Library Director, (B253510-2), 217, Main Branch

SALARY: Negotiable depending on qualifications and experience

The City of Laredo is seeking an experienced, visionary, and service-driven Library Director to lead one of South Texas's most vital cultural and educational institutions. Serving a vibrant and diverse population of over 250,000 residents, the Laredo Public Library system plays a key role in advancing literacy, digital inclusion, and lifelong learning across all ages. This is a unique opportunity for a proven library executive lo shape the future of public information access, civic engagement, and community empowerment in a fast-growing border city rich in heritage and opportunity.

The Laredo Public Library System operates multiple full-service branches, including the 60,000-square-foot Main Library. With over 48 staff members, 11 of whom are professional librarians, the library system offers robust programming, technology access, bilingual services, digital resources, and specialized community outreach initiatives. The Library is a cornerstone of the City's educational and cultural infrastructure, with strong community partnerships and a forward-looking approach to service delivery.

The Library Director provides strategic leadership and administrative oversight for the City of Laredo 's public library system. This position is responsible for planning, directing, coordinating, and evaluating the daily operations, programs, and services across all library branches to ensure alignment with the City's mission, departmental goals, and community needs. The Director ensures full compliance with applicable policies, standards, and regulations; leads the development and management of operating budgets, capital projects, grant initiatives, and funding proposals; and fosters inclusive access lo library resources through effective service planning and resource allocation.

In addition, the Director serves as the public face of the library system, actively engaging with community stakeholders, advocacy groups, and partner organizations to strengthen civic and educational impact. The role requires a collaborative and forward-thinking leader who can represent the library's vision with professionalism and credibility, promote innovation in library services, and cultivate a welcoming, informed, and literate community.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

The intent of this job description is to provide a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities performed by employees in this job. Employees may be requested to perform job-related tasks other than those specifically presented in this description.

• Provides leadership and direction in the development of short and long range library plans; Develops, implements and enforces City and departmental goals and objectives; monitors day-to-day activities to ensure accomplishment of the same.
• Ensures the smooth day-to-day operation of the library system; plans, directs, coordinates and monitors operations and activities of all the library.
• Plans, schedules and assigns work; instructs and trains employees in proper methods and procedures; checks and approves work in progress and upon completion and directs changes as needed; studies and standardizes procedures to improve efficiency and effectiveness of operations; supervises (directly and indirectly) staff (currently 48 staff members including 11 professional librarians).
• Plans and develops the library budget; monitors revenues and approves and monitors all expenditures; ensures compliance within budget limitations and assures sound fiscal control; performs cost control activities; prepares quarterly financial reports ensuring the accuracy and completeness of the same; assists in the development of requests for proposals when needed.
• Plans, develops, monitors and evaluates programming and services to meet the community's needs and library's goals and objectives as determined on an annual basis.
• Develops and monitors policies, procedures and systems of control for circulation, cataloging, acquisitions, children's services, youth services, adult services and reference services.
• Develops, executes and monitors library promotional initiatives; promotes interest in library programs through publicity, program brochures, cooperation with various community groups, and public contacts; prepares or reviews promotional materials that inform the public of library services, programs, resources, policies, etc.
• Gathers, interprets, and prepares data for studies, reports and recommendations; coordinates department activities with other departments and agencies as needed.
• Prepares or reviews grant applications in support of library development and operations.
• Develops and presents Council communications, requests for proposals and grant applications.
• Performs employee recruitment activities for vacant positions; screens and evaluates applicants and interviews; recommends hiring and firing.
• Makes recommendations regarding employee job performance and conducts performance evaluations; recommends salary adjustments and merit increases; takes disciplinary actions when needed.
• Prepares reports to Texas State Library and South Texas Library Systems; ensures the accuracy, completeness and timeliness of the same.
• Ensures that Library meets minimum standards for accreditation in the Texas State Library – State Library System on an annual basis.
• Ensures that Library strives to meet or surpass public library standards as set forth by the Joint Taskforce of the Texas State Archive and Library Commission and the Texas Library Association.
• Ensures proper preparation of orders in compliance with City and departmental policies and procedures; approves library purchase orders at the division level.
• Ensures book and other item purchases are appropriate for effective collection development; oversees the selection and general collection of books and other items contained in the library; reviews books, periodicals and collections.
• Communicates with library support groups and assigned groups such the Friends of Laredo Public Library, Inc., Library Advisory Committee, Fine Arts & Culture Commission, Laredo Commission for Women, etc.; builds and maintains effective working relationships with the same.
• Travels out-of-town to attend workshops and seminars for continuing education as required by the Texas State Library accreditation standards as well as for operational purposes.
• Assists in maintaining good communication between staff, visitors and other business contacts; Maintains harmony among workers and resolves grievances.
• Performs all duties of other staff as the demand necessitates in order for operations to continue or other related work as required.
• Supervises the control of, and is responsible for all materials and supplies used in the maintenance and repair of library facilities; assures that library facilities and equipment are maintained properly, and coordinates maintenance and repair function.
• Participates in community activities; builds and maintains effective relationships with others; projects a positive and professional image of the library system.
• Polices library for undesirable patrons or activity; initiates appropriate actions to eliminate or resolve problems.
• Monitors City of Laredo Libraries; supervises personnel, buys books, approves expenditures requests, and compiles and analyzes statistics.
• Prepares book orders in compliance with departmental policies and procedures; ensures book purchases are appropriate for effective collection development.
• Plans and implements an integrated Library Automation System.
• Develops and teaches research method classes for college students; ensures that information taught represents up-to date accomplishments and advances in the area of library research.
• Enforces the laws and regulations pertaining to Freedom of Information and Privacy Acts.
• Will be required to drive a City vehicle for City business use.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

• Knowledge of the principles and practices of library operations, administration and management including history of libraries, library ethics, public and technical service procedures, classification schemes and professional resources.
• Knowledge of practices and concepts of librarianship and information science.
• Knowledge of budget preparation and general accounting skills.
• Knowledge of personnel and organizational management principles and practices.
• Knowledge of the principles and practices of library programming.
• Knowledge of laws and regulations pertaining to the Freedom of Information, Privacy Acts, and Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA).
• Knowledge of creative public relations techniques and ability to project a positive and professional image of the library system.
• Knowledge of basic computer theory, library automation, MARC cataloging formats, and database searching and analytics.

• Ability to interpret and enforce laws, established policies and procedures, rules and regulations pertaining to library administration
• Ability to conduct reference interviews and retrieve information quickly.
• Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing in English and Spanish language.
• Ability to prepare and maintain accurate reports and records.
• Ability to prepare and monitor a budget and to ensure compliance with budget limitations.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective professional working relationships.
• Ability to project a positive and professional image of the City of Laredo.
• Ability to deal with other employees and the public tactfully and courteously.
• Ability to maintain good planning and organizational skills.
• Ability to supervise effectively.
• Ability to multitask while under constant interruption and change.
• Ability to grasp abstract concepts and apply them to library operations.
• Ability to use computer hardware, various software programs and technologies, including word processing and spreadsheet programs.
• Ability to maintain valid Texas Driver License and a good driving record.
• Ability to maintain harmonious and effective working relationships with other employees.
• Required to comply with all City of Laredo's policies and procedures.
• Ability to maintain good health and physical condition sufficient to permit the full performance of the duties of the position.
• Ability to perform other duties as assigned.
• Strong service orientation, team building skills and the ability to work in a setting with a diverse array of personnel.

WORK ENVIRONMENT/CONDITIONS AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Physical Effort Requirements Position will have the following exposures

• Office or similar indoor environment, relatively free from unpleasant environmental conditions or hazards.
• Exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally, a negligible amount of force frequently, and/or constantly having to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects, including the human body. Sedentary work involves sitting most of the time. Jobs are sedentary if walking and standing are required only occasionally, and all other sedentary criteria are met.

Work Environment Locations Position will require the employee to work in the following types of work environments
 
 Never

• Street environment (near moving traffic)
• Construction site

Sometimes

• Outdoor environment
• Confined space 
• Vehicles
• Warehouse environment

Often

• Office or similar indoor environment

Exposures Position will require the employee to be exposed to the following environmental elements

Never

• Extreme cold (below 32 degrees)
• Moving mechanical parts
• Fumes or airborne particles
• Toxic or caustic chemicals or substances
• Loud noises (85+ decibels such as heavy trucks, jack hammers, construction)

Seldom

• Extreme heat (above 100 degrees)
• Communicable diseases

Sometimes

• Individuals who are hostile or irate
• Individuals with known violent backgrounds

Travel Position will require the employee to travel

Never:

• International travel

Seldom:

• Regional travel
• National travel

Frequently

• Local travel

Required Education and Experience

• Master's Degree in Library Science from an American Library Association accredited program

• At least seven (7) years of progressively responsible experience working in a library

• At least three (3) years of experience as a Library Manager

Required Licenses or Certifications

• Valid Texas Driver License. If applicant holds an out-of-state license, a State of Texas Driver License must be obtained within 6 months of employment.

City of Laredo is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action/Pro Disabled and Veteran Employer. We welcome differences in the form of gender, race, ethnicity, disability, geography, socioeconomic status, age, politics, religion, philosophy, sexual orientation, or gender identity. All applicants who share this goal are encouraged to apply. Must be able to function in a principle-based organization that has a culture built on character and core values.