The Elizabeth Taber Library is seeking a qualified candidate for the full-time (35 hours per week) position of Head of Adult Services Librarian.

The Elizabeth Taber Library is a small, historic yet modern library in the quaint seaside community of Marion, Massachusetts (population 5,347.)  The ETL is a well-loved focal point of the community that strives to provide access to a high-quality collection and a wide range of services for every demographic.

The Head of Adult Services is a senior level position with responsibility for supporting the Director with organizing and overseeing services for adults.

Responsibilities include adult programing, collection development, staff supervision, and community outreach. The Head of Adult Services Librarian performs daily tasks with high degree of independence and collaborates with the Director to establish department priorities; model excellent, innovative, patron - focused adult services; and develop collections, programs, and services to respond to community needs.

The library is seeking a highly self-motivated, creative, and flexible candidate, with an interest in getting to know the needs of our patrons and of the community at large. 

REQUIREMENTS:

Experience and Education: Master's degree from an ALA-accredited MLS program preferred. Specialized education, training and/or experience may be substituted for part or all of the required elements.

Previous public library experience with supervisory/managerial responsibility required.

COMPENSATION:

$25/hour with benefits including Health Insurance and Retirement

This position is open until filled.  Please submit cover letter and resume to Library director Elizabeth Sherry at esherry@sailsinc.org

View the full job description below.

Candidates will be contacted for an interview if the qualifications are met.

 

 

Head of Adult Services

Job description, Head of Adult Services

Job Summary:

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: The Head of Adult services is a senior level position with responsibility for supporting the Director with organizing and overseeing services for adults. Responsible for organizing and supervising adult services including adult programs, collections management, and community outreach. Performs daily tasks with high degree of independence. The Head of Adult Services collaborates with the Director to establish department priorities; model excellent, innovative, customer- focused adult services; and develop collections, programs, and services to respond to community needs.

Supervisory /Leadership Responsibilities:

• Assist the Director in managing department operations in a manner that supports the Library’s mission and strategic framework and ensures that staff members offer the highest quality assistance to library users. Responsible for oversight of the unit in the absence of the Director or as assigned.

• At the Director’s request, assist in scheduling and training. Responsible for oversight of specific service areas as assigned.

• Provide leadership and expertise in the areas of research, readers’ advisory, digital media and emerging technology, intellectual freedom, services for adults and older adults, and/or assigned subject matter; act as a resource to other library staff both inside and outside the department.

• Communicate and apply library policies and procedures. Work with the Director to lead staff in addressing, resolving, and documenting conflict or confusion about adapting practices.

• Provide active frontline leadership. Champion library initiatives, work alongside staff, and provide daily guidance, expertise, and direction with a focus on communication among staff and maintaining professional conduct appropriate to public service.

 

Public Service Responsibilities:

• Works collaboratively to develop and execute effective, relevant programming for the community, taking into consideration equity of access; library initiatives; community assets; and the diverse educational, recreational, and personal needs of local adults and older adults.

• Raise awareness and understanding of library services in the larger community. Assist the Director in coordinating department relationships with other agencies, institutions, and organizations serving adults and older adults.

• Deliver exceptional and engaging service to the public including reader’s advisory, reference services, computer assistance, and technology lending.

• Perform functions related to circulation, including checkouts, check-ins, reserves, renewals, fine assessment and collection, and compilation of statistics. May process deliveries and shelve materials.

• Monitor public areas of the library.

• Offer instruction and assistance to patrons for a wide range of technologies, including troubleshooting and maintenance.

• Develop and maintain expertise in a wide range of resources, especially literature and media and new and emerging technology.

• Work with the Director to carry out a program of collection development and maintenance. Select, evaluate, and maintain collections in accordance with the library collection development policy and allocated budgets.

• Actively promote library resources through programming, merchandizing, and creating book lists, resource guides, and displays.

• May contribute to and participate in the development of the library’s online presence.

 

Other Responsibilities:

• Execute administrative and organizational responsibilities, including but not limited to gathering and analyzing data, managing special projects, and generating reports.

• Keep informed of professional developments and attend professional meetings and trainings; may represent the Library in professional venues or working groups as appropriate.

• Attend meetings and trainings. Participate in and may lead workgroups for planning and implementing programs, projects and initiatives.

Any other duties as required for the good of the Library.

 

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

Experience and Education: Master's degree from an ALA-accredited MLS program preferred. Specialized education, training and/or experience may be substituted for part or all of the required elements.

Previous supervisory/managerial experience required

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge and understanding of the Library’s mission, values, and strategic priorities.

• Commitment to doing all work through a lens of diversity, equity, inclusion, and anti-racism.

• Exceptional customer service skills and commitment to public service.

• Effective communication and interpersonal skills.

• Sound judgment and strong problem-solving skills; flexibility and adaptability in stressful situations and times of change.

• Demonstrated ability to work both independently and as part of larger department and system teams.

• In-depth knowledge and appreciation of literature and media, digital resources, and new and emerging technology; demonstrated ability to operate and instruct others in the use of library resources, equipment, software, and systems.

• Knowledge of principles, materials, intellectual freedom issues, and equity of access issues related to serving the public, especially adults and older adults; demonstrated ability to apply this knowledge to program and service design and to establish positive relationships with patrons.

• Demonstrated reference, readers’ advisory, programming, outreach, collection development, and project management knowledge and ability.

• Knowledge of supervisory, leadership, change management, and process improvement principles and practices; demonstrated ability to direct the work of other staff members.

• Ability to demonstrate initiative, flexibility, and dependability in an environment with frequent interruptions and competing priorities.

 

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. Ability to operate standard office equipment; transport carts of materials which can weigh more than 100 pounds across a level floor or on a ramp; carry baskets of materials weighing up to 30 pounds; pay attention to details and concentrate on tasks despite frequent interruptions and moderate noise levels; communicate effectively and exchange accurate information with coworkers and members of the public; read and organize written material; place library materials on shelves or carts which can be located at floor level or overhead.

 

WORK ENVIRONMENT: Work in assigned area, including office areas, training rooms and library locations, as needed. Normal office exposure to noise, stress, and interruptions.

---