Job Description
Rogers Free Library in Bristol, Rhode Island is seeking experienced, innovative candidates for the position of Library Director. Built in 1877, the library is a community hub located in the center of Bristol, ranked as one of the 25 Best Small Towns in America by Architectural Digest in 2018. This deepwater seaport is home to more than 22,000 residents and Roger Williams University.
GENERAL STATEMENT OF DUTIES:
This is a professional, administrative position responsible for a broad range of public library functions. The work involves the responsibility for the provision of library services to patrons and community organizations. Duties include policy recommendations, departmental planning, and direction and administration of library activities. The work requires that the employee have thorough knowledge, skill and ability in every phase of the public library field.
Direction is received from the Rogers Free Library Board of Trustees and, working closely with the Trustees, the Library Director monitors library services, develops and manages the budget, oversees the creation of public relations materials, supervises staff and volunteers, oversees the physical plant, and stays informed of developments in library management. The Library Director serves as an ex-officio member of the Board of Trustees to ensure a consistent flow of communications.
This is a full time, 35-hour per week position. Salary is commensurate with background and experience: $65,000 - $75,000 plus an attractive non-union benefits package.
Due to an impending retirement, this position is available immediately.
EXAMPLES OF WORK:
• Acts as executive officer, manager, and supervisor at the library, and ensures public access to it through the establishment of reasonable hours of service (including evenings, Saturdays, and limited Sunday hours as approved and funded by the Town of Bristol) by a trained and competent staff.
• Responsible for all ongoing services (e.g., reference and information, services to children, youth and adults, as well as services to special needs users within the library and to those in the wider community).
• Oversees, monitors, and responsible for making difficult technical decisions within the library and participates in the selection/incorporation of same as technology evolves.
• Drafts and recommends policy to the Rogers Free Library Board of Trustees and plans for the implementation of public library goals and objectives.
• Prepares and submits the annual operating budget to the Bristol Town Administrator with the advice and consent of the Rogers Free Library Board of Trustees; prepares and submits a capital budget as necessary; and administers the adopted budget.
• Attends Rogers Free Library Board of Trustees meetings and regularly updates the Board about library operations.
• Hires, supervises and evaluates all Rogers Free Library personnel and dismisses when necessary.
• Plans and approves professional development training programs for all staff members.
• Uses data generated by the Strategic Plan to inform programs and services that meet community needs.
• Reviews and approves the materials selections for Rogers Free Library in accordance with the Board of Trustees policies; provides oversight for the selection of non-fiction materials for the adult collection.
• Represents the library at public, professional and Town meetings when appropriate.
• Utilizes the services and consultants of the state’s Office of Library and Information Services (OLIS).
• Prepares all reports for the state as required by law.
• Serves as representative of Rogers Free Library to the state’s public library computer network, Ocean State Libraries (OSL).
• Recommends to the Board of Trustees and carries out public relations initiatives in the town.
• Performs other duties as required.
QUALIFICATIONS:
• Master of Library Science (MLS, MLIS or MSLIS) degree from an American Library Association accredited institution of graduate studies is required.
• Three to five years of experience in public library management is preferred.
• Considerable knowledge of administrative procedures especially regarding their applications to library operations.
• Knowledge of budgeting and program principles.
• Demonstrated ability (a minimum of three years’ experience) to plan, direct, and supervise the work of others; knowledge of group dynamics and personnel principles.
• Criminal Background check is required.
The Rogers Free Library is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate based on race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, or any status protected under federal, state, or local law. All employees must be eligible for employment in the United States.
TO APPLY:
For full consideration, email the Rogers Free Library Board of Trustees at rflsearchcommittee@gmail.com and include a cover letter, resume/CV, and a minimum of three (3) references no later than 5:00 PM (EDT) on Friday, September 11, 2020.
The Community
Built in 1877, the library is a community hub located in the center of Bristol, ranked as one of the 25 Best Small Towns in America by Architectural Digest in 2018. This deepwater seaport is home to more than 22,000 residents and Roger Williams University. Founded in 1865, the town includes land on which colonists and Indigenous people battled in King Philip’s War. Today, the town boasts eight museums, 14 parks, and is connected to Providence by the 14.5-mile East Bay Bike Path. Bristol hosts a famous Fourth of July parade and festivities. The library’s downtown location, right on the parade route, is rated very walkable.