County Librarian

Library District County Librarian

The purpose of this position is to perform professional work in planning, directing and coordinating the activities of the Library District to ensure that goals and objectives of the department are accomplished within prescribed time frames and funding parameters. This position serves as County Librarian with State Library officials and performs professional library and administrative duties requiring specialized knowledge and expertise in all areas of public library services. The most critical and time-consuming responsibilities include policy implementation, direction of programs / service delivery and resources management. The decisions made affect the goals, services, and objectives of the organization and may involve highly sensitive and political issues affecting the organization as a whole. Assumes highest level of independent responsibility and accountability.

Supervisory responsibilities include regularly assigning work to other employees and supervising related activities. Makes final decisions on scheduling work hours of employees; evaluating employee performance; handling employee grievances; employee coaching; employee training and granting time off. Provides recommendations on employee promotions; hiring employees; employee disciplinary actions and employee salary increases.

Essential duties and responsibilities include providing professional training to rural library staff and volunteers including but not limited to : coordinating continuing education training, library policies and practices, collection management and budget, community outreach, organizing and implementing special programming, and library databases. Provides consultant services and field assistance for public librarians within the County as requested.

Coordinates the flow of information from State to local libraries; works with the community groups to develop funding sources; may prepare grant applications, administers departmental grants and maintains appropriate files and prepare reports; solicits donations and directs fund raising projects; organizes and manages affiliate library meetings. Attends meetings, workshops and conferences; performs lobbying activities in relation to library issues; monitors developments and legislation related to library service matters, evaluates their impact upon the Library District.

Hires, supervises and monitors the performance of assigned personnel; ensures compliance with departmental policies and procedures; provides and / or coordinates training for library staff.

Develops and directs the implementation of goals, objectives, policies, procedures and work standards for the Library District; directs the preparation and administration of the Library District's budget; contributes to the overall quality of the department's service provision by reviewing, recommending and implementing improved policies and procedures.

Evaluates the effectiveness of library service and programs in meeting community needs; represents the library in meetings and presentations with a variety of professional, governmental, business and educational organizations.

Oversees the library's information systems network; coordinates library participation in computer-based information networks with affiliates; ensures compliance with Children's Internet Protection Act (CIPA) requirements.

Minimum education required is a Master's Degree in Library or Information Science from an ALA accredited School. Minimum years of directly related experience required is five (5) years in management and administration, including two (2) years supervisory experience or equivalent combination of education, training and experience. Professional credentials required include being certified as a County Librarian by the State Library and possessing a valid Driver's License.