Library Director
Hampstead Public Library
The Library Director is hired by, operates under the supervision of and is accountable to the Library Board of Trustees. The Library Director exercises considerable degree of independent judgment, and is evaluated by the Library Board of Trustees.
Supervises
The Library Director oversees and evaluates all library staff , with final employment and dismissal authority vested in the Board of Trustees upon the recommendation of the Director.
Job Summary
Under the direct supervision of the Public Library Board of Trustees, the Library Director is responsible for the operations of the Library and the development and implementation of its service program, including:
(A) assisting the board with long-range planning and policy development, and managing all library resources, including human resources;
(B) organizing the acquisitions, access, storage, and control of collections;
(C) designing and implementing services and programs for users of all ages; and (D) overseeing the maintenance and safety of the physical plant.
(E) hiring and supervising all assistants, substitutes, and volunteers who work in the library.
Specific Responsibilities
1. Serve as the library's executive officer.
2. Serve as the technical adviser to the board.
3. Work with the Board of Trustees to establish and implement library policy.
4. Prepare the draft of the annual library budget for board discussion and approval.
5. Participate in the presentation of the adopted budget to local officials.
6. Receive and expend library funds according to established guidelines, and maintain accurate and up-to-date records showing the status of library finances.
7. Recruit, select, hire, supervise, evaluate, and terminate if necessary, library staff in conformity with library policy and state and federal law (and any applicable local civil service regulations and/or union contracts).
8. Prepare library board meeting agendas and necessary reports in cooperation with the library board chair, and notify board members of scheduled meetings. Act as Secretary at all board meetings.
9. Maintain all needed library statistics.
10. Prepare local and state annual reports for review and approval by the library board.
11. Inform and advise the library board as to local, regional, state, and national developments in the library field, and work to maintain communication with other area libraries and library systems.
12. Keep current with new library technologies, trends, practices, and philosophies through professional reading, membership in professional organizations, and attendance at conferences.
13. Administer the library computer network, online catalog, and web page, including web page updates, network security, and maintenance of the library database.
14. Prepare for the board discussion, drafts of long range planning for facilities, technology, programs and staffing.
15. Prepare and preside over monthly staff meetings and otherwise keep staff informed about and current with library policy and procedure.
2. Direct the cataloging and classification of library materials according to accepted standards and maintain the public catalog.
3. Direct the processing of materials to provide appeal, protection, and control.
4. Develop and maintain a regular weeding schedule.
5. Periodically review the collection development policy and make recommendations to the library board for revisions.
6. Oversee the shelving and organization of materials.
7. Oversee the preparation and distribution of overdue notices to users with overdue or lost materials.
8. Oversee the maintenance of an accurate and up-to-date database of user registrations and activities, including circulation information.
Service and Service Promotion
1. Oversee the development and execution of an array of service programs to address the various needs of users and to make the library more accessible to all. These might include, but not be limited to: preparation and dissemination of bibliographies of popular topics and genre collections; tours of the library for school, daycare, and homeschooling groups; inclusion of interesting displays of an educational or cultural nature; presentations to local organizations or groups on the benefits offered by the library; provision of storytime sessions for small children, and teen and adult book discussion sessions; support of a summer reading program; acquisition of special materials and provision of accommodations to encourage use of the library by individuals with special
needs; development of a homebound service for residents unable to visit the library.
2. Oversee provision of friendly, efficient direct assistance to users checking out materials, requesting directional, community, or reference information on specific topics.
3. Oversee preparation of news releases and submissions to the media to announce new or special services and events that spotlight the library.
4. Assist and guide local volunteer groups (e.g., library friends) who wish to help with library promotion, fundraising, and enhancement of services.
5. Prepare grant applications, when grant opportunities are offered, in order to supplement local funding of library operations and development.
6. Maintain records of programs offered and number of attendees at each program.
7. Continually investigate the value, costs, and logistics of adding library services, new media, and new technologies in order to keep the library current and proactive in its service provision to the public.
8. Conduct ongoing evaluations of existing library programs, services, policies, and procedures, and submit recommendations for improvements to the library board.
9. Work with school officials, teachers, and school library personnel to promote library use and services.
10. Work with other community organizations as needed to do special programs.
11. Accept and acknowledge promptly any gifts to the library.
12. Deal with any difficult patron situations or complaints concerning services or materials.
13. Maintain a friendly, open, approachable environment for all library patrons.
Facilities Management
1. Oversee care and maintenance of the library building and grounds.
2. Oversee the work of custodial staff.
3. Regularly review building needs and advise the board in its planning for future expansion or development.
4. Assess the adequacy of existing facilities in regard to the provision of automated services.
Essential Functions and Knowledge
1. Excellent interpersonal and leadership skills.
2. Ability to effectively communicate ideas and information in verbal and written forms.
3. Ability to work with governing boards, community groups and elected officials, and make presentations to them.
4. Knowledge of public library philosophy, principles, and procedures to allow effective recommendations to the board and sound decision making in the library.
5. Ability to supervise staff and volunteers and delegate responsibility in an effective manner.
6. Ability to read and comprehend print information, including technical, statistical, and financial information.
7. Ability to locate and retrieve library materials in a variety of formats throughout the building, and from remote locations through networks including the Internet.
8. Ability to assist patrons with location and retrieval of materials or information by title, subject, and interest of library patrons.
9. Knowledge and ability to perform basic computer operations and troubleshoot problems on an automated circulation system and external data bases.
10. Ability to create, understand and implement instructions and directions.
11. Ability to establish and maintain proper priorities and meet deadlines.
12. Ability to work within a confidential environment.
13. Ability to produce and maintain accurate files and reports.
14. Ability to use and manage office equipment including, but not limited to, computers and computer networks, a telephone system, fax machine, copier, and security systems.
15. Ability to lift up to 40 pounds on a frequent basis (e.g. to retrieve books from book drop box, unload crates of materials and supplies, pack and store materials for book sales, shovel snow and assist patrons with building evacuation in an emergency).
16. Knowledge and ability to manage a library integrated system (LIS).
17. Ability to work hours and assignments as required by the library board.
1. MLS from an ALA accredited institution.
2. Preferred experience will include 10 years of working in a library environment. Required will include at least three years of progressively responsible public library experience, including staff supervision, working directly with the public, and working with governing boards or bodies.
