Branch Supervisor, O'Connell Library

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES: The Branch Supervisor is a pivotal role responsible for managing the daily functions of the O'Connell Library and leading the branch staff. This position works closely with the Branch Services Managers and the Assistant Director of Branch Services to define branch objectives; foster a culture of providing personalized, precise, innovative, and pertinent services and programs to library patrons; and curate collections, programs, and services that address community needs.

Leadership and Supervisory Duties:

• Oversee branch operations in alignment with the Library's mission and strategic goals, ensuring staff deliver exceptional support to library patrons. Design, implement, and assess services tailored to neighborhood requirements.
• Direct all branch activities and supervise all assigned personnel. Create staff schedules and task assignments, ensuring adequate coverage to meet library service demands.
• Assist in recruiting new branch personnel, participate in relevant hiring committees as needed, and provide training for new staff members.
• Conduct annual performance evaluations for branch staff, establish meaningful individual objectives, and support their achievement. Address and document performance challenges promptly.
• Supervise professional and support staff at various levels, ensuring thoughtful leadership, mentorship, and professional development.
• Communicate and enforce library policies and procedures; address and resolve patron concerns. Lead branch staff in managing, resolving, and documenting violations of library patron behavior policies.
• Provide proactive leadership. Advocate for library initiatives, collaborate with staff, inspire engagement, and offer daily guidance, expertise, and direction.
• Act as a member of the Library's leadership team. Participate in and may lead committees for planning and executing programs, projects, and initiatives.
• Facilitate regular staff meetings and ensure effective communication of content.

Public Service Duties:

• Deliver outstanding and engaging public service, including reader's advisory and reference assistance.
• Manage circulation tasks, including checkouts, check-ins, reserves, renewals, fine assessments, and statistics compilation.
• Oversee collection development and maintenance for the branch. Select adult materials and supervise the selection of children's materials within the allocated branch budget to ensure the collection meets community needs.
• Lead the planning of youth programming and create adult programs and activities for the branch, including operating audiovisual equipment during events. Plan and implement exhibits, ensuring library initiatives are integral to branch services.
• Provide leadership and oversight for circulation functions, including:
  • Accounting for all funds received at the circulation desk
  • Maintaining organized and efficient reserve shelves
  • Tracking overdue, lost, and missing materials
  • Supervising the shelving of all library resources
  • Processing deliveries and managing the collection
  • Monitoring public areas of the library.
• Promote library services and engage in outreach activities. Foster positive relationships with schools, community groups, and agencies. Represent the Library at community gatherings and participate in local events.
• Collaborate to publicize branch events and services in both print and digital formats. May contribute to the development of the library's online presence.
• Assist patrons in utilizing a variety of online resources and technologies (e.g., computers, laptops, e-readers, tablets, scanners, Wi-Fi hotspots, emerging STEAM technologies), including basic troubleshooting and maintenance.
• Perform all duties with cultural awareness and humility, recognizing historical and institutional systems of oppression and their impact, while actively committing to providing equitable services to marginalized or underserved populations.

Additional Responsibilities:

• Stay informed about professional developments and attend relevant meetings and training; may represent the Library in professional settings or working groups as appropriate.
• Effectively manage the branch budget; maintain diligence in fiscal management.
• Perform administrative and organizational tasks such as compiling statistics, generating reports, and ordering supplies.
• Ensure orderliness and cleanliness in the library. Report necessary building repairs and maintenance. Maintain cleanliness and organization in both public and staff areas.
• Other duties as assigned for the benefit of the Library.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Education and Experience: A Master's degree from an ALA-accredited MLS program and experience working with diverse populations is required. In exceptional cases, specialized education, training, and/or experience may substitute for part or all of the required elements.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Understanding of the Library's mission, values, and strategic priorities.
• Commitment to conducting all work through a lens of diversity, equity, inclusion, and anti-racism.
• Exceptional customer service skills and dedication to public service.
• Proven ability to work in a diverse community and with individuals facing challenges that may affect their behavior.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, cultural sensitivity, and a positive demeanor.
• Sound judgment and effective problem-solving abilities; flexibility and adaptability in stressful situations and times of change.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and collaboratively as part of larger teams.
• In-depth knowledge and appreciation of literature, media, digital resources, and emerging technologies; proven ability to operate and instruct others in the use of library resources, equipment, software, and systems.
• Understanding of principles, materials, and equity of access issues related to public service; demonstrated ability to apply this knowledge to program and service design and to build positive relationships with patrons.
• Demonstrated knowledge and ability in reference, readers' advisory, programming, outreach, collection development, and project management.
• Knowledge of supervisory, leadership, change management, and process improvement principles; proven ability to direct the work of other staff members.
• Ability to demonstrate initiative, flexibility, and reliability in an environment with frequent interruptions and competing priorities.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS: A minimum of 3 years of successful professional experience is strongly preferred. Previous public library experience and supervisory/managerial responsibilities, as well as fluency in a language other than English, are desirable.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. Ability to operate standard office equipment; transport carts of materials weighing over 100 pounds across a level floor or ramp; carry baskets of materials weighing up to 30 pounds; maintain focus on tasks despite frequent interruptions and moderate noise levels; communicate effectively and exchange accurate information with coworkers and the public; read and organize written materials; place library materials on shelves or carts at various heights.

WORK ENVIRONMENT: Work in designated areas, including office spaces, training rooms, and library locations as needed. Typical office exposure to noise, stress, and interruptions.

SCHEDULE: The work week consists of 37.5 hours assigned in the best interests of the Library. The schedule requires a five-day work week, including evenings and weekends, and participation in a system-wide Saturday rotation.

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS:
Please upload the following documents to complete your application:

• Resume
• Cover Letter