Library Director

Andover Public Schools • Andover, MA

355d

About The Position

Working under the general direction of the Town Manager and under policies established by the Board of Library Trustees, the Library Director provides vision and leadership benefitting the library's central role in the community and is responsible for all library operations to ensure the effective delivery of courteous, professional and high-quality library services.

Requirements

• Master's degree in Library and Information Science from an accredited ALA program.
• Seven to ten years of progressively responsible experience.
• Knowledge of automated library systems.
• At least five years of supervisory experience.
• State certification of professional librarianship from the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners required.
• Valid driver's license.

Nice To Haves

• Extensive knowledge of current library principles and practices and their implementation in a community library serving patrons of all ages, abilities, and life situations.
• Vision and creativity in developing planning initiatives that ensure that the library continues to respond to the changing needs of Andover residents.
• Ability to initiate and complete a Long-Range Planning process, involving all stakeholders and develop plans and action items to achieve the goals and objectives in the Library's Long-Range Plan.
• Capability and knowledge to work closely with the Town Facilities department to maintain and improve the Library's building and grounds.
• Capacity to work closely with other Town departments to achieve mutual goals and advance Town-wide priorities.
• Leadership, planning, management, organizational and supervisory skills; ability to direct the work of professionals and non-professionals.
• Excellent financial management and budgeting skills.
• Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing; to establish positive public relations for the Library and for the Town.
• Exemplary interpersonal skills, relying on collaboration and cooperation with all stakeholders to achieve positive results.
• Ability to work with a citizen board (Library Board of Trustees) in the context of a Town Manager form of government.
• Extensive knowledge of automated library systems and other library related software.
• Ability to use standard software packages and learn new applications quickly.
• Commitment to doing all work through a lens of diversity, equity, inclusion, and anti-racism.

Responsibilities

• Develop and communicate the mission, vision, and values of the Library to staff, trustees, town leaders and the community and provide leadership that will result in its implementation.
• Plan and supervise the overall operation of the Library, and direct professional, paraprofessional, clerical and maintenance staff.
• Recruit, interview, and recommend appointments of personnel.
• Balance the needs of all Library functions, including Administration, Human Resources, Collection Development, Circulation, Reference, Technical Services, Teen Services, Children's Services, Technology, and Programming.
• Exercise high degree of independence and initiative in planning and administration.
• Develop programs and make recommendations for Library building and service improvements.
• Implement approved policies and procedures.
• Prioritize and plan for customer service excellence.
• Evaluate library services in relation to defined goals and objectives.
• Advise the Library Trustees in formulating library policies; provide recommendations to the Town Manager on town policies affecting the Library.
• Meet with the Town Manager and other Town department heads to provide input into town wide plans, programs, and coordination of Town services.
• Develop and submit annual Library budget and supporting information.
• Oversee the judicious expenditure of all appropriated town funds, gift monies, state aid awards and grant monies.
• Ensure that the library complies with regulations and standards promulgated by the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners; submits required state aid documentation.
• Prioritize programming for patrons of all ages in response to the Library's changing role as a community space in the heart of Andover.
• Promote and publicize library activities and maintain favorable public relations.
• Collaborate with community groups within the Town to enhance patron access to information, materials, and programs, and publicize community events that are of interest to our residents.
• Partner with Andover Recreation, Youth Services, and schools to enhance library services to children and teens.
• Work with the Andover Elder Services Department to enhance library services to seniors.
• Actively participate in the Merrimack Valley Library Consortium and greater Massachusetts library community to improve access to shared library resources, services, and programs.
• Support the Friends of Memorial Hall Library in their efforts to raise funds for Library programs and services.
• Cooperate with all Town departments to advance overall Town goals.
• Work effectively with Town Facilities, Town Public Works, and private contractors to maintain and improve the Library building and grounds.
• Make changes to the library building, as needed, to ensure that the Library meets the evolving needs of the community.
• Develop policies and procedures to ensure the safety and comfort of all patrons using the building and grounds.
• Plan and monitor the continuous updating of computerized systems for circulation, reference, data collection, promotion, and multi-library network sharing.
• Support the development of technology solutions to help Library staff and patrons be more productive.
• Participate and play a leadership role in MVLC network activities, with emphasis on improving our shared public access catalog and shared technology tools.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Industry: Educational Services
• Education Level: Master's degree