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Library Director Position

Posted on

Guilford Free Library
4024 Guilford Center Road, Guilford, Vermont 05301
802-257-4603
guilfordfreelibraryvt.org

SUMMARY
The Guilford Free Library Director (Librarian) is responsible for the administration, supervision, and coordination of all activities and services of the library, and for carrying out the policies adopted by the Library Board of Trustees. The Librarian works closely with the Friends of the Library organization in their fundraising and other activities to support the Library. The Librarian acts as the library spokesperson, promoting the use of the library by all members of the community and fostering good working relationships with town government and organizations. The Librarian is a full-time position with benefits (salary commensurate with experience).

SUPERVISION
The Library Director is appointed by and responsible to the Board of Trustees, who are elected officials for the town of Guilford. The Librarian hires and supervises all other library staff and volunteers.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES
Service to the Community
Develops and maintains services that reflect and respond to the interests and needs of the town, including:

  • Long range planning in conjunction with the Board of Trustees
  • Collaboration with community groups and local schools
  • Developing programs that appeal to a variety of ages and interests
  • Developing outreach and other services that extend the library’s reach into the community
  • Helping the public use library materials and technology, including formal and informal training
  • Promoting and publicizing the library’s services and resources
  • Developing and organizing displays and exhibits
  • Reporting any building maintenance and safety problems to the trustees and overseeing regular grounds maintenance and minor repairs as needed
  • Overseeing the scheduling and use of the library as a meeting space
  • Attending workshops, classes, and meetings and reading professional journals in order to maintain perspective and keep apprised of developments in the field of librarianship
  • Developing procedures for the smooth running of the library
  • Developing a collection of interesting materials in various formats, print, audio-visual, and electronic; on-going collaboration with searchable catalog consortium
  • Providing reference, interlibrary loan, readers’ advisory, and referral services
  • Evaluating, purchasing, installing, and maintaining library hardware, software and all related items

Support and Execution of Library Policy
Follows policies adopted by the Board of Trustees, makes suggestions for changes as needed, and proposes ideas for the future, including:

  • Participating in monthly trustees meetings
  • Maintaining the policy file, passing policy information on to staff, and answering the public’s questions about policies
  • Maintaining a close working relationship with town government

Oversee Budgeted Funds
Monitors and spends budgeted funds in a responsible manner, including:

  • Working with the Library Treasurer to develop an annual budget for adoption by the Board of Trustees
  • Helping the trustees present an annual budget request to the town, and answering questions about library expenses as needed
  • Developing a system to track expenses throughout the year so that no shortfalls are encountered
  • Reviewing bills and passing them along to the Treasurer for approval
  • Receiving cash donations, fees, and other funds and depositing into the appropriate bank account
  • Arranging for use of the most cost-effective vendors
  • Writing grant proposals as appropriate
  • Cooperating with Trustees and Friends on library fund-raising activities

Supervise and Train Staff and Volunteers
Hires, trains, schedules, and evaluates all staff and volunteers, including:

  • Reviewing and revising existing job descriptions and developing new ones as necessary, for Board approval
  • Teaching library policy and procedures to staff and volunteers, making sure each understands their individual responsibilities
  • Scheduling, organizing, encouraging, and supervising all staff and volunteers
  • Recruiting staff and volunteers as needed
  • Developing a procedure manual, emergency procedures, and other aids for staff and volunteers
  • Evaluating all staff performance at least annually

Formal Reporting
Provides regular, written reports of library activity for the Board of Trustees, the town, and the state, including:

  • Collecting, reporting, and analyzing library statistics
  • Preparing monthly written reports for the Board of Trustees
  • Completing occasional reports, surveys and requests for information from state and federal library agencies and associations
  • Preparing the annual statistical report and standards application for the Department of Libraries

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
A Master’s degree in Library Science from an ALA-accredited program and at least two years of public library administration are preferred. A candidate without that degree will be considered if willing to earn certification as a public librarian in Vermont within five years. Proficiency with computers, software, and the internet are necessary.
Imagination, a creative approach to problem-solving, and a sincere interest in people are essential.

Interested applicants should email their resume, along with three (3) letters of reference to townadmin@guilfordvt.gov

Application deadline May 1, 2024