Assistant Director/Head of Technology

General Statement of Responsibility:

The responsibility of this professional position is to assist the Library Director in the management, supervision and administration of the library, and that provides maximum services in accordance with library policy and to maintain computer equipment and networks that ensure optimum performance necessary for the smooth day to day operations of all library services. Oversees and directly supervises Head of Youth Services, Technical Services/Head of Circulation and Reference Librarian. Trains and supervises Library Pages. Covers in all departments as needed. Under the general direction of the Director, this employee manages, plans, recommends, analyzes and coordinates the automation, communication and on-line systems within the library. This employee ensures that network and software operate securely and legally and in accordance with ALA standards for patron confidentiality. An employee in this class reports directly to the Library Director.

General Duties:

• Responsible for all library services, staff and facilities in the absence of the Director, performing any duty essential to the achievement of efficient library operations.
• Takes appropriate action in emergencies relating to building, staff or public.
• Fills-in in all departments as necessary, assisting all patrons with reference and reader’s advisory in Adult Services, Children’s or Circulation, either in person, by telephone or e-mail.
• Prepares bi-weekly payroll and prepares invoices for payment, sorts mail daily, checks statements for payment.
• Trains and supervises personnel, volunteers and community service workers.
• Explains library rules and regulations when necessary.
• May represent the library at public functions, meetings and professional organizations.
• Assists in selecting adult materials using appropriate selection tools for a balanced, comprehensive adult collection within the assigned budget as established by the director.
• Assists in weeding collection on a continuous basis to ensure currency and suitability.
• Maintains community referral file, vertical file and other special collections as assigned.
• Assists in the design, schedule and implementation of programs and outreach for adults.
• Assists in the preparation of fliers, posters and media publicity.
• Provides bi-monthly visits and supervision of Union Library personnel and collection or as needed.
• Creates or supervises appropriate exhibits and displays.
• Manages pamphlet area and seasonal tax information.
• Assists the Library Director with preparation of the annual budget, Annual Report, Disaster Plan, Long Range Plan, grant writing, and other reports.
• Keeps the Director informed of developments affecting staff morale, individual staff problems [recommending disciplinary action as may be required] and public opinion.
• Serves as systems administrator for the Library including installation, maintenance, security, backup, upgrade, repair, and monitoring software and network hardware.
• Supervises the daily operations of the library’s automated systems and workstations, remaining on call at all times.
• Manages Library’s web site (creation and maintenance) including staff email server and implementation of new services as needed.
• Responsible for design, implementation, integration and daily operations of the library’s automation and communication systems, including webserver, Internet access, telecommunications and related evolving systems.
• Maintains security of systems by running antivirus software, deleting unused files, securing equipment to its location, and by other appropriate means.
• Develops and recommends policy and procedures for use of computers and computers systems and presents these to the Library Director for consideration.
• Recommends hardware and software upgrades.
• Assists Friends of the Library with web portion of their Newsletter.
• Works in coordination with each Department Head on projects/technologies.
• Oversees training and instruction of staff on computer and other related technologies, creating in-house documentation as needed.
• Keeps abreast of current trends and developments in libraries including all new technological procedures, processes and equipment.
• Designs, plans, implements, and evaluates the present and future automation needs of the library, making recommendations for implementation to the Library Director that include disaster recovery procedures.
• Communicates with vendors and technical support.
• Maintains computer supplies inventory and submits these for purchase approval.
• Maintains and updates computer software and equipment inventory and passwords and submits these as reports to Director.
• Organizes and stores computer disks, repair manuals and warranties.
• Prepares monthly reports for Library Director.
• Attends staff meetings.
• Takes on special projects as assigned by the Library Director.
• Other duties as required.

Supervised By: Receives general supervision from the Library Director. Evaluation/Performance Review by the Director.

Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in Library Science from an ALA accredited institution.
• One year experience working in a library in a supervisory position
• One year experience as a Library Systems Administrator
• Knowledge of library administration principles, including collection development, planning, coordinating and budgeting.
• Knowledge of current technological applications for information access and ability to utilize these resources with a high degree of accuracy and proficiency.
• Good communication skills, both oral and written.
• Ability to prioritize.
• Ability to determine and appropriate time commitments.
• Ability to maintain composure.
• Ability to work effectively, to deal courteously and tactfully with other employees, volunteers and the general public.
• Analytical ability to understand and solve unusual or difficult situations.
• Ability to understand, exercise and initiate independent judgment and common sense including the interpretation of library policies, procedures, resources and services and translate these to the staff, the public and the community.
• Ability to use reference tools and perform reader’s advisory Knowledge of computer functions; aptitude for learning, maintaining and explaining the operations of the circulation/cataloguing system and operations of the library’s Internet service.
• Knowledge of and ability to assist in the maintenance, evaluation and selection of computer applications and equipment for library services.
• Ability to work with technical jargon and translate it to the library workplace.
• Ability to work effectively with, train and instruct the staff in computer planning and use.
• Good teaching skills.
• Ability to seek innovative uses of technology to further library service goals.
• Demonstrate strong abilities with Microsoft operating systems, and server software and/or other alternative systems and freeware.
• Must be able to work some evenings and weekends and to be available on short notice to resolve problems.
• Must possess a valid driver’s license in order to travel to branch and attend relevant meetings and workshops.
• Ability to stoop, stretch, lift, and move heavy equipment (50 lbs.)