Manager, Principal Librarian

The Lee County Library System is a dynamic, forward-thinking organization committed to serving our community with innovation, collaboration, and enthusiasm. We are currently seeking a Principal Librarian for the Northwest Regional Library, located in one of the fastest-growing areas of Lee County. Nestled between Mariner Middle School and Mariner High School, and surrounded by native Florida foliage, this bustling regional library is a hub of activity, especially for teens after school.

This is an exciting leadership opportunity for a community-minded professional passionate about public service, team development, and library innovation.

• Relate positively to a diverse population, communicate effectively both orally and in writing, and assist the public directly as an active member of the public service team at the branch.

• Use considerable independent judgment and initiative along with established policies and procedures to assure a competent staff and high quality service to the public.

• Interact productively with staff from library administration, library processing, and other branches.

• Provide technology training to staff and patrons.

• Explain and administer library policies and procedures.

• Actively seek and participate in professional development opportunities and stay abreast of emerging technology and trends.

• Communicate and work effectively and tactfully with co-workers, sharing information and working cohesively as a team.  

• Develop and maintain communication and contacts with nearby secondary schools and community organizations that serve teens.

• Work effectively with community groups.

• Requires any combination of education and experience equivalent to a Master's Degree in Library or Information Science, or closely related field from an accredited graduate library school program.
• Two (2) years of professional librarian or closely related experience.
• Possession of a valid driver’s license and an acceptable driving record.

• Five (5) or more years of progressively responsible professional library experience. 
• A minimum of four (4) years of supervisory or managerial experience. 
• Proficiency in Spanish (spoken and written) is highly desirable.

• Strong leadership and decision-making abilities.
• Deep knowledge of library science, reader advisory, and reference services.
• Familiarity with both print and digital research tools.
• Experience with budget preparation, grant funding, and facility management.
• Ability to communicate effectively with a diverse public, including children, teens, and non-English speakers.
• Technological adaptability and the ability to train others on new tools and systems.
• Willingness to work evenings, Saturdays, and Sundays as scheduled.
• Flexibility to transfer to other branches as needed for organizational needs.

Work Schedule

• Full-time, 80 hours bi-weekly.
• Schedule includes evenings, Saturdays, and some Sundays.
• Flexibility required based on branch and community needs.

Why Northwest Regional Library?

EMERGENCY RESPONSE/RECOVERY ACTIVITIES:

All County employees are required to work before, during, or after an emergency as needed. This may include temporarily being assigned to work and performing duties outside of the normal scope of their position, location and work schedule to fit the needs of the County and its citizens.

DISCLAIMER: The above information on this description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities and qualifications required of employees assigned to this classification. All positions are subject to a criminal background check. A conviction in and of itself may not necessarily preclude employment. Some positions may be subject to a pre-employment drug screening. Certain service members and veterans, and the spouses and family members of such service members and veterans, who claim and meet eligibility requirements of veterans preference, receive preference and priority in employment and are encouraged to apply.