Library Services Director jobs in Kalamazoo, MI

Description

Position: Adult Services Librarian/Adult Programming Coordinator

Status: Exempt

Range: $49,500 - $62,600

Reports to: Head of Adult Services

Supervises: None

JOB SUMMARY:

This is a professional position performing highly technical work involving the delivery of library services to library patrons of all ages. Incumbents in this category develop and coordinate small and large scale library programs and activities which are age relevant for the group to which it is directed. Incumbents are also expected to develop and maintain a collection of materials which match the educational, reference, and recreational needs of the community. Librarians instruct and assist patrons in the use of library materials, equipment, and computers. Incumbents also use social media and other forms of communication to communicate with library patrons and participate in community programming development through serving on boards and committees at the local and state level. The position requires the ability to work and perform well under demanding circumstances including personally demanding situations. Incumbents in this position supervise other staff, volunteers and the library as necessary. The incumbent in this position is under the direct supervision of the Department Head.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTION:

1. Develop and coordinate programming offerings through collaboration with the public and other staff. 
2. Coordinates the Library’s art exhibits through collaboration with local artists and organizations.
3. Maintain the library’s event calendar and ensure it reflects accurate information.
4. Write and edit programming descriptions and other marketing materials including flyers, social media posts, and web pages.
5. Prepare and present programs directed at the various audiences the library serves.
6. Train other staff to prepare and present programs directed at the various audiences the library serves.
7. Assist with the marketing of library programs through the development and coordination of online information, booklists, displays, exhibits, and other forms of communication and engagement.
8. Oversee budgets and keep track of programming and other usage statistics.
9. Selects materials to be included in the library collection by subject or age related, fiction or nonfiction, or by format through evaluation of current titles, future needs, and present collection.
10. Performs computerized searches on in-house, local, regional, and national bibliographic and information databases utilizing various search strategies.
11. Manages resource collections, making optimum use of available shelving and storage facilities in order to have the most heavily used materials out for public use.
12. Participates in bibliographic description of books and other items for maximum patron understanding and accessibility.
13. Orients library patrons to the library and its services.
14. Attends educational programs and reads literature to keep up-to-date on new developments in the library field.
15. Provides reference services, including assistance with literature searches, bibliographies, and answering reference questions.
16. Initiates new services to increase the use of the library collection and to add to the educational capabilities of the library.
17. Assist in the preparation of reports and information for staff and Library Board reports.
18. Assists in the supervision, training, and development of volunteers and staff through on-site instruction. Supervision may include the preparation of staff and volunteer schedules as necessary.
19. Catalogs and classifies library materials.
20. Provides assistance and assessment of the information needs of the library patrons in order to effectively manage and update library services.
21. Supervises library operations and closing of facility during evening and weekend hours in the absence of senior management.  
22. Supervises departmental operations in the absence of department head.
23. Participates in website development, blogging, social media, and other efforts in support of library initiatives and operations.
24. May initiate and maintain community contacts and serve on committees and boards at the local and state level.
25. Leads in the formation, development and implementation of planning and visioning for the department and specifically the library’s programming initiatives. 
26. Participates in professional organizations, shares information by networking, teaching workshops, and preparing group presentations in the community and at local, state, and national conferences.
27. Develops grant and award applications to secure funding for library programming and initiatives.
28. Pursues professional development by serving on PDL committees, and attending meetings, workshops and conferences to maintain up-to-date knowledge and skills of pertinent Library policies, procedures and equipment.
29. Provides circulation services, as operations require.
30. Performs other duties as assigned.

Requirements

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITY:

1. Working knowledge and understanding of the principles, methods and practices of public library operations, including search methods, reader’s advisory and reference interviews. Incumbent is also required to acquire knowledge of the policies and procedures of Portage District Library.
2. Considerable knowledge of available circulating materials and basic reference sources.
3. Working knowledge of public library computer hardware and software operations (e.g., online databases) and how to access and search them.
4. Ability to work under general supervision with latitude in exercising independent judgment and discretion subject to Library policies, procedures and professional practices.
5. Interpersonal and communication skills necessary to lead programs and interact with various library staff and patrons in an effective and courteous manner. Communicate effectively in both oral and written forms.
6. Analytical ability to maintain accurate statistics.
7. Visual acuity and physical skills necessary to retrieve library materials from shelves and storage areas, maintain library materials and operate equipment. The incumbent is required to have the physical ability to push/pull fully loaded book carts and lift/carry materials weighing up to 40 pounds.
8. Hearing ability to answer telephone and patron inquiries.
9. Skills necessary to effectively access information on the computer.
10. Ability to operate a variety of library equipment including, but limited to, a computer, fax, copy machine, devices for virtual programming, and presentation equipment.
11. Must possess the ability to assign, supervise, instruct, and train personnel in a manner conducive and effective to the resources of the library. 

WORKING CONDITIONS:

1. Generally will work within a normal office environment with minimal discomfort due to extreme temperatures, dust, and noise.
2. Job requires walking, standing, sitting, bending, stooping and reaching. Requires the use of a video display monitor, keyboard, and mouse.
3. Employees may interact with upset staff and /or public and private representatives in interpreting and enforcing library policies and procedures.
4. Work hours may be varied, including evenings and weekend hours. 

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING:

1. The job requires a Master’s degree in Library Science from an ALA accredited institution.   
2. One year of professional Librarian work with programming experience preferred.
3. Library of Michigan Professional Certificate.