Assistant Library Manager (Principal Librarian)

Description

The ideal candidate will be a hands-on manager who can work collaboratively across multiple divisions within library services, is a big-picture thinker and passionate about current and future library services to the community, and is able to communicate effectively with a wide range of constituents. 

The Department
The mission statement of the Community & Library Services Department is to "provide outstanding programs, services and facilities that enhance and enrich the lives of our residents and visitors" and to "welcome, empower, and enrich our community by providing innovative and traditional library services that inspire and encourage transformation and growth." Library and Cultural Services is responsible for the operation of Huntington Central Library located in Huntington Central Park and four branches (Main Street, Oak View, Banning, and Helen Murphy), as well as the Huntington Beach Art Center. This Division serves as the liaison to various library affiliated community groups, such as the Friends of the Library and the Friends of the Children's Library, as well as the Art Center Foundation.

The Position
The Principal Librarian plans, organizes, supervises and trains assigned library staff and volunteers; develops programs and services; and oversees management of facilities. This position reports to the Community/Library Services Manager and supervises professional and clerical library staff and volunteers.  It is distinguished from the Senior Librarian based on the level of accountability and responsibility of the duties performed. 

Examples of Essential Duties
 

Supervises all aspects of facilities including maintenance, rentals, security, building projects, and furniture 
Leads emergency preparedness plans for the Library and liaises with City departments on emergency response, continuity of operations, and staff training
Participates on the Library Management Team; assumes all management duties in the absence of the Community/Library Services Manager
Supervises staff, evaluates performance, and recommends personnel actions
Develops and implements service goals, objectives, and programming for special areas as required and coordinates joint projects with other department supervisory staff and other City departments
Makes recommendations for staffing, equipment, materials and supplies;
Acts as a key contact person for assigned work unit
Researches, analyzes data and prepares comparative and statistical responses to other City departments and the library, including State Library reports
Monitors work flow, reviews and evaluates work products, methods, and procedures
Evaluates community needs and library programs and implements program changes in response to community needs
Recommends training programs for specialized instruction within assigned work unit
Develops, writes, and coordinates Library grants and contracts and monitors performance
Supervises implementation of volunteer program
Assists in the management, monitoring, and implementation of the division budget
Attends professional training to stay abreast of industry best practices
Reports to work as scheduled and works a variety of schedules including evenings, weekends and holidays as required
Maintains a regular and consistent attendance record
Travels to offsite locations within and outside the City
Performs other related duties as assigned.  
 

Requirements

Minimum Qualifications
Any combination of education, training, and experience that would likely provide the knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform in the position is qualifying.  A typical combination includes:
 
Knowledge of:  
 - Theories, principles and practices of library and information science
 - Automated library information systems, software and equipment usage
 - Library materials and resources in a broad spectrum of subjects and formats
 - Collection development and cataloging and classification procedures for a variety of materials and formats
 - Research methods, report writing techniques, and statistical concepts and applications
 - Principles and practices of supervision, staff development, training, performance evaluation, and discipline assessment
 - Principles and practices of budget preparation and administration
 - Project management
 - Methods and techniques of grant application and administration
 - Customer service and public relations
 
Ability to:  
 - Develop, coordinate and implement library service programs and activities for all functions of the library system
 - Plan, organize, train, direct, and evaluate the work of professional and paraprofessional staff and volunteers
 - Prepare clear and concise reports, correspondence and other written materials
 - Identify and mitigate customer service issues
 - Oversee the development of appropriate and effective collections/resources for all assigned areas
 - Operate library automation systems and other computer equipment
 - Conduct detailed research and analysis and prepare statistical reports using spreadsheet programs
 - Develop and administer budget information
 - Maintain accurate records; operate personal computer and standard software applications
 - Establish and maintain effective interpersonal relations with those contacted in the course of work
 - Communicate effectively, both orally; and in writing
 - Analyze data, recognize problems, arrive at sound conclusions, and make logical decisions
 
Education/Training:   ALA-accredited Master’s Degree in Library and Information Science.

Experience:  Five (5) years of increasing responsible full-time professional library experience, including two (2) years of supervisory experience.  Experience working in branch libraries, a Central Library division and/or technical services is highly desirable.

Certificates/Licenses:  A valid California Class C driver license with an acceptable driving record required at time of appointment and during course of employment.