Job Description
The Library Administrator manages the County library system as agent of the Jackson County Library Board of Trustees. Duties include management of library staff and administration of the annual budget. Specific duties include planning, directing, and coordinating all activities of the library including central library headquarters and two branch libraries. The employee is responsible for planning the long-term development of the library program. Administrative responsibilities extend to long range planning as well as maintenance relating to facilities and collections. The administrator has considerable public contact and thus can impact customer service, community support and cooperation with other agencies.
Scope of Responsibility:
The incumbent is responsible for the work of the clerical, paraprofessional and professional library staff. Work is performed independently under the general direction of the Library Board
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
1 Plans and directs all phases of the operation of the County library; administers the professional, financial, personnel, and business activities of the library.
1.1 Instructs library personnel in general policies and procedures and conducts staff conferences, meetings, and training; administers the scheduling of library staff;
1.2 Makes library personnel decisions, including hiring, evaluating, promotions and dismissals;
1.3 Studies methods and makes plans to develop the services of the library to more effectively meet present and future community needs; investigates new library techniques and procedures, revises present methods to improve the services; evaluates existing programs and practices;
1.4 Reviews procedural and operational details for refinements; oversees cataloging and classification;
1.5 Prepares and justifies the annual budget estimate; prepares reports to inform the Library Board of activities; submits plans of service for Board review; monitors expenditures; payroll administration; initiates grant requests;
1.6 Assumes responsibility for facilities and building maintenance and works with vendors to maintain facilities;
1.7 Participates in the organization of fundraisers.
2 Board and Public relations to communicate programs and library direction.
2.1 Confers with and advises the Library Board on problems related to administration of the library services;
2.2 Confers with other officials, citizens, clubs, and other community organizations, explaining the library system objectives and policies and library services;
2.3 Uses public input to establish programs and services for the library consistent with community expectations; responds to reader interest and requests for web services;
2.4 Presents written and verbal reports keeping the County Commissioners and the Library Board informed about library operations and services;
2.5 Selects and approves materials acquisitions;
2.6 Participates in community activities, presenting lectures and talks about the library services;
2.7 Serves on Library Council for the Plum Creek Library System and other Plum Creek committees.
2.8 Drafts and recommends policy to the Library Board and plans for the implementation of public library goals and objectives.
3 Assists staff in the performance of patron service activities when required.
4 Performs other duties as required.
Minimum Qualifications:
This job requires a bachelor’s degree plus four to five years of administrative library experience, including supervisory experience, or equivalent. A master’s degree in library science is preferred, but not required. The job requires a driver’s license.
Knowledge, skills, and abilities include:
· Knowledge of the principles, methods, and practices of library administration and personnel management;
· Knowledge of library reference materials, equipment, and procedures;
· Knowledge of community needs and interests relating to library services;
· Knowledge of reader interest levels, books, authors, and selection criteria;
· Strong management, supervision, and training skills;
· Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with the Library Board, County Commissioners, community leaders, professional groups, subordinates, and the public;
· Skill in analyzing library needs, evaluating library services, and developing library programs to meet the needs of patrons;
· Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing;
· Skill in planning, organizing, and directing the work of library staff;
· Current knowledge of library trends, technology and other related library practices;
· Strong computer skills including knowledge of office software;
· Ability to develop budget estimates and prepare statistical reports and summaries.
· Ability to observe work hours including weekends and evenings to attend meetings and/or programs.
Physical Demands & Working Conditions:
Work is typically performed in an office environment. Physical activity is light and intermittent such as walking through the library or carrying materials. Some lifting of up to 50 pounds may be required. Driving to branch locations and meetings is required.
Some requirements in this job description may exclude individuals who pose a direct threat or significant risk to the health and safety of themselves or other employees. All requirements are subject to modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities.
Requirements are representative of minimum levels of knowledge, skills, and experience required. To perform this job successfully, the worker must possess the abilities and aptitudes to perform each duty proficiently.
This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other than an "at will" employment relationship. The County Library Board retains the discretion to add duties or change the duties of this position at any time.
The Community
Jackson County is in Southwest Minnesota along the I-90 corridor. Farming has been a staple of Jackson County for generations and is the backbone of the county’s economy. Jackson County families are well served by excellent school systems, a strong parks system, biking and walking trails, numerous county and city parks and a variety of lakes for camping fishing, and boating. Jackson County is known for its friendly people and outstanding quality of life.
HR Info
Submit employment application found on the Jackson County Library System’s website at www.plumcreeklibrary.org/jackson, resume, cover letter and three references by midnight on August 7, 2019; Attn:Library Administrator Search Committee, 311 Third Street, Jackson, MN 56143 or submit electronically to: administratorsearch@co.jackson.mn.us.