Join our team at Ocean State Libraries! We need your entrepreneurial spirit, your dedication to libraries, and your enthusiasm for learning.
-- Responsibilities --
Administration (20%)
As a member of the leadership team with the Executive Director and the Systems Director, the incumbent supports the Executive Director on the general administration of the consortium. This includes:
- Serving in the role or capacity of the Executive Director in their absence and as needed.
- Preparing and delivering reports and other communications to members.
- Assisting with budgeting and financial forecasting.
- Assisting with human resources matters such as compensation, benefits, and performance appraisal.
- Assisting with grant proposals and grant management.
- Other duties as assigned.
Cataloging (50%)
The incumbent leads the cataloging team. This includes:
- Ensuring that OSL provides proactive and responsive services that are aligned with member needs for this core service area.
- Supervising the three members of the cataloging team, guiding them individually and as a team to set and achieve goals in support of OSL members and nurturing their professional growth.
- Contributing to hands-on cataloging support such as routine database maintenance, cataloging materials, training, etc.
- Managing the relationships with related vendors.
Cooperative Purchasing (10%)
The incumbent works with the Office Manager and others to coordinate cooperative purchasing. This includes:
- Preparing and tracking orders and corresponding invoices.
- Assisting with the annual financial audit.
Digital Content (20%)
The incumbent leads and directly supports eZone and other digital content efforts. This includes:
- Ensuring that OSL provides proactive and responsive services that are aligned with member needs for this core service area.
- Supporting ebooks and digital audiobooks in Libby and the Palace Project.
- Serving as liaison to the eZone Working Group.
- Managing the relationships with related vendors.
This is an exempt, salaried position. OSL full time staff work 37.5 hours per week and receive 4 weeks of vacation leave, 2 personal days, 13 sick days, and 14 paid holidays each year.
OSL staff members receive a benefits package that includes health insurance, dental insurance, life insurance, and a 403b retirement plan with employer matching.
Required
- Master’s degree in library and information sciences from an ALA-accredited institution.
- Five or more years of experience in a library consortium or a library-related setting.
- Demonstrated leadership skills with three or more years of experience supervising paid, full-time, professional staff.
- Deep knowledge and experience in one or more of the following areas:
- Cataloging and/or technical services
- Cooperative purchasing
- Digital content
- Program planning, implementation, and evaluation
- Strong oral and written communication skills with emphasis on creating and sharing reports to inform and empower decisions and actions.
- Demonstrated commitment to ongoing professional development and other professional activities.
- Customer Focus: Builds and maintains effective relationships with members, staff, and other stakeholders.
- Consultative & Collaborative: Is a knowledgeable resource for others and willingly shares knowledge and offers expert advice. Actively enlists the participation of others and works collaboratively in the analysis of information and the development of possible solutions.
- Innovation and Problem Solving: Demonstrates a flexible style, is open and receptive to change. Generates new ideas and approaches to enhance existing systems, process, services, or effectiveness.
Preferred
- Experience working in or with library consortia.
- Experience and acuity with data and figures including budgeting and statistical analysis.
- Experience using and managing products currently employed by Ocean State Libraries such as Aspen Discovery, Bill.com, Koha, Libby, and QuickBooks.
- Advanced education, training, or certifications related to the position.
Job Requirements
The incumbent must possess a Motor Vehicle Operator's License valid for use in Rhode Island and provide the means of transportation to fulfill job duties throughout Rhode Island and to attend relevant meetings in and out of state.
The incumbent must also be willing and able to occasionally work remotely if the office is closed due to inclement weather or some other emergency. Regular telecommuting is also possible as work and time allows and with the approval of the Executive Director.
The incumbent must be eligible for permanent employment in the United States, and appointments may be subject to a criminal background check.
Ocean State Libraries (OSL) is a consortium of Rhode Island’s 48 public libraries, St. George’s School Library, and the Office of Library & Information Services. OSL coordinates a statewide library catalog of library materials, digital content, and future-ready technology services for its member libraries so they may better serve their patrons and communities. With a headquarters currently located in Warwick, Rhode Island, OSL staff work in the office, on site at member libraries, on site with consortium partners, and at home to deliver outstanding service to Rhode Island libraries.
Ten staff members support the consortium working closely as a team. OSL staff are:
- Dedicated and responsive to member needs.
- Knowledgeable about OSL products and services and about library technology trends.
- Entrepreneurial and innovative, working both independently and as a team to solve problems and to explore the future.
- Valued by their colleagues throughout the consortium.
Website
https://www.oslri.org
Ocean State Libraries welcomes applications from talented individuals of all backgrounds. Send a letter of interest, resume, and professional references to Stephen Spohn at sspohn@oslri.net.