Library Supervisor - Rochambeau
Community Libraries of Providence
Salary: $62,000 annual salary
Hours: 40 hours per week
Posted: December 18, 2024
Deadline: Applications accepted until the position is filled.
CLPVD is seeking a Library Supervisor who possesses strong leadership and management skills and enjoys working with library patrons of all ages and diverse backgrounds. They are responsible for planning, supporting, energizing, and leading staff to provide relevant library service to the neighborhoods surrounding the Rochambeau Library, which includes the neighborhoods of College Hill, Blackstone, Wayland, Mt. Hope, and Summit, in the City of Providence. The Library Supervisor is expected to carry out the mission and vision of the library, participate on committees to develop programs, services, policies/procedures, and to plan for the future of the Community Libraries of Providence.
Rochambeau Library is located on Hope Street and serves the residents of Providence's East Side. Hope Street is a walkable neighborhood surrounded by eateries, shops, and parks and is always bustling with activity. Rochambeau Library is one of the busiest libraries in Rhode Island, and its children's room is the seventh busiest department in the state. This open and inviting library boasts a new beautiful outdoor classroom for youth programming. Additionally, the unique and well-attended adult, teen, and youth programs keep their loyal patrons engaged and entertained. Some of these outstanding and unique programs include outdoor music concerts during the summer months, writing courses, Queer Umbrella, and an open makerspace studio. The library has a bright and sunny reading café where patrons can help themselves to a free cup of coffee.
Position Description:
The Library Supervisor, with the Systems Coordinators, ensures that essential library functions, including information and reader’s advisory services, collection maintenance, marketing, and outreach services are being implemented by qualified staff. They have wide latitude in coordinating targeted services, consistent with excellent customer service. Strong interpersonal skills, including the ability to work successfully with culturally diverse patrons of all ages and a diverse staff and team of volunteers are essential. This position requires dedication to connect the library with its immediate community.
Library Supervisors supervise the library staff, both professional and paraprofessional, and are responsible for the creation and maintenance of a professional and productive team-oriented working environment in the library as well as an open, inviting atmosphere for library users. This position is a managerial and confidential non-bargaining unit position.
The Library Supervisor will serve as a public services librarian, in addition to their supervisory responsibilities. They will serve patrons of all ages in the Circulation, Youth, Teen, and Adult Services Departments, maintaining a regular schedule of evening and weekend hours (two evenings per week, alternating Fridays & Saturdays). They will coordinate and offer programming to meet the interests and needs of the community.
Leading a busy library and large staff team requires flexibility in the supervisor’s schedule to provide coverage for programs and other services. They are on-call at all times to respond to emergency situations.
Essential Job Functions:
Librarian, Generalist:
● Provides services for patrons of all ages, working in different areas of the library depending on staffing and/or programmatic needs.
● Offers programs and outreach in the community, including schools, businesses, and other neighborhood organizations.
● Provides reference and research support for people of all ages.
● Oversees collection development and management, delegating selection to professional staff in the library.
Staff Support:
● Supports all library staff in their roles, independently and with Systems Coordinator support; initiates mentoring, professional development, and/or corrective action as needed.
○ Will perform or coordinate staff evaluations for staff in their building.
● Manages the day-to-day activities of the library staff, including librarian(s), clerk(s), Specialist(s), safety personnel, and volunteers/work study students. Approves bi-weekly timesheets and schedules temporary staff as needed.
● Actively supports teamwork. Conducts meetings as needed to keep staff up to date on policies, procedures and other library developments.
● Models exemplary customer service that creates an inclusive, positive, and welcoming environment in the library.
● Participates in hiring new staff. Supports and orients new hires; coordinates training on CLPVD policies and procedures. Performs monthly probationary assessments, initiates mentoring and professional development as needed. At the end of the probationary period, makes recommendations about continued employment at CLPVD.
● Performs supervisory duties, including:
○ Reviews and responds to step 1 grievances.
○ Meet with staff and document conversations over issues that arise.
○ Consults with HR Manager and Systems Coordinators regarding the need for coaching or discipline.
■ Coaching session - conduct coaching session, monitor goals and timeline, OR
■ Discipline process - provide documentation to HR; lead verbal and written disciplines, with HR Manager, up to and including termination.
● Participates in creation of proposals for collective bargaining negotiations.
● Assists with circulation and other services as necessary. Provides coverage in other libraries as required.
Community Support:
● Knows and understands the local community, and advocates for the needs of residents. Ensures impactful programs by responding to community needs.
● Collaborates with community organizations, elected officials, and schools to promote and facilitate their use of the library and to foster strategic partnerships and grants.
Leadership:
● Works with Systems Coordinators and Library Director to analyze, plan, and implement neighborhood library services.
● Coordinates and supports development of a menu of programs that meets the community needs for education and entertainment.
● Markets library collections, programs, services and resources.
● Serves as liaison to the library’s Friends Group.
● Collects, maintains and analyzes library statistics.
● Responsible for monitoring and reporting security, maintenance, and custodial issues. Maintains close communication with the facilities department.
● Responsible for modeling and enforcing CLPVD workplace cleanliness rules.
● Maintains professional development, including ongoing supervisory training, through workshops and professional affiliations.
Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
● Ability to maintain effective working relationships with library staff and users.
● Ability to demonstrate successful management of a staff team.
● Eager to work in a collaborative environment with other administrative staff.
● Working knowledge of library computer systems and applications including circulation software, internet, online databases, office software, and email.
● Working knowledge of the policies, procedures of the Community Libraries of Providence, including mission and vision statements and the ability to implement and articulate them to staff and patrons.
● Ability to plan, implement, and follow through on independent projects, consistent with the goals and objectives of the Community Libraries of Providence.
● Ability to analyze complex problems and develop solutions.
● Ability to evaluate current services and make recommendations to improve and/or innovate.
● Ability to speak in public and to make presentations.
● Ability to communicate clearly both orally and in writing.
● Ability to interact with diverse patrons including different ages, languages and cultures.
● Demonstrated ability to de-escalate challenging patron behaviors and to create a safe space for all members of the community, including staff.
● Bilingual in English/Spanish a plus.
● Ability to work a flexible schedule when required for coverage and/or emergency situations.
Experience and Training:
MLIS degree from an ALA accredited institution with a minimum of three years of relevant professional experience, including supervisory or managerial experience, is required.
Send cover letter, resume, and three references to:
Maria Melvin, HR Manager, mmelvin@clpvd.org, (401) 467-2700 x.1606.
EEOC Statement:
Community Libraries of Providence is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, protected veteran status, disability status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by law.
Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, 401k, Vacation, Sick, and Personal days, Paid Holidays.
Maria Melvin, HR Manager, mmelvin@clpvd.org, 401-467-2700 x.1606