Description
The Library Director is responsible for upholding the vision and
mission of the Griswold Memorial Library and its management,
operations, services, and programs, in accordance with the policies
established by the Board of Library Trustees.
Essential Duties And Responsibilities
The essential duties listed below are intended only as illustrations
of the type of work that may be performed. The omission of specific
duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is related,
or a logical assignment to the position.
MANAGEMENT, PLANNING, & PROGRAMMING
The Library Director works under the administration and policy
direction of the Board of Library Trustees. However, when
clarification, interpretation of, or exception to Town policy is
needed, the Library Director may consult with the Town Coordinator.
The Library Director supervises the Assistant Librarian, Custodian,
and Volunteers, as well as any program management that is necessary.
* Train and evaluate personnel
* Evaluate effectiveness of Library services and improve as necessary
* Identify and address changing community needs
* Participate in planning processes to develop goals and objectives
for short- and long-range needs
* Plan, organize, coordinate, and direct a balanced program of Library
services that benefit the community and that encourage Library use and
support
* Pursue grant funding, gifts, and other new sources of non-tax
funding for programs and services
* Promote public awareness of Library services and programs through
print media, digital media, social media, and face-to-face
communications
*Publish upcoming events, Library news, and new acquisitions on
Wowbrary, the online Library newsletter
* Present budget recommendations to the Library Board of Trustees,
participate in the presentation of the annual budget to the Finance
Committee and Select Board, manage approved budget, and maintain
financial records
COLLECTIONS & CIRCULATION
* Develop Library collection through careful selection of books, media, kits,
supplies, tools, and other materials
* Prepare purchase orders
* Repair or replace damaged items
* Keep collection current and relevant by weeding outdated materials
* Catalogue new acquisitions
* Review donated materials for possible cataloguing
* Evaluate circulation policy and procedures for effectiveness
* Manage Library database and coordinate with CWMars database
* Maintain resources for historical and genealogical records
* Record and maintain circulation statistics for daily, monthly, and
yearly Circulation Total Reports to submit to the Annual Town Report
and the Massachusetts Library Association
* Supervise the development, application, and maintenance of
technology in support of Library services
* Utilize resources and services of the Western Massachusetts Regional
Library System
LIASONS
* Advise, consult, confer, and collaborate with the Board of Library
Trustees, other librarians and professionals, state and local
officials, citizens, local organizations, educational groups, and
community groups regarding library services and operations when
possible
* Attend all Library Board of Trustees meetings, make monthly reports
on Library activities and finances, contribute suggestions and ideas
during decision-making, keep the Board informed of current problems,
issues, and developments in Library service, and interpret and
implement policies adopted by the Board
* Coordinate efforts with Friends of the Library
* Review and assess building and grounds regularly, report needs and
recommendations to the Library Board of Trustees
* Participate in educational and informational programs and activities
locally and regionally to stay current with trends, state and federal
issues, new technology, and universal library innovations
LIBRARY OPERATIONS
* Staff circulation desk * Check materials in and out
* Shelve books and media * Answer phone and emails
* Register new patrons * Collect overdue fees
* Answer reference questions * Handle comments and complaints
* Process new acquisitions of books, media, and other materials
* Maintain appealing shelves and displays
* Process reserves, holds, and special requests
* Uphold patron privacy and confidentiality
* Assist patrons with location of Library items
* Assist patrons in use of computers, iPads, ebooks, and Creator Cart
* Field questions about genealogy and refer patrons to genealogical resources
* Inform patrons of Library policies, events, and special workshops
* Ensure equal access to Library materials and services
* Write thank you notes for donations of books, items, money or time.
Qualifications and Skills
EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE
* Bachelor’s Degree preferably in Library Science or Education
Any non-library science graduate must possess or be able to obtain a
valid Massachusetts Certificate of Librarianship within one year of
appointment, and must complete the Four Basic Library Techniques
special training courses within five years of appointment
* Proficiency in English
COMMUNICATION & COLLABORATION
* Excellent interpersonal skills with a welcoming attitude, inclusive of all
* Considerable knowledge of the principles and practices of public
library functions and public library administration
* Ability to maintain effective working relationships with Library staff, the
Board of Library Trustees, town officials, the school community,
Library patrons, colleagues, and members of the general public
* Strong leadership skills, with a penchant for independence,
self-direction and self-motivation, while being able to collaborate
with diverse groups
FLEXIBILITY & CREATIVITY
* Creative thinking, open to innovative ideas
* Patience and flexibility
* Willingness to learn and expand
* Broad interest in written, audio, visual, and creative learning
materials for people of all ages
ORGANIZATIONAL
* Superior organizational, management, and planning skills
* Informed about modern technology practices and procedures
* Familiarity with word processing and spreadsheet software
* Knowledge of administrative and supervisory practices and
techniques, including budget and personnel management
Work Environment
Work is performed indoors in a small library setting where there are
frequent interruptions. The noise level in the environment is low to
moderate.
Work effort principally involves sitting and standing with periods of
bending, walking, kneeling, reaching with hands or arms to retrieve
library materials, and manual operation of office equipment. Employee
must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds, be able to operate
a computer, and view a computer screen for an extended period of time.
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with
disabilities to perform these functions.
Hours
* 20 – 26 hours per week, beginning July 1, 2019.
To apply for this position, please send a cover letter and resume via
email to GMLTrustees@gmail.com, or by postal mail to Griswold Memorial
Library, attn:Trustees, PO Box 33, Colrain, MA 01340.
Questions? Please call Cheli Mennella at 413-624-3751 or Nancy Turkle
at 413-624-3040