Library Director - White Plains Public Library, NY

Library Director - White Plains Public Library, White Plains, NY. The White Plains Public Library seeks an energetic library professional with stellar administrative and management skills and the proven ability to successfully lead a dynamic and substantial urban public library operation. The current library director will be retiring in November 2011 after 22 years in the position. The Library is the municipal library of the City of White Plains and serves a diverse and vibrant community of 56,000 residents, of which more than 30,000 are registered borrowers. It is a member of the Westchester Library System, a cooperative public library system serving the thirty-eight public libraries of Westchester County. White Plains is the County seat of Westchester and home to extensive government, education, medical, legal, retail, business and corporate facilities for the region. Situated 25 miles north of Manhattan, White Plains is a suburban city with a full accompaniment of urban amenities. A residential community of nearly 56,000, the population soars to more than 250,000 during the day as workers and visitors arrive by car, rail, bus and plane. With its excellent school system, recreational facilities, premier business market, three major malls and a dynamic downtown featuring outstanding restaurants, boutiques and nightlife, White Plains is thriving. It is viewed by residents and visitors alike as one of the most attractive and desirable cities in the state in which to live, work, shop and play. The Library has a strong service profile and is known for its excellence, innovation and customer service. Its children's library, The Trove, continues to draw visitors from around the world and delight the local and regional community. The Library Director, staff and Trustees sustain the Library's close working relationships with the municipality, local schools, and a wide variety of community partners, and actively cultivate opportunities to reach people and build service. The Library Director reports to a nine-member Board of Trustees appointed by the municipality, and is a permanent member of the White Plains Library Foundation Board of Directors. The Foundation is a separate non-profit incorporated to raise funds for enhanced library services. The Library Director also serves as liaison to the Friends of the Library, a dedicated organization of volunteers who support Library initiatives with book sales and membership. The Library Director is responsible for a $5.7 million municipal budget, a staff of approximately 36 full-time and 34 part-time employees, and an 82,000 sq. ft. facility. The Library recently unveiled a master plan for renovation of its main floor, including introduction of self-check and creation of an exciting area for teens. The Library Director will be responsible for this project and others to extend library service and maintain building and grounds. The position requires a candidate with a passionate belief in the power and importance of the public library and a compelling vision for community library service in today's society. The successful candidate will have the ability to communicate that vision and engage stakeholders at all levels to achieve it. This candidate will have experience with planning, budgeting, analysis of usage, budget and trends; human resource management, preferably in a union environment; service development, implementation and evaluation; fiscal management; and creative use of leading edge technology. This candidate will bring experience, skill and commitment in the areas of customer service, diversity, outreach and partnerships, and have demonstrated ability to adapt with creativity and hope as circumstances change. Additional details are available at: http://librarydirector.whiteplainslibrary.org/details. Minimum qualifications are Possession of a Master's Degree from an American Library Association accredited masters program in library and/or information studies, and eight (8) post graduate years of professional library experience using modern information technology, at least three (3) years of which must have been at the supervisory level. Starting Salary Range: $120,000 - $135,000 based on qualifications and experience. Excellent benefits package. To be considered for this position, please submit cover letter and resume, preferred format PDF or Word 95-2003 doc, with minimum of three professional references to our Search Committee at librarydirectorsearch@whiteplainslibrary.org by 5 pm on September 6, 2011.The White Plains Public Library is an Equal Opportunity Employer.