Library Director

City of Bentonville•Bentonville, AR

2d•$88,088 - $96,897

About The Position

The Library Director plans and administers the City’s library services, including long-range planning for 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 at Bentonville Public Library and, as directed by the Mayor, the Bentonville History Museum. Bentonville Public Library employs approximately 30 full-time-equivalent staff, has annual salaries and benefits exceeding $1.5 million, and an operating budget of approximately $2 million. The position reports directly to the Mayor of Bentonville. The Director develops and implements library services, policies, procedures, and programs in line with the library’s mission and goals. The role calls for professional library and information science expertise, strong communication and leadership skills, and a commitment to mentoring staff and providing excellent customer service. The Director works with staff, patrons, City administration, community members, vendors, and library support groups to deliver effective services and plan for the future. The Director administers the library budget, oversees staff and facilities, guides collection development and technology, and represents the library in public and professional settings. The position may include providing direct library and information assistance, participating in opening and closing the library, and performing circulation, adult reference, or children’s services as needed. The work schedule may include evening and Saturday rotations.

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, three years of supervisory experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Professional communication and leadership skills to manage and mentor library staff.
Ability to read, analyze, and interpret complex documents and respond effectively to sensitive inquiries or complaints.
Ability to write speeches and articles using original or innovative techniques or style, and to deliver persuasive presentations on complex or controversial topics to management, public groups, or boards.
Ability to calculate common figures and amounts and apply basic algebra and geometry.
Ability to solve practical problems with limited standardization and interpret written, oral, diagrammed, or scheduled 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 and handle stressful situations.
Ability to meet the physical demands of the job, including frequent standing, walking, sitting, use of hands, reaching, and communication; prolonged standing; occasional climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, or crawling; regularly lifting or moving up to 10 pounds and occasionally up to 25 pounds; and the specified close, distance, color, peripheral, and depth vision and focus adjustment.
Ability to work a schedule that may require evening and Saturday rotations.

Responsibilities

Lead the department’s development and implementation of library services, policies, procedures, and programs in accordance with the library’s mission and goals.
Develop and deliver community library services and oversee staff training on new technology and applications.
Uphold the American Library Association’s Code of Ethics, Library Bill of Rights, and Freedom to Read statements.
Mentor library staff and promote excellent customer service; initiate projects and support staff leaders in developing procedures.
Resolve customer complaints professionally and promptly, resolve issues involving library rules, and maintain confidentiality of customer records and transactions.
Maintain communication with library staff, patrons, City administration, the local community, vendors, and library support groups to develop effective services, policies, and long-range plans.
Plan and conduct staff meetings, support library board meetings, attend City, community, and professional meetings, and present information publicly on behalf of the library.
Prepare library policies for City Administration approval, implement policy decisions, and develop strategic plans and marketing for library services.
Analyze administrative policies, work procedures, and usage data to evaluate the effectiveness of library services.
Gather statistical data, assess population and community growth, and analyze building plans to determine whether library programs and facilities can support expansion.
Participate in professional associations, conferences, workshops, training, and library-related forums, and review professional publications to keep current with library issues and trends.
Prepare and administer the library budget, coordinate budget estimates, control expenditures, seek funding sources including grants, and approve gifts.
Authorize invoice payments and oversee compliance with purchasing and contractual requirements.
Oversee facility and grounds maintenance and repairs, and approve facility plans, designs, improvements, and construction projects.
Oversee press releases and other marketing efforts to increase awareness and support of library programs.
Represent the library at community activities, events, and committees, provide outreach services, and conduct library tours.
Provide library and information assistance, participate in opening and closing the library, secure the facility at closing, and perform circulation, adult reference, and children’s services as needed.
Supervise and approve librarians’ programming, including storytimes, crafts, summer reading, film programs, computer workshops, book discussions, and other services based on community needs.
Maintain authority over the library collection; approve purchases of books and other materials; and supervise and approve collection development and management practices.
Evaluate integrated library automation systems and recommend improvements; keep abreast of information technologies to meet changing public needs.
Build and maintain positive relationships with publishers and library vendors, and respond to vendor and staff requests for account information.
As directed by the Mayor, oversee operations, personnel, budget, strategic projects, and policies at the Bentonville History Museum.
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.