Director of Inclusive Services & the ABLE Library

State of Vermont; Barre Town (VT); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

The Vermont Department of Libraries seeks a skilled leader to serve as Director of Inclusive Services and the ABLE Library. This role oversees braille, audio material programs, and accessibility services for Vermonters who are blind or print disabled, with responsibility for two program staff and statewide collections.

The Director leads inclusive services across populations and coordinates with partner agencies, reporting to the Assistant State Librarian for Library Advancement.

Qualifications

• Master's degree or higher in library science.
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Responsibilities

• Manage the ABLE Library, including customer service, collection development for a large‑print collection, the statewide deposit program, website accessibility, and the ABLE budget.
• Supervise staff, including assignments, performance, and training for two Program Technician positions.
• Serve as network library liaison to the National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled (NLS).
• Provide reading materials to state psychiatric facilities and coordinate with Department of Corrections staff.
• Lead the Department's inclusive services program, providing consulting, training, and continuing education for public library staff serving Veterans, LGBTQ+ Vermonters, seniors, new Americans, people with disabilities, and people in state care.
• Build partnerships with state and community organizations to connect patrons to services.
• Manage vendor and contract relationships for the ABLE Library and coordinate with facilities on issues when leadership is absent.

Skills

Library management

Accessibility technologies

Teaching / training

Supervision of staff

Travel statewide

Education

Master's degree in Library Science

3+ years library experience including supervisory

Tools

ILS (Integrated Library System)

NLS equipment management

Job description

Overview

The Vermont Department of Libraries seeks a skilled, collaborative, and innovative leader to serve as Director of Inclusive Services and the ABLE Library. This position serves as the Director of the ABLE Library, providing braille, audio books, equipment, and specialized programming to Vermonters who are blind, print disabled, or otherwise unable to use standard print materials. The Director also manages the collection development for Vermont's correctional facilities and the state psychiatric hospital and serves as the Department's lead consultant on inclusive services for populations including Veterans, LGBTQ+ Vermonters, seniors, new Americans, people with disabilities, and people who are incarcerated or in state care.

The Director supervises two FTE, participates in Department leadership and strategic initiatives, and may supervise Department operations in the absence of senior leadership. The position reports to the Assistant State Librarian for Library Advancement.

Qualifications

• Experience working in a library and deep knowledge of library principles and best practices. Library management experience preferred.


• Experience serving special or vulnerable populations, including patrons with physical and/or cognitive impairments.


• Experience with accessibility technologies and specialized ILS; ability to troubleshoot complex system interfaces.


• Demonstrated teaching ability and subject‑matter expertise in inclusive services.


• Managerial and operational skills and experience, including supervision of staff.


• Ability to travel statewide.

Working Conditions

Regularly involves sustained work with a population requiring special care, including regular notification of the passing of long‑served patrons, and troubleshooting. Occasional light physical demands, including lifting boxes (up to 25 lbs.) and pushing book carts (up to 50 lbs.); primarily sedentary work with intermittent bending and reaching. Occasional exposure to standard cleaning agents.

Essential Duties And Responsibilities

• Manage the ABLE Library, including customer service, collection development for a large‑print collection, the statewide deposit program, website accessibility, and the ABLE budget.


• Supervise staff, including assignments, performance, and training for two Program Technician positions.


• Serve as network library liaison to the National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled (NLS), including managing NLS equipment and implementing NLS operational changes in a manner consistent with Vermont statute.


• Provide correctional facilities library services including selection and procurement of reading materials for Vermont's correctional facilities and liaising with Department of Corrections staff.


• Provide reading materials to state psychiatric facilities including liaising with leadership to select materials for patients.


• Direct the Department's inclusive services program, including providing consulting, training, and continuing education for public library staff serving Veterans, LGBTQ+ Vermonters, seniors, new Americans, people with disabilities, and people who are incarcerated or in state care; represent the Department on the State Web Accessibility Task Force and the Racial Equity Committee.


• Build partnerships with organizations such as the Dept. of Disabilities, Aging and Independent Living (DAIL), the Dept. of Health, the Central VT Council on Aging, the VT Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired (VABVI), and the U.S. Committee for Refugees and Immigrants (USCRI) to connect patrons to state and community services.


• Manage vendor and contract relationships for the ABLE Library and coordinate with the Department of Buildings and General Services (BGS) and the Vermont Historical Society on facility issues in the absence of senior leadership.


• Conduct training, outreach, and public relations.


• Other duties as assigned.

Who May Apply

This position, Director of Inclusive Services & the ABLE Library (Job Requisition #55713), is open to all State employees and external applicants. If you would like more information about this position, please contact [e-mail]. Please note that multiple positions in the same work location may be filled from this job posting.

Environmental Factors

Duties are performed in an office setting and at libraries and other venues throughout the state. Requires extensive use of computers and information technology. Significant job-related travel is required, and incumbents may be required to travel out-of-state to attend meetings, training, and conferences. Private means of transportation may be necessary for required travel. Certain job functions may need to be performed outside normal State business hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays. Requires work with the public, with governmental agencies and officials, and with non‑profit and educational organizations. Travel may be necessary in all types of weather.

Minimum Qualifications

Master's degree or higher in library science from an institution accredited by the American Library Association AND at least three (3) years or more of library experience, INCLUDING one (1) year or more of supervisory experience in library or similar administration.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience heading an NLS-affiliated state or federal library.

Experience working with under-served communities, including people with disabilities that prevent them from using standard print.

Total Compensation

As a State employee you are offered a great career opportunity, but it's more than a paycheck. The State's total compensation package features an outstanding set of employee benefits that are worth about 30% of your total compensation, including:

• 80% State paid medical premium and a dental plan at no cost for employees and their families


• Work/Life balance: 11 paid holidays each year and a generous leave plan


• State Paid Family and Medical Leave Insurance (FMLI)


• Two ways to save for your retirement: A State defined benefit pension plan and a deferred compensation 457(b) plan


• Tuition Reimbursement


• Flexible spending healthcare and childcare reimbursement accounts


• Low cost group life insurance


• Incentive-based Wellness Program


• Qualified Employer for Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness Program

Want the specifics? Explore the Benefits of State Employment on our website.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The State of Vermont celebrates diversity, and is committed to providing an environment of mutual respect and meaningful inclusion that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. The State does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion or belief, national, social or ethnic origin, sex (including pregnancy), age, physical, mental or sensory disability, HIV Status, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, marital, civil union or domestic partnership status, past or present military service, membership in an employee organization, family medical history or genetic information, or family or parental status. The State's employment decisions are merit-based. Retaliatory adverse employment actions by the State are forbidden.