Library Director

Job Title: Library Director

Department: Library

Reports to: Mayor

Direct Reports: Library Assistants, Circulation Manager, Youth Services Librarian

Employment Status: Full-Time / Exempt

Grade: G16 ($31.83 - $45.40 per hour)

GENERAL DESCRIPTION:

The purpose of this position is to establish, implement, maintain, and oversee all library services including the planning and implementation of library programs and the development of library collections and services. This position is directly responsible for the leadership and management of the department.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES:

• Plans, coordinates, and oversees daily operations and activities of the library; supervises and evaluates personnel; directs and monitors work activities to ensure safe work practices, work quality, and accuracy; ensures compliance with applicable rules, policies, and procedures.
• Consults with Mayor, City Council, and Board of Trustees; makes recommendations regarding citywide programs and policies; implements approved policies and directives.
• Develops long-term and short-term plans and goals for the library; develops library procedures and processes; revises/updates as necessary.
• Assists library patrons; addresses complaints and concerns; enforces library rules regarding patron behavior.
• Responsible for the development of the library collection; researches materials; reviews and approves recommendations for new materials and withdrawal of existing materials.
• Meets regularly with the Board of Trustees to review operations and submit reports and recommendations on library policy and procedures; prepares and presents board agenda; creates and contracts, grants, and statistics as needed.
• Oversees all programming activities; reviews, approves, and evaluates activities; plans and coordinates staffing; promotes special events; ensures set-up/take-down of events.
• Oversees public relations and promotional activities related to library services and special events; maintains and updates social media accounts.
• Establishes staffing plans; recruits, hires, and trains new personnel; delegates special assignments and tasks to subordinate personnel.
• Cooperates with the Harrison Regional Library System and participates in the negotiation of the Shelby County System contract.

• Prepares, reviews, and approves a variety of memos, press releases, forms, reports, logs, requests, etc. related to day-to-day operations of the department.
• Prepares department budget; monitors and approves department expenditures.
• Prepares financial applications and reports as required such as the Annual Statement of Fiscal Responsibilities and Application for State Aid.
• Researches grant opportunities; prepares grant applications; administers grant funded programs.
• Ensures maintenance of departmental records in compliance with city, state, and federal recordkeeping requirements.
• Coordinates and oversees maintenance of library facilities; assists in planning and coordinating capital improvements to the library.
• Assists with the development and implementation of the Technology Plan in conjunction with Shelby County IT and Calera IT; evaluates new technologies and equipment as well as aging equipment needing to be replaced.
• Serves as a liaison between city officials, city departments, department personnel, community groups, and other related agencies, boards, commissions, or groups regarding library services and activities; attends meetings and presents information as needed.

• Communicates with supervisor, subordinates, co-workers, other departments, other libraries, citizens and other individuals as needed to coordinate work activities, review status of work, exchange information, or resolve problems.
• Attends City Council meetings as needed.
• Maintains a comprehensive, current knowledge and awareness of trends and best practices in library science; reads professional literature and maintains professional affiliations.

Essential Job Duties are intended to be examples of duties and are not intended to be all inclusive. There will be other duties as assigned. All incumbents may not perform all job duties listed, and some incumbents may perform duties which are not listed.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Knowledge of library science and book classifications systems
• Knowledge of department and city policies and procedures, and relevant federal, state, and local laws and regulations
• Knowledge of management and public administration principles and procedures
• Knowledge of budgeting development and management processes
• Knowledge of computers and job-related software programs
• Knowledge of various office equipment, e.g., public computers, printers, scanners, and copiers
• Excellent customer service skills
• Excellent organizational skills
• Skill in managing and supervising others
• Skill in long-term and short-term planning
• Skill in complex decision-making and problem solving
• Skill in verbal and written communication
• Ability to multi-task
• Ability to maintain composure in stressful customer service situations
• Ability to think critically and solve problems
• Ability to exercise sound judgment within the scope of responsibility
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with subordinates, co-workers, elected officials, and the public
• Must be able to meet regular attendance requirements
• Must be able to work nights and weekends

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Master's Degree in Library Science (MLIS); five years related working experience including customer service and supervisory experience; or an equivalent combination of formal education and working experience that provides the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities for this job and meets the minimum requirements of the Alabama Public Library Service. Must possess and maintain a valid state driver license.

ESSENTIAL PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

The physical activities required for this position involve: Sitting, standing, walking; climbing, reaching, stooping, crouching, and kneeling.

This position requires lifting: Up to 50 pounds occasionally.

This position has the following special vision requirements: Ability to view information in print and electronically. Ability to read spine labels.

ENVIRONMENTAL WORKING CONDITIONS:

The following environmental conditions and hazards may be encountered while working in this position: None.