Summary: Plans, organizes, and oversees the delivery of reference services, including the Bristol History Room, ensuring that the library meets the informational, educational, and cultural needs of the community. This position provides professional assistance to patrons, manages collection development for reference and research resources, and integrates both print and digital materials. Participates in strategic and operational planning, supervises staff, and promotes the library as a vital community resource. Provides leadership, training, and supervision to professional staff, library assistants, and clerks. Participates in both short-term and long-range planning for reference services and overall library policies and programs. Recommends and implements policies and procedures. Develops and maintains the reference collection, including books, periodicals, research tools, and audiovisual materials, through independent selection and in consultation with staff. Reviews professional publications and other resources to identify materials for acquisition. Promotes the library as a community resource by engaging with schools, civic groups, cultural organizations, and other community partners. Stays informed about developments in the library field, technological advancements, current events, and emerging trends in public information needs. Oversees and manages the interlibrary loan program. Prepares and administers the department’s budget, including making recommendations for expenditures. Compiles and submits statistical and narrative reports. Attends meetings and actively participates in professional library organizations. Provides support to other library divisions as needed.
Qualifications: Requires Master’s Degree in Library Science from an ALA accredited library school and 5 years of progressively responsible public library experience, including 2 years as supervisor of a library division. Demonstrated experience in managing digital collections and vendor fulfillment and services. Requires effective communication skills, organizational skills, and strong customer service skills.
Knowledge/Abilities: Knowledge of the principles of library administration, including collection development, planning, coordination and budgeting. Knowledge of supervisory methods, including work delegation, scheduling, and evaluating performance. Ability to work effectively with library staff and library patrons. Must have a working knowledge of computer applications for library services, including Integrated Library System experience; and intermediate knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite, and Google Suite.
Classification & Work Hours: Full-time position, 37 ½ hours per week. Schedule: 3 days a week from 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., and 2 days a week from 12:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. September thru June - work alternate Fridays and Saturdays. During July and August-the library is closed on Saturdays; the work week is Monday thru Friday.
Benefits include Defined Benefit Pension Plan, generous time off & medical/dental/life insurance package.
Salary: $32.19/hour. (Increases to $35.19 at 6 months, and $35.71 at 1 year.)
Please see the full job posting for additional details. Apply by Friday, September 19, 2025.