Library Director

Safety/Security Status: Security            

JOB SUMMARY

Plans and administers the complete program of library services for the City, including planning the long-range library growth. Plays an integral role in the City’s management team. Successfully directs daily library operations by performing the following duties personally or through subordinate supervisors and staff. This supervisory role requires strong communication skills, leadership qualities and professional library experience. Leads by example, serving as a mentor to all library staff. 

The Library Director is responsible for the overall operations, personnel, budget, strategic projects and policies at Bentonville Public Library. The library employs around 30 full-time equivalent (FTE) with salaries and benefits allocated at more than $1.5 Million annually. The library’s operating budget is approximately $2 Million annually. The position reports directly to the Mayor of Bentonville.

The Library Director is also responsible for the overall operations, personnel, budget, strategic projects, and policies at the Bentonville History Museum.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following:

Reporting relationships, work assignments, and work schedules may be subject to change in order to meet City needs or operational requirements. Attendance at work and the ability to get along with the public, supervisors, and co-workers are essential elements of this position.  Requires the application of professional principles of library and information sciences.  Other duties may be assigned.

• Professionally leads department in the development and implementation of library services, policies, procedures, and programs in accordance with the mission and stated goals of the library.


• Professionally leads in development and delivery of library services to the community. Facilitates and oversees training to staff in use/support of new technology and applications to ensure excellent standards of library service. 


• Upholds the American Library Association’s Code of Ethics Library Bill of Rights and Freedom to Read Statements.


• Must possess professional communication skills and leadership qualities to successfully manage library staff.


• Serves as a motivated, engaged and positive mentor for library staff, with a focus on excellent customer service.


• Able to work both independently and cooperatively in a team environment; Initiate projects and allow staff leaders to develop procedures. Willing to accept other responsibilities as necessary.


• Resolves customer complaints in a pleasant, timely and professional manner. Maintains confidentiality of all customer records and transactions.


• Serves as a specialist on library issues. Maintains good communications with library staff, patrons, City administration, the local community, vendors, and library support groups in order to develop effective library services, appropriate library policies and long-range planning. 


• Plans and conducts staff meetings and supports library board meetings. Participates in community and professional meetings, to discuss and act on library issues. Attends City and community meetings, serving as a professional library representative. Prepares and presents public presentations to benefit the library.


• Prepares library policies for City Administration approval; implements policy decisions. Develops strategic planning and marketing for library services.


• Creates, interprets, implements, and recommends library policies and procedures. Resolves issues with the public regarding library rules and regulations.


• Analyzes administrative policies, observes work procedures, and reviews data relative to overall library usage, including circulation, programming attendees, computer usage, etc… to determine effectiveness of library services to the public.


• Gathers statistical data, such as population and community growth rates, and analyzes building plans to determine adequacy of library programs for expansion.


• Participates in professional associations, conferences, workshops, training, library-related forums and reviews professional publications to keep abreast of current library issues/trends, including new procedures, processes and equipment related to library operations and resources.


• Prepares and administers the Library budget. Analyzes and coordinates departmental budget estimates and controls expenditures to administer approved budget. Seeks to develop new sources of funding, including grant writing. Approves the acceptance of gifts.


• Authorizes payment of invoices and oversees compliance with regulations and requirements regarding purchases and contractual agreements.


• Oversees all aspects of facility and grounds maintenance and repair.


• Approves plans, designs, and improvements, minor and large-scale construction projects, to property and facilities to meet demands and increase library infrastructure to accommodate community growth.


• Focus on marketing strategies: oversees preparation of press releases and other marketing techniques to increase public awareness and support of library programs. 


• Provides outreach services: represents the library at public activities, events and committees throughout the community. Conducts library tours. 


• Provides library and information assistance to library users. Participates in the opening/closing of library, including securing the facility at closing; performs other duties such as circulation, adult reference and children's services as needed. Work schedule may require evening and Saturday rotations.


• Supervises and approves Librarians' implementation value-added programming for library users. These programs include, but are not limited to: children's storytimes, crafts, summer reading club, film programs, computer workshops, book discussion groups, special programs and other services/programs based on community needs.


• Maintains authority over the library’s collection; approves all of all book and other library material purchases; supervises and approves Librarians’ collection development and management practices.


• Working knowledge of computer and network operating systems, Microsoft Office suite, knowledge of automated systems, online systems and Internet resources.


• Evaluates existing integrated library automated systems and recommends future improvements. Stays abreast of innovative information technologies to meet changing public needs. 


• Builds and maintains positive relationships with book publishers and library vendors; Responds to vendor and staff requests for account information.


• As directed by the Mayor, responsible for overall operations, personnel, budget, strategic projects, and policies at the Bentonville History Museum.


• Able to handle stressful situations.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

Responsible for the overall direction, coordination, and evaluation of this unit.  Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization's policies and applicable laws. Responsibilities include interviewing, hiring, and training employees; planning, assigning, and directing work; appraising performance; rewarding and disciplining employees; addressing complaints and resolving problems.

QUALIFICATIONS 

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

Master of Science degree in Library/Information Science from an American Library Association (ALA) accredited institution is required. Ten (10) or more years related experience and/or training; three (3) years supervisory experience; or equivalent combination of education and experience.

LANGUAGE SKILLS

Ability to read, analyze, and interpret the most complex documents.  Ability to respond effectively to the most sensitive inquiries or complaints.  Ability to write speeches and articles using original or innovative techniques or style.  Ability to make effective and persuasive speeches and presentations on controversial or complex topics to top management, public groups, and/or boards of directors.

MATHEMATICAL SKILLS

Ability to calculate figures and amounts such as discounts, interest, commissions, proportions, percentages, area, circumference, and volume.  Ability to apply concepts of basic algebra and geometry.

REASONING ABILITY

Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists. Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS 

Master of Science degree in Library/Information Science from an American Library Association (ALA) accredited institution is required.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS 

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear.  The employee frequently is required to stand, walk, and sit. The ability to stand for long periods of time is also required. The employee is occasionally required to climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl.  The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.  Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.

WORK ENVIRONMENT 

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The noise level in the work environment ranges from quiet to noisy, depending on varying activity and usage levels.

TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT USED

General office supplies; personal computers with varied computer programs; printers; telephone system; copy machine; fax machine; rolling book carts.

SELECTION GUIDELINES

Formal application; rating of education and experience; oral interview and reference check; job related tests may be required.  As required by City Policy, job offers may be contingent on a physical exam, drug screening and background check.

The duties listed above are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed.  The omission of specific statement of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position.

The job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.

The City of Bentonville is an equal opportunity employer.

Equal Opportunity Employer.  The City of Bentonville is committed to providing equal opportunity without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, marital status, veteran status, political status, disability status, or genetic information, as required by all federal and state laws.  The City’s commitment extends to all employment related decisions, terms and conditions of employment (including job opportunities), promotions, pay and benefits.