Lead, Inspire, and Innovate – Become the Next Director of Library Services!
The East Bridgewater Public Library is seeking a visionary and dynamic leader to serve as our next Director of Library Services. If you are passionate about fostering an inclusive, community-driven library, this is your opportunity to make a meaningful impact!
Why East Bridgewater Public Library?
Located in the historic heart of East Bridgewater, Massachusetts (population 14,180), our library has been a trusted community resource since 1896. With an annual operating budget of over $661,000, a dedicated team of six full-time and four part-time employees, and a commitment to innovation and inclusivity, we are more than just books—we are a hub for learning, connection, and creativity.
Your Role as Director:
As the Director of Library Services, you will:
- Lead with Vision – Develop and implement forward-thinking library services that meet the evolving needs of our community.
- Engage the Community – Expand outreach efforts, strengthen partnerships, and create programming that enriches lives.
- Manage & Inspire – Supervise and support staff and volunteers in a welcoming and affirming environment.
- Oversee Library Operations – Manage policies, services, the facility, and technology to optimize accessibility and efficiency.
- Develop Library Policies & Strategic Goals – Work closely with the Board of Trustees to align services with our long-term vision, including the opportunity to shape the library’s future through our next strategic plan.
- Oversee Finances & Resources – Prepare and manage the budget, advocate for funding, and ensure sustainable growth.
- Stay Ahead of Trends – Keep up with the latest in library science, emerging technologies, and community engagement strategies.
What Makes Our Library Special?
The East Bridgewater Public Library is more than just a building—it’s a vibrant community resource offering:
- A Teen Advisory Board that empowers young voices.
- Monthly Take & Make activity bags and craft kits to spark creativity.
- Children’s Story Time and "Story Time to Go" kits for early literacy.
- A robust summer program that welcomes both children and adults.
- A Strategic Plan with clear goals and objectives to enhance library services.
- Traditional and modern library services, ensuring quick and easy access to materials while continuously improving our offerings.
We recognize that a library is more than its building and materials—it is a place for connection, entertainment, and lifelong learning. Our staff and trustees are committed to welcoming and affirming all members of our community in every aspect of library operations.
Who We’re Looking For:
We’re searching for a forward-thinking leader who values inclusivity, innovation, and outstanding public service. The ideal candidate will have:
- A Master of Library Science (MLS/MLIS) from an ALA-accredited institution.
- A certificate of professional librarianship from the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners.
- 3-5 years of progressively responsible public library administration experience, including supervisory responsibilities.
- A passion for community engagement and the ability to adapt library services to meet changing needs.
Compensation & How to Apply
- Rate: $87,000 - $93,000 annually
- Job Description & Application: Available at www.eastbridgewaterma.gov/about-us
- To Apply: Submit a resume, cover letter, and the Town’s standard job application (available on the Town’s website) to personnel@eastbridgewaterma.gov.
- Deadline: April 7, 2025, or until the position is filled.
Ready to bring your leadership and vision to East Bridgewater? We’d love to hear from you! Apply today and help shape the future of our beloved library.
For more information about our library and services, visit eastbridgewaterlibrary.org.
The Town of East Bridgewater is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Pay Equity/Equal Opportunity/Americans with Disabilities Act Employer
DIRECTOR OF LIBRARY SERVICES
DEFINITION
Position advises the Board of Trustees on policy matters, and is responsible for the management of personnel, finances, facilities, collections, programs, technology, services, communications, community needs assessment, long-term planning, reporting, interfacing with government bodies and other organizations, and managing issues and opportunities as they arise for the library.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
The essential functions or duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position.
· Prepares the Library's annual budget requests. Tracks and administers expenditures of library funds to ensure compliance with approved budget.
· Manages finances; identifies program needs and attaches a monetary cost to each; advocates for needs to be met financially and/or organizes fundraising efforts; manages the allocated funds.
· Manages programs, services, collections, and technology. Interprets Board goals and directives and creates actionable goals to improve Library offerings.
· Prepares and administers annual operating budget; researches and selects products and services for quality and cost-effectiveness; performs and authorizes procurement of goods and services in compliance with legal procedures, including books and periodicals, audiovisual and digital information products, office and library supplies, equipment, and services; communicates with vendors and service providers; oversees the retention of financial and personnel records; and prepares grant applications to fund special projects.
· Oversees and participates in collection development, performing selection and withdrawal of books and other materials to ensure a well-balanced, current, and accurate collection that meets needs particular to the community.
· Manages and oversees employees and volunteers, including managing internal workflow; planning staff schedules, monitoring and recording staff absences and time accrual balances for payroll; recruits, hires, orients, supervises, evaluates, disciplines, and dismisses personnel; delegates and assigns non-routine work; provides instruction or advice in handling unusual circumstances; oversees that fair and proper supervision is provided within departmental divisions; promotes morale, and communication among staff and works to resolve staff issues; and provides for in house training of new staff and encourages appropriate outside development opportunities.
· Develops short- and long-range plans to support and promote the mission of the library. Plans new initiatives to support the long-term goals of the library.
· Plans, organizes and regularly evaluates a program of service that supports the mission of the public library and reflects the needs of the East Bridgewater community.
· Compiles and records library statistics and assembles them for monthly meetings of the Board of Library Trustees, the annual town report, and the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners.
· Formulates and recommends library policies for the Board of Library Trustees' approval and implements approved policies.
· Attends Town Meetings as necessary and monthly meetings of the Board of Library Trustees. Attends Friends of the Library as requested. Orients new Board Members; prepares written agendas and reports; proposes and provides alternatives for new policies, service programs, expenditures, and projects for Board consideration; works with the Friends to develop programs, or assists in organizing activities to raise funds, and promote the library.
· Recruits, trains, evaluates, and when necessary, terminate all library staff and volunteers.
· Develops and maintains cooperative relationships with the East Bridgewater Town Government, the East Bridgewater School System, the East Bridgewater Historical Commission, and other community/civic organizations.
· Performs other related job duties as required.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED
Under administrative direction, the director works from policies, goals, and objectives; establishes short-range plans and objectives and departmental performance standards and assumes direct accountability for department results; consults with the supervisor only where clarification, interpretation, or exception to policy may be required or as requested by the supervisor. The director exercises control in the development of departmental policies, goals, objectives, and budgets and is expected to resolve all conflicts, which arise and coordinate with others as necessary.
SUPERVISION EXERCISED
The director is accountable for the direction and success of programs accomplished through others. Responsible for analyzing program objectives, determining the various departmental work operations needed to achieve them, estimating the financial and staff resources required, allocating the available funds and staff, reporting periodically on the achievement and status of the program objective; and recommending new goals. The director typically formulates or recommends program goals and develops plans for achieving short and long-range objectives; determines organizational structure, operating guidelines, and work operations.
JUDGMENT AND COMPLEXITY
Guidelines only provide limited guidance for performing the work which may be in the form of administrative or organizational policies, general principles, regulations, legislation, or directives that pertain to a specific department or functional area. Extensive judgment and ingenuity are required to develop new or adapt existing methods and approaches for accomplishing objectives or to deal with new or unusual requirements within the limits of the guidelines or policies. The employee is recognized as the authority in interpreting the guidelines, in determining how they should be applied.
NATURE AND PURPOSE OF CONTACTS
Relationships are constantly with co-workers, vendors, the public, groups, and/or individuals such as peers from other organizations, and representatives of professional organizations. The employee serves as a spokesperson or recognized authority of the organization in matters of substance or considerable importance, including departmental practices, procedures, regulations or guidelines. May be required to discuss controversial matters where tact is required to avoid friction and obtain cooperation.
CONFIDENTIALITY
The employee has regular access at the departmental level to a wide variety of confidential information, including personnel records, medical records, lawsuits, and client records.
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
Master’s degree or equivalent, and five to seven years related experience or any equivalent combination of education and experience. Library Director Certification from the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners is required.
KNOWLEDGE, ABILITY, AND SKILLS
Knowledge: Comprehensive knowledge of the principles and practices of a public, professional library, including budget and personnel administration, the application of technology and Internet in support of library operations, the organization and management of library operations, library materials, and current trends in library services with knowledge and experience in automated library systems.
Abilities: Ability to exercise initiative to plan and implement library programs and services; ability to exercise considerable judgment in dealing effectively with diverse constituencies in a responsive manner; ability to resolve conflict in a calm and constructive manner; ability to prioritize tasks and make effective use of time management; ability to manage and supervise personnel effectively; ability to develop effective working relationships with department personnel, subordinates, volunteers and the general public; ability to express oneself clearly and concisely both orally and in writing; ability to multitask as well as develop both short-term and long-range objectives; ability to delegate tasks to staff and work with volunteer boards.
Skills: Management skills; organizational skills; strong oral and written communication, negotiating, analytic, and computer skills.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
The majority of work is performed in a typical library setting.
PHYSICAL, MOTOR, AND VISUAL SKILLS
Physical Skills
Minimal physical demands are required to perform most of the work. The work principally involves sitting, with intermittent periods of stooping, walking, and standing. May be required to lift objects such as files, boxes of papers, office supplies, and office equipment weighing up to 30 pounds.
Motor Skills
Duties require motor skills for activities such as moving objects, and using office equipment, including but not limited to telephones, personal computers, handheld technology, and other office equipment.
Visual Skills
Visual demands require routinely reading documents for general understanding and analytical purposes. Frequent computer use.