Library Director

Joining the team at Gaston County Government means being part of a community that is dedicated to improving the lives of its citizens. We are a dynamic organization that values innovation, collaboration, and commitment to service.

As an employee of Gaston County, you will have the opportunity to make a difference in your community every day. Whether you are working in public safety, social services, or administration, your contributions will help improve the lives of our residents and build a better future for our county.

The Library Director performs professional level administrative work in the planning, organizing, directing, and managing the work of various divisions and branches of a multi-location County-wide public library system.  This work requires integrating efforts and plans with community leaders and organizations in developing programs to meet the library needs of citizens.  Emphasis of the work is on performing managerial duties related to facility, personnel, and fiscal resource management.  Work is performed with a considerable degree of independence and is evaluated by County Administration through written reports, personal conferences, attainment of stated performance objectives, and public acceptance and use of library services.

The Library Director needs to have a broad vision and understanding of libraries, with skills in future thinking and innovation. The position works closely with the Assistant Director of Systems and Main Library and the Assistant Director of Branch and Outreach Services to coordinate quality programming and services to the diverse users of the Library. The position also works closely with the Executive Assistant to oversee and monitor the budget and expenditures across all ten locations. Flexibility, project management, process management, supervision, communication, motivation, innovation, and a passion for public libraries are key factors for the position. 

The Director and Assistant Directors work with the Library Leadership Team in planning and implementing library services; planning budgets; creating and implementing Strategic Plans; planning and implementing programming; proposing and implementing policies; facility maintenance and improvements; workplace safety and security; and short/long-range planning. 

The duties listed below are not all that may be assigned but are those that are considered essential for an employee to perform.

• Creates a positive environment that provides excellent customer service, leads to positive user experiences, and that is welcoming and inclusive to all.
• Plans, organizes, and directs the work of all administrative, technical, and public service sections (7) and branches (10) of the County-wide library system. Ascertains the community's library service needs and makes recommendations to County officials and the Library Board of Trustees regarding the provision of library resources and services to meet those needs
• Prepares and presents the annual Library departmental (County) budget for review by the Library Board of Trustees and County Board of Commissioners approval.   Compiles and delivers financial and statistical reports to local and State officials and the general public.   Oversees the expenditures of all funds received for Library services --County, State, Federal, grants and gifts & donations.
• Manages Library personnel in accordance with established Gaston County Personnel Policies and procedures.  Interviews and selects new hires and monitors performance of all Library employees.   Supervises corrective and disciplinary actions.  Determines appropriate divisions of labor, defines job descriptions, and maintains the library organizational chart accordingly.

• Develops policies and procedures for effective and efficient delivery of services in conjunction with the library's established mission statement, goals, and objectives.  Presents policy and service plan revisions for Library Board approval.  Completes and submits required annual State Aid application forms and documents to the State Library.
• Establishes and maintains effective working relationships with library employees, local and State officials, other governmental agencies, community organizations, businesses, local media, and the general public. Promotes the Library via marketing initiatives and active civic participation.  Advises and collaborates with the Friends of the Library nonprofit affiliate.
• Monitors the physical condition and maintenance of Library properties - buildings, grounds, equipment, furnishings - and pursues appropriate remedies and improvements.  Oversees Library collection development processes to assure public access to quality, up-to-date print, and non-print resources.
• Serves as, or appoints an Assistant Director to serve as, Secretary of the Library Board of Trustees.  Prepares agendas, minutes, correspondence, and any/all reports needed and requested.   Advises the Board on any/all matters of policy and Library administration.  Attends all meetings and keeps the Board informed regarding Library issues and activities - current, ongoing, upcoming.
• In collaboration with designated authorities and community representatives, develops and maintains an overall comprehensive service plan for the library system.   Collects and interprets data, analyzes issues and trends, and provides administrative insight regarding implementation.
• Compliance is required with the general safety rules described in the employee handbook.  Adherence to departmental safety rules is also required.
• Serves on County committees, task forces, etc., as needed and as opportunities arise.
• Serves as coach and role model for all supervisors, managers, and staff.
• Serves as adviser and liaison for Library teams as needed.

Requires a Master's degree in Library and/or Information Science from an ALA accredited institution AND a minimum of ten (10) years of progressively responsible public library experience, five (5) years of which must have been at the supervisory and administrative level.  The coursework of the degree must include all requirements for certification by the N. C. Public Librarian Certification Commission. 

A thorough working knowledge of the principles, practices, and techniques of modern public library operation and administrative operations is required. Other requirements include: considerable knowledge of the organization and departmental functions of county and city government; thorough knowledge of and background in various types of informational materials; ability to plan, organize, and administer a public library system to meet the needs of the community; ability to deal effectively with civic and community groups; ability to present ideas effectively - orally and in writing; ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships among employees. Must be committed to working with diverse populations and creating a welcoming environment. 

MINIMUM PHYSICAL OR ABILITY REQUIREMENTS:   Must have the physical ability to bend, stoop, and to push and pull loaded carts weighing 25-50 lbs. Must have the ability to lift and maneuver crates/boxes weighing 25-50 lbs. Must be able to sit and stand for long periods of time. Must be able to operate office and computer equipment. Must be able to work nights and weekends on a varying schedule.

The candidate selected must undergo and pass a drug screening test and criminal background check prior to employment and have or qualify for and obtain a valid N.C. Driver’s License.

At Gaston County, we are committed to providing equal opportunity to all employees, job applicants, and members of the community we serve. We value diversity, equity, and inclusion, and we strive to create a welcoming and inclusive environment where everyone is treated with respect and dignity.

We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), gender identity, sexual orientation, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable laws.

Gaston County will not sponsor applicants for work visas.