Assistant Director/ Head of Reference

Dracut; Dracut (MA); On-site; USD 59,000 - 81,000; Full time

Job summary

M. G. Parker Memorial Library in Dracut, MA seeks an Assistant Director / Head of Reference to lead reference services and supervise staff in the Library Director's absence. The role emphasizes inter-library loan, program development, and policy interpretation across formats.

The position is full-time (35 hours weekly), with evening and weekend coverage. MLS is required, with at least three years of public library experience and supervisory ability.

Qualifications

• MLS from an accredited ALA-certified institution; equivalent experience may be considered.
• Minimum of three (3) years of progressively responsible public library experience.
• At least one year in a supervisory capacity; union environment preferred.
• Strong knowledge of reference, administration, and inter-library loan procedures.

Responsibilities

• Assist patrons with reference requests and provide training on resources.
• Supervise staff in the absence of the Library Director.
• Oversee inter-library loan coordination and patron services.
• Develop cultural, educational, and recreational programs for adults.
• Participate in strategic planning and annual reporting; support collection development.
• Manage procurement and distribution of tax forms and related materials.

Skills

Reference services

Supervisory experience

Inter-library loan

Patron instruction

Education

MLS from ALA-accredited program

Equivalent experience accepted

Tools

Library automation systems

Job description

Department: M. G. Parker Memorial Library

Supervisor: Library Director

Union Status: Non-Union

Salary: $58,640.40 — $81,204.88

Grade: 10 Steps

FLSA: Exempt

Position Summary:

Under the supervision of the Library Director, the Assistant Director / Head of Reference is responsible for providing reference services using resources in various formats and interpreting library policies and procedures in the absence of the Library Director.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

The essential functions or duties listed below are illustrations of the type of work performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position.

• Work closely with the Library Director to implement exemplary library services
• Assist patrons with inter-library loan requests
• Supervise personnel in the absence of the Library Director
• Serve as the building supervisor in the absence of the Library Director
• Conceive, design, and implement various cultural, educational, and recreational programs for adult patrons
• Provide outstanding reference services using the library’s collections, electronic resources and materials in other formats
• Understand and train patrons on how to verify and vet source material
• Administer procurement and distribution of Federal and State tax forms
• Assist the Library Director in recruitment, hiring, and evaluation of personnel
• Participate in the library’s strategic planning and annual reporting
• Oversee the development and culling of the library’s nonfiction collection
• Interpret library policies and procedures in the absence of the Library Director
• Use scheduling software to set the schedule of service desks

Supervisory Responsibilities:

Works under the general direction of the Library Director, according to established procedures and departmental policies and standards; duties require independent judgement and initiative.

Supervises staff and volunteers as needed.

Recommended Minimum Qualifications:

The following requirements may be substituted by any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience which provides the necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities required to perform the job. To be considered for the position, applicants must have at least:

Education & Experience:

Masters in Library Science (MLS) from an accredited ALA certified institution, or equivalent experience, required. Minimum of three (3) years of progressively responsible experience in a public library, including at least one year in a supervisory capacity, preferably in a union environment.

Knowledge, Ability, & Skill::

• Thorough understanding of library theories and practices.
• Demonstrated ability to apply professional library practices with an emphasis on reference, administration, and inter-library loan procedures.
• Familiarity with basic reference resources and a general knowledge of human civilization and literature to facilitate reference and inter-library loan work and selection duties.
• Ability to interact with and assist patrons with the use of the library facility, services, and technology in a professional and courteous manner.
• Ability to maintain strict patron confidentiality, knowledge of ethics as applicable to library service, familiarity with the ALA Code of Ethics, Library Bill of Rights, and Freedom to Read statements. Remains current on other ALA actions and recommendations.
• Familiarity with recent advancements in library automation systems.
• Proficient in keyboarding skills and office software.
• Ability to learn new computer applications and applications.
• Ability to exercise tact, initiative, independent judgment and confidentiality consistent with library policies.
• Ability to maintain effective working relationships with staff as well as a positive support/service attitude with the public
• Ability to communicate effectively in person, in writing, and on the telephone.
• Ability to multitask.
• Participate in professional organizations by attending conferences, committee meetings, and continuing education classes to develop job-related competencies and to keep apprised of changes in the library field.

Physical Demands:

The physical demands listed here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to stand; walk; sit; use hands to finger, handle or feel; reach with hands and arms; climb and/or balance; talk; and hear. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 40 lbs. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and distance vision.

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations can be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Full-time, 35 hours per week position. The regular schedule includes evening and weekend hours.
• Work is performed in office conditions. The workload varies according to administrative deadlines and seasonal requirements.
• The employee operates standard office equipment, i.e. computer, photocopier, fax, printer, telephone, etc.
• The employee has access to confidential patron records.
• Errors could result in delay or loss of services, legal repercussions and monetary loss.

The Town of Dracut requires a CORI, physical exam and drug screening post offer.

The Town of Dracut, Massachusetts is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Town will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.

(This job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change as the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.)