Technical Services Librarian – Stowe Free Library (Stowe, VT)

The Stowe Free Library is seeking to hire a full-time Technical Services Librarian who is dedicated, friendly, and customer service oriented. The Technical Services Librarian maintains the library’s automated library catalogue system, prepares items in all formats for the library collection, performs interlibrary loan (ILL) services, and supports library operations.

The individual selected will have demonstrated technology skills including library systems, social networking tools and web-based applications. The Technical Services Librarian will contribute to a safe, respectful and collaborative team culture through a positive attitude and strong communications skills.

A master’s degree in library science from an ALA-accredited school or a Vermont Department of Libraries certification is preferred. A Bachelor’s degree, or an equivalent combination of education and experience, is required.

Pay range is $20.78-$22.59, dependent upon experience. Includes evening shifts with occasional weekend shifts as well. The Town of Stowe currently offers an excellent benefit package including health and dental insurance, paid leave, a generously matched retirement plan, life insurance and more.

If you have a passion to Welcome, Inspire and Enrich the mind, please do not hesitate to apply.

Job description and employment application can be obtained at: www.townofstowevt.org. Submit application, letter of interest, resume, references, and salary requirements to: Town of Stowe, c/o HR Director, PO Box 730, Stowe, VT 05672 or by email recruit@stowevt.gov. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. The Town of Stowe is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

– Posted 1/18/23

VLA President’s Letter

Whether we like it or not, the world in which we are currently living—sore throat, mask, test, repeat—is not going to change in the foreseeable future. So, it is up to each one of us to make this “new normal” better than before. What does this mean in the library world?

Hopefully, COVID has taught us to be more accessible—or at the very least, loosen our requirements for access. Maybe your library initiated an online registration tool or simply mailed paper registration forms to patrons’ homes. Is it feasible to keep these accommodations? Doubting Debbie (I mean no disrespect to anyone named Deborah) will say, “The library is back to its full schedule of hours. There is no reason why we need to keep offering this service.” But what if your pre-COVID hours didn’t work for the person’s schedule? They may work multiple jobs or lack reliable transportation. However, once they have their library card they can access all your online resources when their schedule allows. Do a cost vs. reward analysis to see if it is worth keeping. My guess is if you have chosen librarianship as a profession, you will find a way to efficiently offer this service to your community.

On the flip side, look for processes, programs, or policies that can be updated or weeded—“because we’ve always done it that way” no longer holds water. Are you still keeping paper copies of patron information already stored electronically? Does your program lineup look similar to that from the 1950s? Do you offer a virtual option for meetings and programs? Does your cell phone policy limit use to certain areas due to fear of disturbing other users? Are your bathrooms still gender specific? Be brave enough to be uncomfortable and your patrons will thank you!

Our communities, whether they are large universities, bucolic towns, or tiny hamlets, are all composed of smaller sections that need to work together in order to create a dynamic, cohesive unit. That means we all need to put our egos aside, and maybe even that argument that happened three town managers ago, to find a way to work together. Take the initiative and sit next to the person who rubs you the wrong way at the next meeting. You may discover some small similarity on which you can build a relationship that will benefit not just the library, but the community at large. Now can be a considerable time of growth. It will require very little, if any money, but a great deal of dedication and enthusiasm.

“The secret of getting ahead is getting started. The secret of getting started is breaking your complex overwhelming tasks into small manageable tasks, and starting on the first one.”
–Mark Twain

Kelly L. McCagg

Vermont Library Association President
Director, Burnham Memorial Library
president@vermontlibraries.org
November 2022
(This letter was first published in the November 2022 VLA News email newsletter, sent quarterly to Vermont Library Association members.)

Library Director – Jackson Public Library (Jackson, NH)

Description:

The Jackson NH Public Library is seeking a full-time Library Director with proven management skills and excellent library knowledge for its vibrant community library. Jackson is a year round resort town of over 1000 residents in northern New Hampshire.

The Library Director reports to the Board of Trustees and is responsible for management of the daily operations of the library. Duties include assisting the Board in the preparation of the annual budget, preparing recommendations of requests for capital purchase, implementing acquisitions and expenditures, and compiling monthly statistics on circulation. The ideal candidate is community oriented, savvy about technology, and possesses excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.

This Library Director is a salaried 35 hours per week position, with a full benefit package.

Education and Experience:

Bachelor’s degree required. MLS strongly recommended.
At least 4 years experience in the field, comprehensive knowledge of library services, principles, practices and procedures. Demonstrated skills in effective oral and written communications, staff supervision, and organizational management and administration.
Operational knowledge of computers and office machines/equipment.
Full job description available here.

How to Apply:

Submit a cover letter, a resume and three references to directorsearch@jacksonlibrary.org no later than December 15, 2022.

– Posted 11/16/22

Community Resource Coordinator – Pawlet Public Library (Pawlet, VT)

Community Resource Coordinator Opening
Part-Time: 12 Hours/Week
$17/Hour

Pawlet Public Library is in search of a Community Resource Coordinator. The ideal candidate has 3-5 years of experience in development and communications management for a library or nonprofit organization.

The candidate should have experience in managing fundraising campaigns, database functions, website and social media platforms, and a strong understanding of community development principles and practices in a library or nonprofit organization.

This part time position allows for a flexible schedule within the operating hours of the library.

The Community Resource Coordinator is responsible for managing monthly meetings of Town and community organization leadership, fundraising campaigns, and serves as the social media/website coordinator.

The Pawlet Public Library is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Interested candidates should send their cover letter and curriculum vitae to the Director of the Pawlet Public Library at director.pawletpub@gmail.com. Priority will be given to applications received by November 15, 2022.

For a complete job description visit our website at www.pawletpubliclibrary.com.

– Posted 10/17/22

Director – H.F. Brigham Free Library (Bakersfield, VT)

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 9^th, 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

Library Aide – North Adams Public Library (North Adams, MA)

POSITION: Library Aide

SALARY: $14.25/hour

POSITION SUMMARY: The North Adams Public Library is looking for the right person to complete our Circulation team! We need a Library Aide to work 15 hours per week including occasional Wednesday evenings and Saturdays, at our Circulation Desk. The ideal candidate is passionate about providing excellent and friendly customer service to library users of all ages and backgrounds. North Adams patrons love this library, and the staff is a major reason. Come help us continue that tradition.

Review of applications will begin immediately. Interested candidates are invited to submit the required application along with cover letter, resume, and references to: library@northadams-ma.gov or Sarah Sanfilippo, North Adams Public Library, 74 Church Street, North Adams, MA, 01247

The City of North Adams, Massachusetts, is an affirmative action, equal opportunity employer.

– Posted 1/18/22

Library Director – Moore Free Library and Crowell Gallery (Newfane, VT)

Moore Free Library is seeking a creative, collegial, and detail-oriented Library Director for our non-profit community library located in the center of Newfane, Vermont (population 1,726). The Crowell Gallery at the Moore Free Library, housing an outstanding collection of contemporary Southern Vermont artists, is also under the oversight of the Library Director. The ideal candidate has prior library experience, is community focused with both the skills and the desire to work with patrons of all ages, experience in grant writing, the ability to supervise and support staff and volunteers, and willingness to perform community outreach. A bachelor’s degree or Vermont Certificate of Librarianship is preferred, but we will consider library experience and interest in completing state certification. This is a 24-hour a week position. Salary range is $18-22 per hour, commensurate with education and experience. Applications must be received by October 10, 2021. Interested candidates should submit a resume including three work references to Moore Free Library at moorefreelibrary@gmail.com.

A complete job description is available on request.

– Posted 9/18/21

The first-ever Choose Privacy Week May 2-8, 2010.

I am very excited to announce the first ever “Choose Privacy Week” to be held May 2-8, 2010. Choose Privacy Week is a new initiative started American Library Association Intellectual Freedom Committee (ALAIFC) and Office for Intellectual Freedom (OIF) to spark a national conversation about privacy. Libraries are the natural centers for learning and talking about information issues so they are the perfect place to invite users join the conversation about privacy rights a digital age.

ALA has developed a variety of resources to help libraries reach out to their communities. The campaign gives libraries the tools they need to educate and engage users, and gives citizens the resources to think critically and make more informed choices about their privacy. I hope you take time to explore the website www.privacyrevolution.org to learn more about what your library can do to spark thought and discussion around privacy issues today. Whether you are considering creating a display, sponsoring a contest, hosting a program or workshop, or moderating a community dialogue about privacy, there are tools that can help.

Help us spread the word about the importance of choosing privacy.

Gail Weymouth

VLAIFC, chair

Intellectual Freedom Webinars for Library Trustees

SPACE STILL AVAILABLE – REGISTER TODAY AT http://www.ala.org/oif/onlinetrainings

“Controversial Materials in the Library: Supporting Intellectual Freedom in Your Community”

OIF is partnering with the Association of Library Trustees, Advocates, Friends and Foundations (ALTAFF) to present three one-hour webinars in February for library trustees on the topic of controversial materials in library collections.

The webinars, entitled “Controversial Materials in the Library: Supporting Intellectual Freedom in Your Community,” are intended to help trustees understand the basics of intellectual freedom in libraries. They will cover information on collection development policies, procedures for handling challenges to library materials, and tips on responding to controversies that may arise. Angela Maycock, OIF Assistant Director, will lead the webinar series.

New England Library Association Annual Conference

NEW ENGLAND LIBRARY ASSOCIATION ANNUAL CONFERENCE

OCTOBER 18-20 2009 – CONNECTICUT CONVENTION CENTER

Annual Conference Offerings & Registration

NELA Membership Registration

Dear Colleagues,

I don’t want you to miss the next New England Library Association (NELA) Annual Conference this coming October 18 – 20. The fall is a busy time for us all but it is also a good chance to refresh and renew by planning time to attend the conference.

We offer many presentations, events and exhibitors that represent a variety of interests. Here are just a few: