Librarian III

Orange County Public Libraries; California; On-site; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

OC Public Libraries is seeking a Librarian III to oversee day-to-day operations of a Tier 3 branch or specialized unit. You will supervise staff, manage budgets, plan collections, and coordinate programs to meet community needs.

The role emphasizes leadership in strategic planning, staff training, and collaboration with community stakeholders to promote library services and public programs.

Qualifications

• At least three (3) years of professional librarian experience and at least one (1) year of experience as a library branch manager, including supervising staff.
• Experience leading system-wide initiatives is a plus.
• Strong leadership, budgeting, and program development skills.

Responsibilities

• Direct day-to-day operations of a Tier 3 library unit and supervise staff.
• Schedule staff and programs to serve the local community.
• Oversee branch budgets, collection development, and public relations.

Skills

Staff supervision

Budget management

Customer service

Public relations

Strategic planning

Data analysis

Program development

Community outreach

Tools

Microsoft Office

Library databases

Integrated Library System (ILS)

Job description

The Librarian III position oversees, manages and plans the day-to-day operations of a Tier 3 Branch or other specialized unit in OC Public Libraries. Incumbents will supervise and lead library staff and direct all activities within their assigned unit. They ensure that staff provide responsive customer service to patrons. They manage branch personnel and oversee branch budgets, collection development, program planning, community needs assessment/awareness, and public relations. In addition, incumbents contribute to the goals of system-wide planning and program committees often in leadership roles.

Responsibilities and duties for this position include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Manage and direct a Tier 3 branch library or other specialized unit, ensuring effective and efficient overall operations, and responsive library services to the general public.
• Select, train, mentor and review, either directly or through subordinate supervisors, professional, paraprofessional, and volunteer staff.
• Schedule staff and programs to best serve the local community.
• Work with Library Administration to establish short-and long-term goals, objectives, and strategic priorities.
• Oversee efficient use of the branch public space, shelving, and service desk.
• Manage branch materials acquisition and collection development, which may include participating in system-wide collection development in order to meet the needs of the communities that OCPL serves.
• Manage branch budget and authorize and monitor expenditures.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of library services and use data to make informed decisions and recommendations.
• Plan, prepare, and organize effective publicity materials to promote library programs and services.
• Work with branch Friends of the Library support groups and act as Ex-Officio Board Member; participate in budget planning and expenditure of Friends' revenues.
• Partner and establish relationships with community groups and city officials, promote library services, and develop networks with local stakeholders,
• Serve on a variety of internal OCPL committees established to meet department goals.
• Plan and develop programs to promote library collections to serve the needs of the local community.
• Attend systemwide meetings which are crucial to the information flow from the County to the branch and local community.
• Practice patron de-escalation and enforce library policies.
• Adhere to the County's safety rules and regulations.
• Actively seek out and pursue a variety of professional development opportunities.
• Analyze problems, identify alternative solutions, project consequences of proposed actions, implement recommendations in support of goals, and monitor the results.
• Oversee the library facility by evaluating conditions, identifying safety or maintenance issues, and submitting appropriate service tickets.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS AND CORE COMPETENCIES

In addition to the minimum qualifications, the ideal candidate will possess at least three (3) years of professional librarian experience AND at least one (1) year of experience as a library branch manager, including responsibility of supervising, training, and evaluating professional and support staff who provide public services.

While not required, the ideal candidate will also possess experience in leading system-wide initiatives.

In addition, the ideal candidate will also have extensive experience in the following core competencies:

Technical Expertise

• Applying principles and modern methods of library science and public business administration include organization, budgetary preparation, and control of branch collections.
• Utilizing computer programs such as Microsoft Suite, library databases, and the integrated library system (ILS).
• Conducting research, maintaining statistical records, completing reports, and effectively using email for business purposes.
• Developing and implementing library programs and services such as Story Times, Book Clubs, Craft Clubs, Film Discussions, Career Workshops, Summer Reading programs, Teen programs, guest speakers, author events, etc.
• Dedication to equity, diversity, and inclusion initiatives within public programming and collections.

Leadership & Management Skills

• Leading and empowering library staff to deliver effective, high-quality library service.
• Providing library staff and volunteers with training and guidance in the procedures and practices of a public library.
• Evaluating and supervising staff and volunteers; assigning duties, establishing work procedures and schedules, and reviewing the work of subordinate library staff.
• Demonstrating ability to organize work, set priorities, and meet critical time deadlines.
• Demonstrating ability to work effectively with representatives of outside agencies/department in developing professional relationships.
• Managing day to day operations of library branch.

Customer Service & Interpersonal Skills

• Analyzing patron requests to determine needed information and assist in furnishing or locating that information.
• Maintaining positive public relations through communication and promotion of the library's values, services, accomplishments, and needs to all stakeholders.
• Demonstrating the impact and value of the library to the community through ongoing evaluation and assessment of library services.
• Demonstrating the ability to effectively interact and maintain a professional demeanor when interacting with the public in a variety of complex situations.
• Demonstrating the ability to exercise appropriate judgement in answering questions, resolving problems, and releasing information.
• Successfully handle and resolve complex public service issues.
• Building effective partnerships with local agencies, city officials, and community stakeholders.