Technical Services Director

TLCPL•Toledo, OH

5d•Onsite

About The Position

Reporting to the Chief Library Services Officer, the Technical Services Director provides leadership and oversight for all departments within Technical Services, including Acquisitions, Cataloging, and Processing. The position is responsible for the overall management of Technical Services operations, including staffing, library materials workflows, budgets, vendors, systems, and departmental procedures. The Technical Services Director works with other library leaders to coordinate services and support the timely availability of library materials to the public. The incumbent will have strong leadership skills, can demonstrate independent decision-making abilities resulting in higher consequences of work, and can demonstrate a commitment to TLCPL’s mission and values, including being welcoming, innovative, objective, accountable, and collaborative.

Requirements

Ability to work accurately with attention to detail.
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
Knowledge of the ILS and other technology specific to acquisitions, cataloging, serials, processing, and preservation.
Knowledge of MARC records and Dewey Decimal Classification.
Knowledge of library principles and practices of library science and management.
Knowledge of current library methods and a demonstrated ability to implement new services.
Excellent interpersonal skills and a demonstrated ability to work effectively, independently and cooperatively with colleagues, staff and demonstrated ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing.
A demonstrated ability to build consensus and motivate staff.
Ability to plan, assign, delegate, manage, and evaluate the work of the professional and support staff.
A bachelor's degree in a related field. (Required)
Master of Library Science (MLS) or Master of Library and Information Science (MLIS) from an ALA-accredited library school. (Required)
A minimum of four (4) years supervisory experience. (Required)
A minimum of four (8) years of professional library experience (Required)
Valid driver’s license; must be insured and meet Ohio’s minimum coverage requirement for auto insurance.
Must meet insurance eligibility requirements of the Library’s insurance carrier under the Library’s Motor Vehicle Use Policy.

Nice To Haves

Direct experience in Technical Services.
Experience in bibliographic database management and knowledge of system hardware and software.

Responsibilities

Develops, implements, and evaluates Technical Services policies, procedures, and standards to promote consistent, equitable, efficient, and effective operations and service.
Provides leadership, coaching, and guidance to Technical Services staff and fosters effective communication, collaboration, and professional development within the department.
Collaborates with Library Services Directors and other library leaders to coordinate Technical Services operations with system-wide priorities, including collection development, customer service, discovery, and other library services.
Establishes short- and long-term goals and priorities for Technical Services aligned with the Library’s strategic direction and evaluates progress toward departmental and organizational objectives.
Evaluates operational practices, service trends, emerging technologies, and customer needs to identify opportunities for innovation, efficiency, and continuous improvement.
Provides leadership and subject matter expertise for Technical Services functions within the ILS and participates in the general oversight and strategic planning of the system, including system development, implementation, problem resolution, data integrity, and staff training.
Coordinates the workflow of library materials through acquisition, cataloging, processing, and preparation for availability, ensuring effective coordination of staff, systems, resources, and established standards.
Provides strategic oversight of Technical Services vendor relationships and contracts, including negotiation of pricing, terms, services, and performance expectations; resolves significant vendor issues and ensures compliance with contractual agreements.
Provides fiscal oversight of the Library’s materials budget, including budget planning, monitoring, forecasting, and expenditure review, promoting responsible stewardship of resources and adherence to established purchasing practices.
Leads and coordinates department-wide projects, initiatives, and operational changes, including the implementation of new technologies, services, systems, and workflows.
Prepares and analyzes reports, statistics, and other information to support operational planning, decision-making, resource allocation, and evaluation of Technical Services operations.
Determines appropriate staffing levels and distribution of work; hires, selects, supervises, coaches, and evaluates Technical Services staff in accordance with Library policies and practices.
Promotes a culture of diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging for staff and customers and performs other related duties necessary for the efficient operation of the Library.