Brief job description:
The H.F. Brigham Free Library is seeking a dynamic, community-oriented individual to be Director of our small rural library. We are looking for someone who has the vision to guide the library into a new chapter with dedication and creativity. This person will administer and coordinate all activities and services of the library.
The library is open 26 hours per week. Salary is commensurate with experience.
Please submit resume, cover letter, and three references by October 9th, 2022 to Board Chair Nicola Cribb at hfbrigham.library@gmail.com
Full job description:
SUMMARY: The Library Director is responsible for the administration, supervision and coordination of all activities and services of the library, and for carrying out the policies adopted by the Library Board of Trustees. S/he/they acts as the library spokesperson, promoting the use of the library by all members of the community and fostering good working relationships with town government and organizations. The Library Director is expected to positively represent the library within the community, develop programs, develop/manage collections, provide budgeting information, manage volunteers, manage the library facilities, and coordinate with the Board of Trustees.
MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES
Service to the community
Develops and maintains services that reflect and respond to the interests and needs of the community, including:
- Engage in long-range planning in conjunction with the Board of Trustees
- Collaborate with community groups and the local school
- Develop procedures for the smooth running of the library
- Develop a collection of interesting materials in various formats
- Provide reference, interlibrary loan, readers’ advisory, and referral services
- Help the public use library materials and technology, including formal and informal training
- Develop programs that appeal to a variety of ages and interests
- Develop outreach and other services that extend the library’s reach into the community
- Oversee the library website and social media accounts
- Develop and organize displays and exhibits
- Promote and publicize the library’s services and resources
- Report any building maintenance and safety problems to the trustees and oversee regular grounds maintenance and minor repairs as needed
- Oversee the scheduling and use of the library as meeting space
- Attend workshops, classes, and meetings; read professional literature to maintain perspective and keep apprised of developments in the field of librarianship
Support and execution of library policy
Follows policies adopted by the Board of Trustees, makes suggestions for changes as needed, and proposes ideas for the future, including:
- Participate in regular trustees meetings
- Maintain library policies, pass policy information on to volunteers, and answer the public’s questions about policies
- Maintain a close working relationship with town government
Spending budgeted funds
Spends and monitors budgeted funds in a responsible manner, including:
- Work with the treasurer to develop an annual budget for adoption by the Board of Trustees
- Help the trustees present an annual funding request to the town, and answer questions about library expenses as needed
- Develop a system to track expenses throughout the year so that no shortfalls are encountered
- Review bills/invoices and pass them along to the treasurer for approval
- Receive cash donations, fees, and other funds
- Arrange for use of the most cost-effective vendors
- Write grant proposals as appropriate
- Cooperate with trustees on library fund-raising activities
Supervising and training volunteers
Hires, trains, schedules, and evaluates volunteers, including:
- Teach library policy and procedures to volunteers, making sure each understands his/her individual responsibilities
- Schedule, organize, encourage, and supervise volunteers
- Recruit volunteers as needed
- Develop a procedure manual, emergency procedures, and other aids for volunteers
Formal reporting
Provides regular, written reports of library activity for the Board of Trustees, the town, and the state, including:
- Collect, report, and analyze library statistics
- Prepare monthly written reports for the Board of Trustees
- Complete occasional reports, surveys and requests for information from state and federal library agencies and associations
- Prepare annual statistical report and standards application for the Department of Libraries
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Education and experience:
A bachelor’s degree is preferred, and willingness to earn certification as a public librarian in Vermont within five years. Management and supervisory experience preferred. 3-5 years experience working in a library or non-profit organization preferred.
Knowledge, skills and abilities:
- Must have good people skills.
- Must have knowledge of online library catalog and circulation systems, computer systems, website management, Microsoft office, interlibrary loan systems, personal devices (eBook readers, smart phones, mp3 players, laptops, tablets,etc.) fax machines, computer scanners and printers, etc.
- Must be willing to increase knowledge of librarianship through workshops, trainings and online webinars.
- This position requires repetitive use of a keyboard and other office equipment and sitting at a workstation for an hour or more as necessary.
- Work requires occasional lifting of up to 25 pounds and regular lifting of 10 to 15 pounds.
SALARY: This is an 18-20 hour/week position, with the possibility of expanded hours in the future. Salary is commensurate with experience.
– Updated 9/22/22