Librarian I – Branch Manager
Total Page:16
File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb
LIBRARIAN I – BRANCH MANAGER POSITION DESCRIPTION: The Washington County Library Branch Manager must have a passion for creating an environment of teamwork that embraces change and excellent customer service. He/she must possess effective management skills and experience and be knowledgeable about the administrative and programmatic operations of public libraries in a rural/urban setting. This is professional library work with responsibility for applying professional library and management techniques to provide services and to direct and manage a branch library. The Branch Manager has frequent contact with the public and with public officials. The Branch Manager has responsibility for promoting and expanding services, supervising clerical or paraprofessional staff, and providing training. The Branch Manager also maintains awareness of and recommends implementation of new technologies and resources to meet customer needs. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: The ideal candidate must be a successful customer service-oriented problem solver with proven ability to motivate and develop staff and have advanced computer/technology skills. This job requires regular shifts at the public service desk with work scheduled during week days, nights, and weekends. The Branch Manager must have the ability to sit or stand for prolonged periods of time and the ability to do repetitive movement. Other job requirements include typing, filing, data entry, proficient use of a personal computer and other office equipment, physical ability to push and pull loaded book trucks weighing up to 100 pounds, lift 25-pound book crates, and the ability to bend, stoop, reach, and climb. Education: A Master’s Degree in Library Science or Information Science (MLS or MLIS) or working towards a Master’s Degree in Library Science or Information Science (MLS or MLIS) AND Experience: Minimum of two (2) years of increasingly responsible professional and relevant experience. Related education and related experience may be substituted on an equal basis. PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES: The primary responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following: Directs and manages a branch library and in the absence of the library director, acts as the director of the library system. Recruits volunteers to assist with special events, assist with branch library operations, etc. Supervises branch staff and volunteers. Promotes and expands library services. Assists with the preparation and submission of grant applications to public and private entities to support and enhance library operations and services. Answers phones: reference, informational, directory assistance, etc. Explains library resources, furnishes book information, and reading guidance. Assists customers with photocopiers, computers, microfilm, and fax machine, etc. Assists customers in reference and research projects. Assists in collection maintenance: reading shelves, weeding, and inventory. Orders books, periodicals, reference materials, and non-print items for the branch libraries. Assists with obtaining books and other materials through the interlibrary loan program. Maintains frequent contact with the public and public officials. Provides training and workshops to staff and customers. Maintains awareness of and recommends implementation of new technologies and resources to meet customer needs. Establishes branch goals and objectives within parameters of the goals and objectives of the system and supervises implementation of them. Manages programs and services of the branch such as reference services, circulation services, acquisitions, genealogy, etc. Assists with interviews and recommends applicants for hire and evaluates job performance of subordinates. Develops services to reflect changes in technology and available resources within library mission and goal. Assists in developing annual budget for the branch library. Researches information needs requiring skills and knowledge of resources beyond the skills of paraprofessional staff. Assists in cataloging new purchases or donated items including but not limited to: Fiction/Non- Fiction books, Audio Books, DVDs, etc. Provides orientation and training to customers in the use of specific databases and services. Compiles reports summarizing achievement of library objectives. Provides web page information for the branch. Provides professional level contact with the public to accept requests for information and to interact with customers to clearly define needs and determine satisfaction with service. Promotes services to current and potential customers through personal contact and correspondence. Markets library services through the development of brochures, bibliographies, service announcements, and the presentations of workshops, exhibits, and programs. Maintains currency of knowledge through reading of professional literature and learns new databases through review of online help, literature, experimentation, and workshop attendance. Explains library resources, furnishes book information and reading guidance, and interprets department policies to a variety of library users. Assists in circulation: check-in, check-out, issuing library cards, collecting fines, and reconciliations, etc. Develops and maintains professional contacts. Performs related or similar duties as required or assigned. COMPETENCIES: The following competencies describe the knowledge, skills, abilities, and attributes that lead to a successful employee in this position. These competencies are linked to the essential functions of the job. Employees in this position may be evaluated on these competencies as part of the performance appraisal system. These competencies include, but are not limited to, the following: Public Sector Competencies: Integrity and Honesty: Demonstrates high standards of integrity, trust, openness, and respect for others. Maintains necessary patron and staff confidentiality. Work Ethic: Is productive, diligent, conscientious, timely, and loyal. Conscientiously abides by the rules, regulations, and procedures governing work. Service Orientation: Seeks to understand and meets and/or exceeds the needs and expectations of customers. Develops positive relationships with customers. Accountability: Accepts responsibility for actions and results. Focuses on quality and expends the necessary time and effort to achieve goals. Maintains necessary attention to detail to achieve high level performance and is a good steward of library assets. Takes ownership of tasks, performance standards, and mistakes. Self -Management Skills: Effectively manages emotions and impulses and maintains a positive attitude. Remains open to new ideas and approaches. Continuously evaluates, adapts, and copes effectively with change. Interpersonal Skills: Shows understanding, courtesy, tact, empathy, and concern to develop and maintain relationships. Identifies, seeks to solve problems, and prevents or resolves conflict situations. Encourages others through positive reinforcement. Recognizes and develops potential in others. Self-Development: Seeks efficient learning techniques to acquire and apply new knowledge and skills; uses training, feedback, or other opportunities for self-learning and development. Technical Competencies: Professional Maturity: Exhibits the attributes of confidence, assertiveness, tolerance, patience, and empathy at the appropriate time in stressful or high-pressure situations. Knows when to refer an issue to the appropriate level. Aligns personal behavior with library standards. Responds appropriately to supervision and administrative decisions. Takes initiative to accomplish stated goals. Maintains appropriate standards of professionalism. Abides by library policies and procedures. Service Management: Manages program and services of the branch library such as reference, circulation, and acquisitions, etc., and system functions such as cataloging. Coordinates functions within the library to ensure consistency. Develops services to reflect changes in technology and available resources, within the library’s mission and goals. Assists in developing annual budget for the branch. Library Technology: Uses specialized software programs. Researches and borrows materials using automated library databases and the Internet. Assists in maintaining and updating web pages. Gives presentations using presentation software such as PowerPoint, erects displays, and conducts workshops. Ensures technology is incorporated appropriately in service delivery, information sharing, organizational communication, and public access. Understands the impact of technological change on the library. Ensures staff is informed of latest technical innovations. Customer Relations: Possesses the ability and willingness to interact and communicate effectively with customers. Creates an environment of mutual respect and trust. Presents a positive image of the library and library services. Library Advocacy: Communicates the importance of library services to the public. Communicates the value of library and information services to decision makers. Promotes literacy and services provided by the library. Participates actively in professional organizations and library networks which promote libraries and librarianship. Coordinates promotional plans and activities with director. Initiates contact with the public, citizen groups, governmental officials, and library personnel to promote and explain services. Develops bibliographies, brochures, service announcements, and exhibits. Represents library at