Job Description
Join our Leadership Team and manage a superbly dedicated, hard-working circulation staff in our busy and well-loved library. Forbes Library ranks in the top ten (for our population group) statewide for annual circulation — and we're fine free! We are looking for a Head of Borrower Services who will embrace and uplift Forbes Library’s values:
- Equitable - we ensure that the library is accessible and free for all
- Inspiring - we foster curiosity, creativity, fun, and lifelong learning
- Welcoming - we offer an inclusive space that builds community and belonging
Forbes Library values diversity in backgrounds and experiences, and is committed to an empathetic and supportive work environment. We are deliberate and self-reflective about the team we are building, and are seeking professionals who care deeply about supporting the growth of all library employees.
This position fosters a welcoming environment, free from barriers to access. By managing the flow of materials and operations at the main desk, hiring staff and work study students who speak multiple languages, and working with patrons to find solutions if they have a problem with their account, the Head of Borrower Services leads a team to provide a space where everyone feels seen, heard, and valued.
Borrower Services encompasses circulation, interlibrary loan, and outreach, including as-needed delivery service and neighborhood free book boxes. This position is responsible for all main desk operations, including: hiring, training, scheduling, and evaluating staff, work study students, and volunteers; and maintenance of shelving areas.
Essential Functions:
This may include, but is not limited to:
- Member of the Leadership Team which recommends policies and priorities to the library’s board
- Train, supervise, schedule, and manage department staff, work study students, and volunteers
- Provide exemplary customer service to patrons of all ages
- Coordinate public services for the department including circulation, information requests, reader’s advisory, public programming, and library tours
- Prepare department statistics, monthly and other periodic reports
- Participate in collection management including expanding the Library of Things collection, selecting and weeding as part of the collections team, and creating engaging displays
- Facility with Evergreen integrated library system, including reporting; proficiency learning new software and applications and teaching these skills to others
- Support and participate in interdepartmental staffing
- Contributing member to library committees and working groups, including strategic planning
- Engage community members through outreach, networking, and social media
- Commitment to learning and growing
- Grant writing and administration
- Other duties as assigned
Benefits & Additional Compensation Info
Benefits including health insurance, sick time, vacation time
This position is a member of the Forbes Library Employee Association bargaining unit
Additional Info & Requirements
Minimum Job Requirements:
Bachelor's degree, minimum three years experience in a public library, minimum two years supervisory experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Preferred Job Requirements:
Knowledge of reader’s advisory techniques, reference tools, and resources. Fluency in one of the following languages: Spanish/French/Arabic/ASL
The Community
Northampton is one of the top small arts cities in the United States and lies in the heart of the beautiful Connecticut River Valley. The city of just under 30,000 offers a vibrant downtown unique for its number of independent businesses and a lifestyle rich in cultural, artistic, and academic resources.
HR Info
A first review of applications will begin July 25, 2022
To apply, please submit a cover letter, resume, and contact information for three references to Lisa Downing, Library Director, via email jobs@forbeslibrary.org.