Library Director - Rogers
Free Library in Bristol, Rhode Island is seeking experienced,
innovative candidates for the position of Library Director. Built in
1877, the library is a community hub located in the center of Bristol,
ranked as one of the 25 Best Small Towns in America by Architectural
Digest in 2018. This deepwater seaport is home to more than 22,000
residents and Roger Williams University.
GENERAL STATEMENT OF DUTIES:
This is a professional, administrative position responsible for a broad
range of public library functions. The work involves the responsibility
for the provision of library services to patrons and community
organizations. Duties include policy recommendations, departmental
planning, and direction and administration of library activities. The
work requires that the employee have thorough knowledge, skill and
ability in every phase of the public library field.
Direction
is received from the Rogers Free Library Board of Trustees and, working
closely with the Trustees, the Library Director monitors library
services, develops and manages the budget, oversees the creation of
public relations materials, supervises staff and volunteers, oversees
the physical plant, and stays informed of developments in library
management. The Library Director serves as an ex-officio member of the
Board of Trustees to ensure a consistent flow of communications.
This is a full time, 35-hour per week position. Salary is commensurate
with background and experience: $65,000 - $75,000 plus an attractive
non-union benefits package.
Due to an impending retirement, this position is available immediately.
EXAMPLES OF WORK:
• Acts as executive officer, manager, and supervisor at the library,
and ensures public access to it through the establishment of reasonable
hours of service (including evenings, Saturdays, and limited Sunday
hours as approved and funded by the Town of Bristol) by a trained and
competent staff. • Responsible for all ongoing services (e.g., reference
and information, services to children, youth and adults, as well as
services to special needs users within the library and to those in the
wider community). • Oversees, monitors, and responsible for making
difficult technical decisions within the library and participates in the
selection/incorporation of same as technology evolves. • Drafts and
recommends policy to the Rogers Free Library Board of Trustees and plans
for the implementation of public library goals and objectives. •
Prepares and submits the annual operating budget to the Bristol Town
Administrator with the advice and consent of the Rogers Free Library
Board of Trustees; prepares and submits a capital budget as necessary;
and administers the adopted budget. • Attends Rogers Free Library Board
of Trustees meetings and regularly updates the Board about library
operations. • Hires, supervises and evaluates all Rogers Free Library
personnel and dismisses when necessary. • Plans and approves
professional development training programs for all staff members. • Uses
data generated by the Strategic Plan to inform programs and services
that meet community needs. • Reviews and approves the materials
selections for Rogers Free Library in accordance with the Board of
Trustees policies; provides oversight for the selection of non-fiction
materials for the adult collection. • Represents the library at public,
professional and Town meetings when appropriate. • Utilizes the services
and consultants of the state’s Office of Library and Information
Services (OLIS). • Prepares all reports for the state as required by
law. • Serves as representative of Rogers Free Library to the state’s
public library computer network, Ocean State Libraries (OSL). •
Recommends to the Board of Trustees and carries out public relations
initiatives in the town. • Performs other duties as required.
QUALIFICATIONS:
Master of Library Science (MLS, MLIS or MSLIS) degree from an American
Library Association accredited institution of graduate studies is
required. Three to five years of experience in public library management
is preferred. Considerable knowledge of administrative procedures
especially regarding their applications to library operations. Knowledge
of budgeting and program principles. Demonstrated ability (a minimum of
three years’ experience) to plan, direct, and supervise the work of
others; knowledge of group dynamics and personnel principles. Criminal
Background check is required.
The Rogers Free Library is an
Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate based on race,
religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender
identity or expression, age, or any status protected under federal,
state, or local law. All employees must be eligible for employment in
the United States.
TO APPLY: For full consideration, email the Rogers Free Library Board of Trustees at rflsearchcommittee@gmail.com and include a cover letter, resume/CV, and a minimum of three (3) references no later than 5:00 PM (EDT) on Friday, September 11, 2020.
