LIBRARY DIRECTOR
DEFINITION
The director serves as administrator of the library, and plans, organizes and administers the operation of the library according to the policies, rules and authority delegated by the Board of Trustees. The director provides vision and direction and works collaboratively with staff and the community to further the mission of the Library by developing new opportunities for community involvement, staff development and forward-oriented library services. NOTE: The examples of work for this title are for illustrative purposes only. A particular position using this title may not perform all duties listed in this job specification. Conversely, all duties performed on the job may not be listed.
EXAMPLES OF WORK
- Assists the Library Board in developing a long-range plan that promotes and supports the organization's mission and strategic direction.
- Assesses strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and challenges to the organization and develops strategies for dealing with them effectively.
- Prepares annual operating and capital budgets that reflect the library's mission. Establishes processes for budget implementation.
- Creates a culture that promotes positive change and a climate for excellence.
- Recruits, hires, trains, supervises and evaluates professional and support library staff. Establishes policies and funding for in-service training and continuing education for employees.
- Establishes, formulates and recommends policies to the Library Board. Implements and reviews library policies, procedures and practices. Interprets policies to the library staff and the general public.
- Studies the community and directs the development of a balanced program of library services designed to meet the needs of all the people in the community.
- Develops, implements and evaluates a marketing plan for the library.
- Integrates current technology and means of communication into relevant areas of library service.
- Assures that the library's materials, programs, services and buildings meet the evolving needs of the community.
- Reviews programs and operations to identify and analyze problem areas.
- Prepares narrative, financial and statistical reports.
- Prepares for and attends Library Board meetings. Plans and conducts regularly scheduled staff meetings. Represents the library at professional meetings, conferences and seminars.
- Investigates and applies for additional sources of funding such as grants. Works with library support groups and other community organizations to develop support for the library. Seeks out other libraries for the advantage of group discounts, shared grants and networking.
- Monitors legislation related to libraries and keeps library board and appropriate municipal officials and library staff informed.
- Establishes and maintains effective work relationships with the board of trustees, municipal officials, departmental personnel, Friends of the Library, community organizations, school groups, library associates and the general public.
- Creates an environment that welcomes diversity and promotes literacy.
- Promotes intellectual freedom and equal access to information.
REQUIREMENTS
EDUCATION: An ALA accredited degree or a Professional Librarian's Certificate issued by Thomas Edison State College.
EXPERIENCE: Five (5) years of library experience including work in the service, circulation, and reference areas, two (2) years of which shall have been in a supervisory capacity.
LICENSE: Appointees may be required to possess a Professional Librarian's Certificate issued by Thomas Edison State College. Appointees will be required to possess a driver's license valid in New Jersey only if the operation of a vehicle, rather than employee mobility, is necessary to perform the essential duties of the position.
KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES
- Exhibits strong leadership skills.
- Ability to be flexible, self-directed and productive. Ability to think critically to solve problems. Ability to think creatively and implement ideas.
- Ability to work creatively and collaboratively with others.
- Ability to communicate effectively and share knowledge with others using oral, written and electronic communication skills.
- Thorough knowledge of the theories, principles and techniques of librarianship. Thorough knowledge of library administration and management techniques, including New Jersey Library Laws. Thorough knowledge of the functions and responsibilities of a library board of trustees.
- Knowledge of library, informational and global trends.
- Ability to create and implement a marketing strategy.
- Ability to identify and customize innovative programs and services and integrate new technologies into library service.
- Ability to analyze, comprehend and use current approved public library standards, methods and techniques.
- Ability to administer the library according to accepted practices and legal requirements including creating a budget, expending funds, conducting performance appraisals and disciplinary actions.
- Ability to coordinate library services and programs to achieve maximum efficiency and proper use of available funds, personnel, equipment, materials, and supplies.
- Ability to oversee a collection development plan, which includes approved selection methods, classification and cataloging and related technical administration.
- Ability to prepare and present accurate and informative statistical and technical reports.
- Ability to develop and manage convenient, accessible and cost-effective facilities and services that promote and support the organization's mission and strategic direction.
- Ability to handle personnel issues in a positive and responsive manner.
- Ability to take and maintain a firm stands when differences of opinion and interpretation arise.
- Commitment to continuing education especially in the areas of current library services and technology including trends and innovations.
- Commitment to active participation in professional library associations and community organizations.
- Ability to learn to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems used by the agency, office, or related units.
- Ability to read, writes, speak, understand, or communicate in English sufficiently to perform the duties of this position. American Sign Language or Braille may also be considered as acceptable forms of communication.
- Persons with mental or physical disabilities are eligible as long as they can perform the essential functions of the job after reasonable accommodation is made to their known limitations. If the accommodation cannot be made because it would cause the employer undue hardship, such persons may not be eligible.
Reviewed:
June, 2011
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