey Instructions, Definitions for Position Classifications, pg. 12:
Library Director - Head of a library or library system