SENIOR LIBRARIAN

La Crosse County; Onalaska (WI); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

La Crosse County Library seeks a supervisory leader to oversee services at the Onalaska and French Island locations. You will directly supervise staff, coordinate with the Library Director, and drive programming, promotions, and community engagement.

The role requires strong customer service, budgeting, and staff development skills, with evenings/weekends as needed. This position reports to the Library Director and collaborates with municipal officials.

Qualifications

• MLS preferred; a four-year degree and substantial library experience may be considered.
• Minimum of four years of library-related work experience in a direct customer service environment.
• Experience with supervision, hiring, mentoring and evaluating staff.
• Evenings and occasional weekends required.

Responsibilities

• Oversees day-to-day public library services at Onalaska and French Island locations.
• Directly communicates with the Library Director on issues affecting service.
• Leads hiring, training, scheduling, mentoring, evaluation and discipline of staff.
• Manages facility maintenance liaison and budget requests for needs.
• Develops programs, promotes community engagement, and analyzes collections for acquisitions.
• Maintains strong technical skills with library software and databases; assists patrons.

Skills

Staff supervision

Customer service

Budget management

Communication

Staff development

Policy implementation

Education

MLS preferred

Bachelor's degree or related field

Tools

Library databases

IT troubleshooting

Job description

Overview

FLSA: Exempt. This is a supervisory position at the Onalaska and French Island locations of the La Crosse County Library. Employee is selected by and responsible to the Library Director. The employee works closely with municipal officials and Library Director regarding the library facility, grounds and furnishings. Employee directly supervises and schedules staff and pages assigned to the location/s. The employee will provide direct circulation and reference service to the public as well as help execute programming. Implements the standard policies and procedures created by the Library Director and Library Board. Makes recommendations to Director regarding materials, programming, and other issues which will affect the quality of library services offered.

Essential Leadership Functions

Act with Integrity and Build Trust

• Demonstrate mutual respect, humility, and honesty in all interactions

• Speak up appropriately, even when expressing unpopular viewpoints

• Actively listen and remain open-minded to diverse perspectives

Drive for Results

• Set clear goals and objectives to motivate self and others to achieve outcomes

• Seek new opportunities to improve processes and drive sustainable results

• Hold self and others accountable through consistent evaluation and monitoring

Develop Talent and Effective Teams

• Foster a collaborative environment that encourages knowledge sharing and growth

• Provide mentorship and support to help self and others reach full potential

• Recognize and leverage diverse strengths within self and team

Lead with Vision and Strategy

• Understand and communicate a compelling vision that aligns with organizational goals

• Develop and execute comprehensive strategies to achieve long-term objectives

• Connect daily work to the bigger picture, inspiring self and others to contribute meaningfully

Lead with Paradoxical, Critical, and Agile Thinking

• Navigate complex situations by considering multiple perspectives

• Adapt quickly to changes and uncertainties in the work environment

• Make critical decisions using analytical skills, experience, and input from others

Build and Maintain Effective Relationships

• Communicate and collaborate effectively with stakeholders across the organization

• Influence others through coaching, consulting, and team-minded thinking

• Develop and sustain partnerships that create positive outcomes for all stakeholders

Cultivate Community Engagement and Provide Excellent Service

• Understand and address the needs and concerns of the community

• Incorporate community perspectives into decision-making processes

• Drive initiatives that create positive impacts beyond the organization

Demonstrate Emotional Intelligence

• Show self-awareness and manage emotions effectively in challenging situations

• Seek and respond constructively to feedback, even in the face of setbacks

• Balance empathy with accountability when leading self and working with others

Essential Job Functions

Oversees day-to-day public library services offered in the locations assigned.

Directly communicates with the Director on any issues and items that impact service. Embodies and practices exemplary customer service.

Assists in the hiring, training, scheduling, managing, mentoring, evaluation, and discipline of employees.

On behalf of the Director, serves as a liaison to the municipality for facility maintenance and building needs.

Makes budget requests to the Director for facility needs and staffing. Analyzes assigned collection and makes recommendations for acquisitions.

Oversees the tasks related to supply inventory. Implements library promotions
and publicity efforts.

Develops and deliver sustainable and dynamic programs for all ages.

Leverages and utilizes unique skills and abilities to drive community engagement.

Maintains strong technical skills to utilize library software, internet resources and library databases efficiently and assists patrons in doing the same.

Troubleshoots equipment and network issues and works closely with the County Information Technology Services Help Desk.

Actively recruits volunteers and coordinates their services.

On behalf of the Director, serves as a liaison to the Friends of the Library and directs their activities to meet the needs of the library and community.

May serve as a representative and liaison with community groups, committees and organizations.

Participates in appropriate in-service training and educational sessions. Implements ideas for change with the Director.

Tracks and prepares statistics for state reporting requirements.

In this public service position, employee is required to be courteous, cooperative and respectful at all times, with the public and clients. Also establishes and maintains a courteous, cooperative and respectful working relationship with other employees, supervisors and public officials.

Employee is expected to report to work when scheduled, with minimum use of sick leave, to build up sick leave balance for income protection for unexpected illness.

Physical demands: Moves forty-pound boxes, copy paper, chairs, etc. Sits at desks, uses hearing, near vision, and fingering to operate computers, copiers, calculators, cash registers, and other office equipment. Talks with patrons, vendors, callers, other library and governmental employees. Stands, reaches, bends, and moves freely about the library to assist patrons and perform other tasks. Tasks may involve exposure to blood/body fluids.

Related Job Functions

This job description is not intended to encompass every job duty or responsibility but is only illustrative. This position is required to perform other duties as may be assigned or required.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Working knowledge of library methods and procedures and skills necessary to provide excellent service to the public. Flexibility in dealing with unexpected or difficult situations.

Working knowledge of facility management issues including familiarity with service contracts and management of maintenance work requests.

Ability and willingness to communicate effectively with staff members and patrons.

Ability to assist in hiring employees and to assign work, supervise, motivate and discipline subordinate employees.

Ability to use computer programs, the Internet, Library databases and other tools effectively and to assist patrons in their use.

Ability to be extremely accurate with computers and to upgrade skills as necessary.

Ability to accurately handle money.

Training, Experience and Other Requirements

Preference will be given for those holding a Master of Library Science Degree or Masters of Library Information Services. Consideration may be given for a four-year related degree and substantial library experience.

Minimum of four years of library related work experience in a direct customer service environment and preference given to those with previous Library Management experience.

Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.

Must be available to work evenings and occasional weekends.