Library Director

City of Bentonville•Bentonville, AR

About The Position

The Library Director plans and administers the full program of library services for the City of Bentonville, including long-range library growth, and serves as an integral member of the City’s management team. The Director leads daily operations, personnel, budgets, strategic projects, and policies for Bentonville Public Library and, as directed by the Mayor, the Bentonville History Museum. The position reports directly to the Mayor of Bentonville. Bentonville Public Library employs approximately 30 full-time-equivalent staff, with annual salaries and benefits exceeding $1.5 million and an operating budget of approximately $2 million. The Director leads the development and delivery of library services, policies, procedures, and programs in accordance with the library’s mission and goals. The role requires professional library experience, strong communication and leadership skills, and an engaged, mentoring approach to staff leadership and customer service. The Director applies professional principles of library and information sciences, upholds the American Library Association’s Code of Ethics, Library Bill of Rights, and Freedom to Read Statement, and maintains confidentiality of customer records and transactions. The position oversees staffing and supervision, strategic planning, marketing, budgeting, funding development, collection management, technology, facilities, and community outreach. The Director represents the library at City, community, and professional meetings, prepares public presentations, supports library board meetings, and works with staff, patrons, City administration, vendors, and community groups to provide effective library services. Duties may include assisting with circulation, adult reference, children’s services, opening and closing the facility, and securing it at closing. Work schedules may include evening and Saturday rotations. The work environment ranges from quiet to noisy depending on activity and usage levels.

Requirements

Master of Science degree in Library/Information Science from an American Library Association-accredited institution.
Ten or more years of related experience and/or training, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Three years of supervisory experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Professional communication skills and leadership qualities sufficient to manage library staff and address sensitive inquiries or complaints.
Ability to read, analyze, and interpret complex documents; write speeches and articles; and deliver persuasive presentations to management, public groups, and boards.
Ability to calculate figures and amounts and apply basic algebra and geometry.
Ability to solve practical problems in situations with limited standardization and interpret written, oral, diagrammatic, or schedule-based instructions.
Working knowledge of computer and network operating systems, Microsoft Office, automated systems, online systems, and Internet resources.
Ability to work independently and cooperatively in a team environment, handle stressful situations, and maintain confidentiality of customer records and transactions.
Ability to perform the physical demands of the position, including frequent standing, walking, sitting, reaching, handling items, and communicating; occasional climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, or crawling; and regularly lifting or moving up to 10 pounds and occasionally up to 25 pounds.
Ability to work a schedule that may include evening and Saturday rotations.

Responsibilities

Lead the development and implementation of library services, policies, procedures, and programs in accordance with the library’s mission and goals.
Lead development and delivery of library services to the community and mentor staff with a focus on excellent customer service.
Train staff in the use and support of new technology and applications.
Maintain effective communication with library staff, patrons, City administration, the community, vendors, and library support groups.
Plan and conduct staff meetings and support library board meetings.
Participate in community and professional meetings, attend City and community meetings as a library representative, and prepare and deliver public presentations.
Prepare library policies for City Administration approval and create, interpret, implement, and recommend library policies and procedures.
Develop strategic planning and marketing for library services, including overseeing press releases and other public-awareness efforts.
Resolve customer complaints and issues concerning library rules and regulations in a timely and professional manner.
Analyze administrative policies, work procedures, and library usage data to assess the effectiveness of services.
Gather statistical information and evaluate building plans and community growth to assess library programs and expansion needs.
Participate in professional associations, conferences, workshops, training, forums, and review of professional publications to stay current on library issues and trends.
Prepare and administer the library budget; coordinate estimates, control expenditures, and seek new funding sources, including through grant writing.
Approve gifts, authorize invoice payments, and oversee compliance with purchasing and contractual requirements.
Oversee facility and grounds maintenance and repair, and approve plans, designs, improvements, and construction projects.
Provide community outreach, represent the library at events and committees, conduct library tours, and provide library and information assistance to users.
Participate in opening and closing the library and securing the facility; perform circulation, adult reference, and children’s services as needed.
Supervise and approve librarians’ value-added programming, including storytimes, crafts, summer reading, film programs, computer workshops, book discussions, and other community-based programs.
Maintain authority over the library collection, approve material purchases, and supervise and approve collection development and management practices.
Evaluate integrated library automated systems and recommend improvements; stay informed about information technologies to meet changing public needs.
Build and maintain relationships with publishers and library vendors and respond to account-information requests from vendors and staff.
Direct, coordinate, and evaluate the unit; interview, hire, train, assign, and direct employees; appraise performance; reward and discipline employees; and address complaints and resolve problems.
Oversee the Bentonville History Museum’s operations, personnel, budget, strategic projects, and policies as directed by the Mayor.