Information & Research Services Manager

Job Description

Job Title

Information & Research Manager

FLSA Status

Exempt

Full-Time

Department

Information & Research Services

Pay Range

50,946.00-75,795.20

Reports To

Public Services Director

Effective Date

06/04/2026

Objective of the position:

Oversees all aspects of Information & Research Services operations at the Main Library. Leads and manages staff, department resources, operations, and initiatives in the context of the Library’s larger vision, purpose, and strategic plan. Responsible for the planning, implementation, and evaluation of adult, teen, and outreach services, collections, programming, community engagement initiatives, and technology-related services.

Responsible for providing a full range of information and research services to customers and maintaining adult, teen, and outreach collections in all formats. Collaborates with department leaders to support consistent and customer-centered service delivery throughout the organization.

Committed to the Pickerington Public Library’s mission to “Inspiring Learning, Connecting Community, Enriching Our World, Fostering a Love of Reading.”

Supervisory Responsibilities:

Hiring/Firing: Participate in the search process and make recommendations in the hiring of Information & Research Services staff.

Training: Oversee and/or conduct formal and informal training with department staff in the provision of quality library services to customers. Recommend professional development for department staff.

Work Review/Revision: Direct the work and set priorities for Information & Research Services and Outreach staff. Assist in coordinating information services, outreach activities, and collection development efforts throughout the organization.

Evaluation: Provide ongoing performance feedback, coaching for professional development, and conduct annual performance evaluations for all direct reports in accordance with library policies and supervisory expectations.

Coaching and Discipline: Address performance deficiencies and conduct issues through coaching and progressive discipline in compliance with library policies and applicable labor agreements.

Job Summary:

• Provide leadership and direction for adult, teen, and outreach services, ensuring consistent, high-quality reference, readers’ advisory, programming, outreach, technology, and customer service experiences.
• Supervise, coach, and develop Information & Research Services staff, setting clear expectations, assigning work, and holding staff accountable to established service standards and performance goals.
• Lead the planning, evaluation, and continuous improvement of department services, programs, and workflows using data, customer feedback, and professional best practices to inform decision-making.
• Assists in the delivery of services to customers at all service points. Maintains personal skills and knowledge to assure quality service in the areas of reference, readers' advisory, technology, programming, outreach, and customer service.
• Develop and maintain adult, teen, and outreach collections responsive to the community's informational, educational, and recreational needs.
• Lead the planning, promotion, implementation, and evaluation of adult and teen programs, outreach activities, and community engagement initiatives.
• Establish and maintain collaborative relationships with community organizations, schools, businesses, and local agencies to expand awareness of library services and support community needs through outreach and community engagement activities.
• Participate in the Central Library Consortium and other professional organizations and activities as appropriate.
• Lead departmental planning efforts and participate in the development and implementation of annual action plans, budgets, projects, and reports.
• Remain current with trends and best practices in information services, adult services, outreach services, and library technology, and translate those developments into service and staff improvements.
• Cooperate with other staff, promote teamwork, share information, and resolve conflict.
• Demonstrate understanding of library operations and adhere to library policies and procedures.
• Check email frequently and regularly attend management team meetings.
• Attend local, state, and national conferences or meetings as required.
• Perform additional duties as assigned including serving as a project lead and/or serving on task forces, committees, and work groups.

Essential functions:

• Knowledge of library principles, information services practices, collection development, community engagement, and effective people management.
• Ability to supervise, lead, direct, train, and coach staff.
• Ability to plan, analyze, and structure work duties and assignments to provide efficient and effective service.
• Ability to provide advanced reference and research services and support staff development.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment, professionalism, and discretion in a public service environment.
• Ability to effectively communicate both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to collaborate effectively across departments, promote teamwork, and share information.
• Ability to develop partnerships, represent the Library within the community, and communicate the value of library services to diverse audiences.
• Ability to work independently, manage multiple responsibilities, meet deadlines, and adapt to changing priorities.
• Ability to prepare and deliver presentations or training to customers, staff, and community groups.
• Ability to stand and/or sit for long periods of time.
• Ability to lift or push heavy objects such as boxes of books and loaded book carts.
• Ability to pay attention to detail.
• Ability to meet the physical demands listed.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule including evenings and weekends.

Position Requirements:

• MLS (MLIS) from an American Library Association accredited school.
• Three (3) years of progressively responsible professional library experience, including experience in public service environments.
• Demonstrated supervisory or management experience, including responsibility for staff leadership, performance management, service planning, workflow coordination, and project oversight.
• Demonstrated proficiency with current library technologies, computer applications, and digital tools relevant to information and research services.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Demonstrated professionalism, sound judgment, and strong ethical standards in leadership and public service work.
• Demonstrated commitment to customer service, community engagement, and the mission of the public library.
• Ability to meet insurance and transportation requirements, including maintaining a valid driver's license, acceptable driving record, and insurability under the Library’s vehicle liability coverage.
• May be required to use a personal or library vehicle for work-related purposes.
• Must successfully pass a background check.

Physical Demands:

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand; walk; sit; use hands to finger, handle or feel objects, tools or controls. The employee is frequently required to reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl; and talk and hear. The employee must be able to lift up to 20 pounds and push a 50-pound cart. Specific vision abilities required by the job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and the ability to adjust focus.

Environmental factors: indoor/outdoor-offsite

Working conditions: Library operating/non-operating hours including nights and weekends.

Other Duties: Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Signatures

This job description has been approved by all levels of management:

Manager: ______________________________________________

HR: ___________________________________________________

Employee signature below constitutes employee’s understanding of the requirements, essential functions and duties of the position.

Employee _________________________________________ Date _________________

Pay: $50,946.00 - $75,795.20 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• AD&D insurance
• Dental insurance
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person