Supervising Librarian

City of Sioux Falls; Sioux Falls (SD); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

City of Sioux Falls is seeking a Supervising Librarian to lead learning and development across Siouxland Libraries. The role includes supervising teams, guiding public service, and fostering a culture of hospitality and growth.

The position demands strong leadership, coaching能力, and the ability to manage programs, budgets, and policies while maintaining high service standards across multiple branches.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in library science from an accredited college or university with a minimum of three (3) years of library experience and two (2) years of supervisory experience, or equivalent combination.
• Must be willing to work evenings, Saturdays, and Sundays as required.
• Demonstrated forward-thinking leadership and the ability to coach and mentor staff.
• Ability to manage budgets, policies, and long-term library operations.

Responsibilities

• Oversee day-to-day operations of one or more libraries and the bookmobile.
• Plan and evaluate strategic initiatives across collections, interlibrary loan, programs, and technology.
• Supervise, train, schedule, and evaluate staff and volunteers; participate in hiring and performance reviews.
• Coordinate maintenance and security of branches; collaborate with City departments and external stakeholders.
• Direct staff in planning events and programs with programming team.
• Prepare, monitor, and administer annual budgets and purchases.
• Compile and submit project and branch reports and statistics.
• Train staff on library functions, services, and policies.
• Provide direct service to guests and communicate library policies clearly.
• Stay informed of trends in librarianship and propose innovations.

Skills

Leadership

Supervision

Public service

Coaching

Team development

Communication

Budgeting

Policy compliance

Project management

Staff training

Education

Master's degree in library science

3+ years library experience

2+ years supervisory experience

Job description

Supervising Librarian in City of Sioux Falls, SD

City of Sioux Falls

City of Sioux Falls, SD

Siouxland Libraries

Closing Date

11/24/2026 at 5:00 PM Central Time (US & Canada)

We are seeking a Supervising Librarian to lead learning and development across Siouxland Libraries. Are you an experienced and motivated public service leader with a heart for people and who takes ownership of your work? If so, then we want you to join our team. This position also supervises a team of full-time and part-time employees and uses hospitality to perform in-depth library service involving extensive public contact. If you possess effective leadership skills and have the passion for coaching and developing a team through goal setting, regular feedback, and fostering positive working relationships, you may be a good fit. Do you want to work in a professional environment guided by the following Core Values:

• Safety: protecting quality of life
• Teamwork: collaborating to serve
• Innovation: driving growth and development
• Character: doing the right thing
• Respect: honoring the dignity of others

Siouxland Libraries will be seeking candidates with the following qualifications and competencies:

• Future-oriented, can articulate vision of possibilities and likelihood of their success. Has broad knowledge and perspective.
• Effectively copes with change, comfortably shifts gears, and manages risk and uncertainty. Decisive and action oriented without having the total picture.
• Skilled at communicating effectively and appropriately. Articulate orally and in writing. Has a desire and ability to coach and mentor team members.
• Knowledgeable about how an organization, especially libraries, works and knows how to get results using both formal and informal channels. Recognizes and understands the culture of an organization. Understands the origin and reasoning behind key policies, practices, and procedures of the organization.
• Ability to relate well and build appropriate rapport and relationships with a variety of people in all levels of the organization, as well as people outside the organization. Uses diplomacy and tact and can diffuse even high-tension situations comfortably.
• Sets and maintains clear expectations consistent with the mission and values of Siouxland Libraries and resolves conflict equitably and timely. Addresses issues as they arise and has an ability to inspire success.

Job Responsibilities

• Oversee, supervise, and maintain the day-to-day operations of one or more libraries and the bookmobile.
• Plan, organize, coordinate, and evaluate strategic initiatives and establish goals and objectives in areas such as:
  • Collection Management
  • Interlibrary Loan
  • Program Development
  • Technology Development
  • Branch Operations
  • Public & Outreach Services
  • Staff Training
• Supervise, train, schedule, coordinate and oversee work assignments of employees and volunteers. Make recommendations relative to hiring, discharge, layoffs, suspensions, disciplinary actions, adjustment of grievances and participate in performance evaluations of employees under their direction.
• Coordinate the operation, maintenance, and security of branch buildings, furnishings, grounds, and equipment. Collaborate with City departments and external stakeholders as needed.
• Direct staff in the planning and execution of branch events and programs, in collaboration with team members responsible for programming activities.
• Prepare, submit, and monitor annual budgets for assigned areas. Administer purchase orders and card expenditures, ensuring policy compliance and accurate financial records.
• Compile, analyze, and submit project and branch reports, including statistical data for assigned responsibilities.
• Train full-time and part-time staff on specific library functions, services, and programs.
• Perform direct service to library guests, assisting with the use of library resources and services.
• Communicate and implement library policies, procedures, and services to guests, staff, and volunteers.
• Stay informed of trends and developments in the library profession. Recommend changes and innovations as appropriate.
• Assist in the development, review, modification, maintenance, and implementation of library policies in alignment with the Library Board.
• Serve as lead role for assigned projects, resources, collections, or functional areas.
• Participate actively in management and leadership team meetings, coming prepared, engaged, and solution-oriented.
• Meet regularly with staff through one-on-ones and team meetings to coach, support, and develop them.
• Perform other such duties and functions as are necessary or incidental to the proper performance of this position.

Minimum Qualifications

Graduation with a master’s degree in library science from an accredited college or university with a minimum of three (3) years of library experience with demonstrated areas of progressive responsibility, and a minimum of two (2) years of supervisory experience; or any such combination of education, experience, and training as may be acceptable to the hiring authority.

Must be willing to work evenings, Saturdays, and Sundays as required.

Supplemental Information

Demonstrated forward-thinking leadership, identifying opportunities for improvement, anticipating challenges, and implementing practical solutions.

Effectively cope with change, comfortably shifts gears, and manage risk and uncertainty. Be decisive and action-oriented without having the total picture.

Ability to keep records accurately and complete reports in a timely manner .

Ability to work independently and innovatively in a variety of situations.

Ability to maintain calm under stressful conditions.

Ability to meet deadlines without direct supervision.

Ability to champion the organizational mission and values, inspiring others to act in alignment with its goals.

Knowledge of library collection, especially popular circulating materials in all formats.

Knowledge of budget preparation objectives and programs.

Demonstrated skill in effectively determining informational needs of guests.

Ability to plan and carry out activities in accordance with division priorities and in support of overall library functions.

Thorough knowledge of and ability to apply basic library science principles including understanding organization of library collections and catalog, information sources, local practices, procedures, and policies, and computer applications used to deliver library services.

Ability to effectively motivate and manage personnel and provide coaching to support continuous team growth and development.

Ability to develop and conduct presentations to staff, library stakeholders, and citizen groups.

Ability to use Microsoft Office-based business software applications, library-specific software applications, and website/social media applications.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relations with staff, the public, and elected, appointive, midmanagement, and other Library and City employees.

Ability to communicate effectively with staff and public, both orally and in writing.

Knowledge of public relations and programming.