Librarian II - Branch Manager - North Branch

City of Abilene•Abilene, TX

2d•Onsite

About The Position

Under the direction of Library administration, the Librarian II - Branch Manager manages the daily operations, staffing, public services, and program delivery of the assigned North Branch of the Abilene Public Library. The role ensures that branch services, collections, programs, and facility operations support community needs and comply with City and departmental policies and procedures. It coordinates with Library administration, Technical Services, and other City departments to maintain effective and responsive library services. The position exercises supervision over branch staff by assigning and coordinating work, providing training and development, evaluating performance, scheduling staff, and addressing work-related concerns within established supervisory authority. The manager oversees public library services and collection development, assesses community needs, monitors branch resources and facilities, and supports system-wide library operations as assigned. The position requires a master’s degree in library or information science from an ALA-accredited institution and a valid Texas driver’s license, the ability to obtain one within 90 days of employment, or a military waiver.

Requirements

Graduation from an ALA-accredited college or university with a master’s degree in library science or information science is required.
A valid Texas driver’s license, the ability to obtain one within 90 days of employment, or a military waiver is required.
Preferred experience: four years of professional library work, including two years of supervisory experience.
Knowledge of public library operations, including reference, readers’ advisory, circulation, and public service.
Knowledge of reference sources, current literature, and trends relevant to collection development, library programming, and community services.
Knowledge of library collection classification, selection tools, and collection-development practices.
Knowledge of office management, work organization, staff supervision, scheduling, and performance management practices.
Knowledge of online databases, automated library catalog and circulation systems, and technologies used to provide services, prepare statistics, and promote library resources and programs.
Knowledge of recordkeeping, reporting, customer service, and applicable City and departmental policies and procedures.
Skill in using automated library catalog and circulation systems and related library technologies.
Skill in preparing and maintaining accurate reports, records, schedules, and statistical information.
Skill in organizing staff schedules, coordinating workflows, and managing competing operational priorities.
Skill in applying library collection-development tools and techniques.
Skill in communicating library services, programs, and resources to the public.
Skill in using common office software and electronic databases to organize information and support branch operations.
Ability to supervise, train, evaluate, and develop employees and communicate clear work expectations.
Ability to analyze operational problems and recommend practical solutions.
Ability to exercise sound judgment in daily branch management and public-service situations.
Ability to communicate effectively, orally and in writing, with staff, patrons, Library administration, and other City departments.
Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with employees, patrons, vendors, and other internal and external contacts.
Ability to meet deadlines, take initiative, and manage multiple responsibilities effectively.
Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends, as required by branch operations and programming.
Any combination of experience and training equivalent to that needed to provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities may qualify.

Nice To Haves

Four years of experience in professional library work, including two years of supervisory experience (preferred).

Responsibilities

Supervise, train, evaluate, and schedule assigned branch staff to support effective operations, consistent service, policy adherence, and a positive work environment.
Manage daily branch operations in accordance with City and departmental policies, procedures, service standards, and applicable library practices.
Oversee and provide reference, readers’ advisory, circulation, and other public library services; respond to patron questions and resolve or escalate service concerns as appropriate.
Maintain a relevant, accessible, and high-quality materials collection in coordination with Technical Services; recommend acquisitions and review materials for possible removal when outdated, damaged, or worn.
Assess community and branch service-area needs and recommend appropriate materials, programs, services, and service improvements.
Establish and monitor branch work methods, operational priorities, and short- and long-term goals; identify challenges and recommend practical solutions.
Prepare, review, and maintain accurate reports, records, and statistics, including monthly branch activity reports and other information requested by Library administration.
Contribute to departmental budget planning by identifying and recommending staffing, equipment, materials, technology, and supply needs; monitor branch resource needs and use resources responsibly.
Monitor the branch facility and work environment to support a safe, accessible, orderly, and welcoming environment; promptly report maintenance, security, or safety concerns.
Communicate and collaborate with Library administration, Technical Services, the City Parks and Recreation Department, and other City staff as needed to support branch operations.
Travel to other branches or City departments for programming, meetings, service coverage, or other assigned operational needs.
Guide and develop assigned staff, communicate expectations, and address performance or customer-service concerns within the position’s authority.
Perform other job-related duties and responsibilities as assigned.
Follow and embrace the City of Abilene Core Values: Respect, Integrity, Service Above Self, and Excellence in All We Do.
Lead, manage, and perform as a team member in a manner that accomplishes the Division’s mission and treats team members with dignity, courtesy, and respect.