Imagination, innovation and inspiration...The Director of Learning and Discovery at the Westport (CT) Library (http://westportlibrary.org/) will
embrace and promote these ideas as they lead an inventive, committed
public service staff who is transforming the traditional role of
Libraries by delivering innovative programs and services. The Director
must value responsive, personal customer service and view the Library as
a platform for community innovation and experiential learning. The
selected candidate must be interested in seeking new service models and
fostering exploration through staff and community collaboration. He/she
must be knowledgeable about emerging trends in libraries and the world
at large and passionate about implementing new approaches to learning,
information access, and services. In other libraries this position may
be called the Deputy Director for Public Service but the Westport
Library uses a title that best describes the role.
The
Director of Learning and Discovery must have both left and right brain
skills—the ability to inspire and motivate staff as well as day-to-day
managerial and organizational skills. A love of public service, a strong
customer service focus, and the desire and skill to teach, coach, and
mentor staff is essential. He/she manages public services through a team
of direct reports and serves as a member of the Library’s Management
Team. This position contributes to short and long-range planning,
program development, and evaluation, and provides input into allocation
of resources in support of the Library’s strategic initiatives.
The
Westport Library is a vibrant and welcoming community hub that reflects
Westport’s spirit, creativity and entrepreneurship. Each day, an
average of 1,300 patrons of all ages visit the Library to read and
research (borrowing nearly 674,000 items last year), attend one of the
Library’s 1,600 programs, consult with the Library’s expert reference
librarians, use one of the Library’s ten 3-D printers, shop the Library
store, meet friends at the Library Café or simply enjoy the camaraderie
of being in a dynamic shared space. In 2013, the Library Journal
designated the Westport Library as a “Five-Star Library”, a distinction
earned by less than 1% of the nation’s libraries and in 2015 the Library
was one of five finalists for the IMLS National Medal for Museum and
Library Services. The Westport Library was also among the first in the
nation to establish a Maker Space, a place for creation, collaboration,
innovation and entrepreneurship. The Library is supported by a $4.3
million annual Town appropriation and supplemented by an active development
effort, as well as grants, fees and earned income, resulting in a $5.6
million annual operating budget. For more about the Library and the
Town, see Westport Links (http://www.gossagesager.com/Westportlinks.htm).
Qualifications.
The successful candidate will have an ALA accredited Masters’ of
Library Science and a minimum of five (5) years professional experience
in a public library setting or information-based environment
demonstrating progressively responsible management experience. Desired
attributes and skills include strong computer and technology skills; a
customer service orientation; excellent oral and written communication
skills and interpersonal skills; and the ability to work
collaboratively. Flexibility and ability to thrive in a complex,
changing environment with competing demands and proven success in
planning, introducing, and managing change is crucial. The desire and
ability to represent the Library throughout the Westport community and
be an active community participant is required. This position must be
flexible to work evenings and weekends when required.
Compensation.
The position offers a hiring salary range of $80,000-100,000 (with
placement dependent upon experience and qualifications) and an
attractive benefits package.