Supervising Librarian

City of New Haven; New Haven (CT); On-site; USD 65,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of New Haven is looking for a Supervising Librarian to oversee and develop library services in New Haven. This role includes managing the service area, coaching staff, and ensuring compliance with policies while meeting community needs.

Applicants should have a Master's degree in Library Science and at least three to five years of professional library experience, including supervisory duties. Strong leadership and organizational skills are essential, as well as the ability to work collaboratively with community partners.

Qualifications

• Minimum three to five years of experience in professional library work.
• At least one year of supervisory experience.

Responsibilities

• Develops goals and programs for the library service area.
• Manages daily operations and supervises staff.
• Collaborates with community organizations to assess needs.

Skills

Integrated Library Science principles

Leadership and management skills

Public relations and customer service

Problem-solving abilities

Knowledge of emerging trends in Library Science

Education

Master's degree in Library Science

Tools

MS Office

Library catalog software

Digital databases

Job description

Primary Functions

This is professional library work in the supervision of a library service area or in the development and supervision of a specialized subject area such as literacy, computers, emerging technologies, digital navigation, audio‑visual resources and services, and information services for businesses and entrepreneurs. Work involves, depending upon the job within the class, responsibility for a subject area, responsibility for the supervision of a department. As a service area supervisor, the Supervising Librarian directs the day‑to‑day operations of the service area and serves as a coach, mentor, and mediator to staff. Work is performed with latitude for professional judgment and is reviewed through meetings and evaluation of results, reporting to a higher‑level Library Administrator (IV or above).

Typical Duties and Responsibilities

• Develops goals, plans, programs, and services for a service area.
• Manages, supervises, and participates in all daily service and support operations of the service area.
• Oversees management and selection of print and non‑print materials for a specified service area.
• Prepares, monitors, and maintains programming budget for a service area.
• Collaborates and engages with citizens and community agencies to maintain awareness of community needs.
• Develops outreach and advertising materials within criteria set by communication department to create outreach opportunities and partnerships with local organizations and businesses.
• Develops and delivers programs that promote use of the Library such as: book discussion clubs, author talks, writing groups, computer classes, tours, and community outreach like a read aloud class visit, attending a community management team meeting or other event created by or for the community.
• Coaches, mentors, manages performance, and addresses service area staff concerns in a timely manner; guides and directs department staff on library services.
• Represents the Library in community organizations relevant to the specialized area of service.
• Works closely with other Supervising Librarians and Library management to assure services are responsive to patron and community needs.
• Encourage ongoing professional development for staff training sessions and mentoring.
• Ensures and enforces Library and City policies, procedures, and guidelines for staff and the public while ensuring compliance with all local, state and federal laws and regulations with appropriate guidance from library and city administrations.
• Performs other related work as required.

Education, Qualifications & Experience

• A Master’s degree in Library Science
• A minimum of three to five years’ experience in professional library work.
• At least one year of supervisory experience.

Knowledge, Experience, Skills & Abilities

• Considerable knowledge of the principles and practices of integrated Library Science.
• Considerable knowledge of the objectives of Library service to the community.
• Considerable knowledge in the required area of expertise, such as reference and bibliographic research, emerging technologies, youth services for ages 0‑18, and/or business information service.
• Knowledge of emerging trends and technologies in Library and Information Science.
• Demonstrated strong leadership and management skills in order to efficiently plan, organize, supervise, and manage the staff of a service area.
• Ability to schedule and supervise the work of professional and support staff.
• Ability to problem‑solve issues related to patron concerns and library services.
• Ability to work collaboratively with staff, other City departments, external partners, and the general public.
• Ability to monitor progress and manage resources to accomplish objectives with strong organizational, research, problem‑solving, and analytical skills.
• Ability to demonstrate strong public relations and customer service skills and communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to make sound, independent judgments within established policies and procedures.
• Proficiency with library related professional tools and software applications (MS Office, library catalog and digital databases).
• Ability to understand and interpret library policies and objectives to community groups, public officials, business and education leaders, the staff and to the public.
• Willingness to engage in regular technical training and the ability to remain current with emerging technologies.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively and sensitively in a diverse community, recognizing and respecting cultural and socio‑economic differences, and fostering an inclusive environment.

Salary, Bargaining Unit & Terms of Employment

This is a Special Fund, "Non‑Tested" position. Continued employment contingent upon availability of future funding. Funding may be terminated at any time. This position is included in a collective bargaining agreement with Local 3144, American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees. Bargaining agreements available to review. Special Funded employees shall not be covered by the City pension but shall continue to be covered by Social Security. The City of New Haven does not sponsor employment visas. All applicants must have current authorization to work in the U.S. without employer‑sponsored visa support. Employment is contingent upon the successful completion of: (1) a pre‑employment background check, (2) a pre‑employment physical examination, including pre‑employment drug screening in accordance with the City’s Drug Free Workplace Policy, and (3) a 90‑day probationary period. Pursuant to the Federal Drug Free Workplace Act of 1988, the City of New Haven has adopted a Drug Free Workplace Policy. The City of New Haven requires a pre‑employment drug test, which includes screening for marijuana.

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