Library Director

Description: Under the general direction of the Library Board of Trustees, administers the overall program of public library services in accordance with the policies established by the Library Board. Unless otherwise stated, all duties, responsibilities and qualifications stated herein are essential functions of this position. 

Interested candidates should apply online by submitting an application, cover letter, resume, and three professional references.

DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Implements the policies and goals of the library established by the Library Board. 
2. Develops the annual library budget proposal for review by the Library Board and participates in presentation of the budget to city officials. Expends funds, including trust fund income, within established guidelines. 
3. Implements Board-approved capital improvement projects. Leads staff, volunteers, and community members in capital campaign and execution of library expansion. Is the primary liaison between the Library Board, staff, volunteers, architects, fundraising consultants, city officials, and others involved in expansion planning, implementation, and completion of projects.
4. Researches, negotiates, and oversees the implementation of contracts in accordance with procedures established by the Library Board and consistent with city procedures. 
5. Responsible for recruiting, selecting, hiring, supervising, evaluating, and terminating staff in conformity with city and Library Board regulations. Recommends improvements in staffing, organization, salaries, and benefits to the Board. 
6. Oversees staff training and continuing education. 
7. Ensures that all library staff members are evaluated at least once per calendar year, and encourages staff members to improve their job performance. Reports the status of evaluations and other staff-related issues to the Library Board. 
8. Oversees the recruitment and training of volunteers to perform appropriate tasks. 
9. Ensures that staff understand the service-oriented nature of public library work and the critical need to maintain positive relationships and attitudes with patrons. 
10. Oversees preparation of Library Board meeting agendas and necessary reports in cooperation with the Board President and various committee chairs. Attends Library Board meetings. 
11. Maintains Trustee Handbook and performs orientation sessions for new trustees.
12. Reviews Library invoices, prepares bills lists, and ensures timely payment of bills. Negotiates with vendors to provide best services at lowest cost. Prepares weekly deposits. 
13. Oversees the maintenance of all necessary library statistical and financial records. 
14. Directs and supervises the maintenance of the library building and grounds and ensures a safe and orderly environment for staff and patrons. 
15. Informs and advises the Library Board as to local, regional, state, and national developments in the library field and maintains communication with other area libraries. 
16. Conducts ongoing evaluation of existing library programs, services, policies, and procedures and submits recommendations for improvements to the Library Board. 
17. Assists the Library Board in developing mission, vision, strategic plans, and goals and objectives for the library and ensures that library services meet community needs.
18. Oversees the library's ongoing collection development plan and supervises the selection, purchase, and withdrawal of library materials in accordance with that plan. 
19. Oversees the library's overall public relations and communications plans and oversees the promotion of library services and programs through local media, social media, brochures, displays, presentations to community groups, and other appropriate methods. 
20. Supervises the growth and development of a strong and active volunteer association ("Friends" group) to promote Library services and advocate for the Library within the Baraboo/Sauk County community. 
21. Represents the library at the county level and within the South Central Library System. Actively participates in other professional library organizations and continues professional development by attending library workshops, conferences, and seminars and by reading professional literature. Maintains Wisconsin Grade 1 Librarian Certification. 
22. Maintains knowledge of and uses the information resources available from other libraries, the library system, and other sources in the community, county, and state. 
23. Assist as needed giving direct assistance to library users in person or by phone, including information and reference service to the public using print and online resources, checking items out and in; assistance meeting information needs; instruction using the internet, library database and SCLS online resources; readers’ advisory; and basic computer troubleshooting.

KNOWLEDGE/ABILITIES

1. Broad understanding of library and information science, library organization and administration, and methods and procedures as they apply to public library administration. 
2. Ability to hire, train, supervise, motivate, and discipline employees, coordinate and delegate workloads and work schedules, evaluate work performance, and maintain high standards of library service and staff morale. 
3. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with library trustees and staff, volunteer groups, city, state, and county officials, the general public, and community groups. 
4. Ability to work with outside consultants, including architects and fundraising professionals, to manage the expansion of library facilities and services. 
5. Grant writing ability and the ability to advocate for Library funding and ask agencies and individuals for financial support. 
6. Ability to interpret statistical data, analyze information, evaluate programs, and prepare clear and concise reports and recommendations. 
7. Ability to understand, develop, interpret, and enforce library policies, rules, and procedures and to make recommendations to the Library Board. 
8. Ability to guide and direct the growth and development of the library. 
9. Knowledge and understanding of computers, library automation systems, and networks; awareness of developments in library technology. 
10. Ability to identify problems and opportunities; review available information and alternative courses of action; develop feasible, realistic solutions to problems; and recommend steps designed to prevent problems from occurring. 
11. Develop long-range plans to solve complex problems or take advantage of opportunities; establish systematic methods of accomplishing goals. 
12. Effectively communicate ideas and information both orally and in writing. 
13. Read and understand information contained in memoranda, reports, bulletins and printed materials. 
14. Evaluate and make independent decisions based upon experience, knowledge, or training without supervision. 
15. Ability to construct and manage budgets using computer spreadsheets and other software. 
16. Effectively manage time and workload to set priorities and meet deadlines. 

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

1. Required: MLS degree from an ALA accredited university or program.
2. Required: At least 2 years public library experience
3. Preferred: Five or more years progressively responsible library experience, including significant administrative experience
4. Required: Management /supervisory experience 
5. Required: Keyboarding, computer skills, and general office skills
6. Required: Current driver’s license and use of personal vehicle

EQUIPMENT USED:

Includes book cart, building security system, calculator, camera, computer and peripherals such as printers and scanners, copy machine, media players, fax machine, microfilm reader-printers, paper cutter, paper shredder, popular consumer electronic devices, digital projector, telephone, smartphone.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS OF THE POSITION

1. Sitting, standing, walking, climbing and stooping.
2. Bending/twisting and reaching.
3. Talking and hearing; use of telephone.
4. Far vision at 20 feet or further; near vision at 20 inches or less; use of computers.
5. Lifting and carrying: 50 pounds or less.
6. Handling, processing, picking up and shelving library materials.
7. Fingering: keyboarding, writing, filing, sorting, shelving and processing.
8. Pushing and pulling: objects weighing 60-80 pounds on wheels.