Associate Director of Public Service

ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC SERVICES

Category/Classification: Full-Time Exempt

Reports to: Library Director

Salary $48,735.00 Annually

GENERAL SUMMARY

The Associate Director of Public Services reports to the Library Director and is responsible for building and maintaining print, electronic and digital adult collections and for directing all the services the department provides to adults which include but are not limited to reference, research, programing, information literacy and computing. Also, be knowledgeable of system-wide policies and practices and to achieve consistent implementation across the library system. Participates in the development and recommendation of policies and procedures for Adult Public Service operations, as well as communicating them to assigned staff. The nature of the work performed requires that an employee in this class establishes and maintains effective working relationships with all department heads, other library employees, and the general public. The principal duties of this class are performed in a general office environment.

The Associate Director is measured by the highest standards and strict adherence to the policies set by the board of the East Chicago Public Library.

• Plan, direct, supervise, public services operations and activities and collection development of the following collections: reference, adult fiction, adult non-fiction, adult serials, databases and audio visual
• Plans and implements adult classes, programs, workshops, events – including Adult Summer Reading and book discussion groups
• Implements Circulation and Audiovisual standard operating procedures and system policies. Assures that Circulation operations are consistent with ECPL policies, procedures, philosophies and objectives.
• Promotes the library’s collections, services and events
• Researches, writes and submits grant proposals
• Develops and implements procedures for Public Service
• Coordinates public service activities and programs to produce efficient, effective library public services;
• Conducts performance evaluations of assigned staff, writes formal evaluations, reviews with staff, clarifies performance expectations, and initiates appropriate corrective action as required, including coaching, development and discipline.
• Utilizes information technology as it applies to Public Service
• Educates patrons in information literacy and in the use of library computers and library print, digital and electronic sources
• Instructs patrons in the use of the OPAC, the library databases and other search sources
• Provides staff training
• Prepares statistical and other reports as requested by the Director and by the Indiana State Library
• Provides reference and consulting help to other public libraries
• Supervises the collection development of the following collections: reference, adult fiction, adult non-fiction, adult serials, and databases
• Plans and implements adult classes, programs, workshops, events – including Adult Summer Reading and book discussion groups
• Promotes the library’s collections, services and events
• Researches, writes and submits grant proposals
• Utilizes information technology as it applies to reference services
• Educates patrons in information literacy and in the use of library computers and library print, digital and electronic sources
• Instructs patrons in the use of the OPAC, the library databases and other search sources
• Provides staff training
• Provides reference and consulting help to other public libraries
• Maintains reference forms, supplies, and other materials as needed
• Maintains orderliness of files, desks, cabinets, supplies and equipment for shared staff use
• Supervises the creation and maintenance of internal resources, such as uncatalogued government documents and ephemera files
• Provides reader advisory and information literacy services
• Prepares reader’s advisory lists, bibliographies and local directories
• Provides reference assistance and instruction to patrons in all areas of the library as well as by email and telephone
• Stays abreast of the latest developments in the field of Library and Information Science, culture, politics, technology and current trends
• Reads library literature and other journals; attends library conferences, workshops, seminars.
• Supervises the East Chicago History Room
• Provides estimates and forecasts of library operations to assist in long-range planning and analyzes library statistics, historical records and other applicable information;
• Develops goals, plans and measurements for library public service operations;
• Prepares and submits regular and special required reports on public library operations;
• Keeps immediate supervisor and designated others fully and accurately informed concerning work progress, including present and potential work problems and suggestions for new or improved ways of addressing such problems;
• Responds to citizens’ questions and comments in a courteous and timely manner;
• Communicates and coordinates regularly with appropriate others to maximize the effectiveness and efficiency of interdepartmental operations and activities;
• Performs other directly related duties consistent with the role and function of the classification.

• Thorough knowledge of the principles and practices of modern librarianship
• Comprehensive knowledge of public library services, procedures, policies and organization
• Demonstrated management and supervisory skills
• Knowledge of Integrated Library Systems (ILS)
• Desire and ability to serve the public with friendliness, tact, and diplomacy
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Skill in leadership, motivation, and coordination of the work of others
• Ability to delegate work effectively
• Ability to set priorities and meet deadlines
• Familiarity with ADA software and technology
• Comprehensive knowledge of library public service functions, procedures, policies and organization;
• Thorough knowledge of community and political wants, needs, processes and procedures that affect the public services offered by the library;
• Thorough knowledge of the materials collections in the library district;
• Thorough knowledge of automated on-line library systems utilized by the library district;
• Skill in public speaking and presentations;
• Skill in leadership, motivation, and coordination of the work of others;
• Ability to communicate effectively with others, both orally and in writing, using both technical and non-technical language;
• Ability to understand and follow oral and/or written policies, procedures and instructions;
• Ability to prepare and present accurate and reliable reports containing findings and recommendations;
• Ability to operate a personal computer using standard or customized software applications appropriate to assigned tasks;
• Prepares and submits regular and special required reports on public library operations;
• Keeps immediate supervisor and designated others fully and accurately informed concerning work progress, including present and potential work problems and suggestions for new or improved ways of addressing such problems;
• Attends meetings, conferences, workshops and training sessions and reviews publications and audio-visual materials to become and remain current on the principles, practices and new developments in assigned work areas;
• Responds to citizens’ questions and comments in a courteous and timely manner;
• Communicates and coordinates regularly with appropriate others to maximize the effectiveness and efficiency of interdepartmental operations and activities;
• Performs basic reference/readers advisory functions.
• Performs other directly related duties consistent with the role and function of the classification.
• Ability to communicate effectively with others, both orally and in writing, using both technical and non-technical language;
• Ability to prepare and present accurate and reliable reports containing findings and recommendations;
• Ability to operate a personal computer using standard or customized software applications appropriate to assigned tasks;
• Ability to use logical and creative thought processes to develop solutions according to written specifications and/or oral instructions;
• Ability to perform a wide variety of duties and responsibilities with accuracy and speed under the pressure of time-sensitive deadlines;
• Ability and willingness to quickly learn and put to use new skills and knowledge brought about by rapidly changing information and/or technology;
• Integrity, ingenuity and inventiveness in the performance of assigned tasks.

Direct Supervision of the Administrative Assistant of Public Service, Department Assistants and Pages assigning duties, outlining methods, directing work in progress, checking completed work, evaluating job performance, taking disciplinary action as needed, issuing commendations as warranted, and being available for consultation on problems that arise.

The East Chicago Public Library is an equal opportunity employer and strives to comply with all the aspects of the Americans with Disabilities Act. Candidates must be able to perform the following functions with or without reasonable accommodations:

• Lift, push and pull 20 lbs.
• Sufficient clarity of speech and hearing or other communication capabilities, which permits the employee to communicate effectively
• Sufficient clarity of vision or other powers of observation which permits the employee to produce and review a wide variety of technical and training materials, written correspondence, reports and related materials in both electronic and hard copy formats
• Sufficient manual dexterity to operate a standard keyboard and computer mouse or equivalent technology
• Sufficient personal mobility and physical reflexes which permits the employee to monitor and supervise library operations at all library locations on a regular basis
• Sufficient clarity of speech and hearing or other communication capabilities, with or without reasonable accommodation, which permits the employee to communicate effectively;
• Sufficient vision or other powers of observation, with or without reasonable accommodation, which permits the employee to produce and review a wide variety of technical and training materials, written correspondence, reports and related materials in both electronic and hard copy form;
• Sufficient manual dexterity with or without reasonable accommodation, which permits the employee to operate a keyboard;
• Sufficient personal mobility and physical reflexes, with or without reasonable accommodation, which permits the employee to monitor and supervise library operations at Main and RAP locations on a regular basis.

• Master of Library Science Degree from an ALA accredited university program
• Five years of management in a library setting
• Extensive knowledge of current trends and practices in reference services, reference sources and information literacy
• Extensive knowledge of cutting-edge library technology

(Must meet requirements)

• Must meet the requirements to qualify for Indiana Library Certification 2 or 1; to qualify for recertification, must complete a minimum of 75 Library Educational Units every 5 years, as specified by the Indiana State Library
• Possession of a valid Indiana driver’s license or evidence of equivalent mobility.

The requirements given above are not intended as exclusive standards for this position. Additionally, the duties and responsibilities listed are meant to be illustrative of the nature of the position and do not include all tasks that may be necessary to this job function. Further, individuals may be required to work in other areas and at different functions that are described in accord with changing needs of the library.

Employee Acknowledgement: My supervisor and I have discussed the contents of this job description. I fully understand the expectations of my position at the East Chicago Public Library.

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Employee’s Signature Date