Library Services Manager

Description

Introduction

The Milwaukee Public Library is excited to announce an incredible leadership opportunity at the new Martin Luther King Branch, a state-of-the-art facility poised to become a vital hub for learning, connection, and innovation. This library has been thoughtfully designed to serve our diverse community, offering cutting-edge Makerspace and welcoming spaces for patrons of all ages.

The Library Services Manager-Branches will bring a proven track record of leadership and management, along with an innovative approach to library service. The ideal candidate will possess:

• Visionary Leadership: The ability to see the big picture and anticipate future trends in library services.
• Community Engagement Expertise: Excels in fostering meaningful community relationships by understanding diverse community needs.
• Creative Programming Skills: Thrives on developing innovative programs that meet the diverse needs of our patrons.
• Inclusivity Champion: Demonstrates a commitment to inclusivity, ensuring equitable access to resources for all.
• Change Management: Leads with creativity, inspires teams to excel, and navigates change with confidence.

If you are a passionate leader with a deep commitment to public library service and a strong track record of management success, we invite you to apply and help shape the future of the new Martin Luther King Branch. Lead the charge in shaping the future of this branch and its profound impact on our community!

Essential Functions

Operational Oversight and Performance Management:

• Direct the work of and collaborate with branch staff to provide library services to visiting patrons.
• Oversee reference and readers’ advisory services by providing books, audiovisual materials and identification of computerized databases for patrons.
• Develop and direct librarians, library reference assistants and librarian associates who perform reference, bibliographic, community work, programming and collection weeding.
• Counsel staff on the provision of high-quality service, professional development, and library best practices.
• Seek opportunities to develop and enrich library services and set priorities to maintain effective service programs consistent with MPL and City goals.
• Interview, onboard, train, evaluate, organize, schedule, and oversee the work assignments of reference and circulation staff.
• Provide staff training in effective access to library databases.
• Manage performance; issue commendation notices, make effective recommendations for disciplinary action and track and analyze data. 

Development of Resources, Community Services and Education:

• Manage collection in accordance with MPL selection criteria, as applied to the neighborhood served.
• Maintain branch collection profiles to ensure they are useful and desirable to those living in the neighborhood.
• Direct work on replacements, rebinds, choices of duplicate and alternate titles, and inventories.
• Promote the use of MPL services and its collections through displays, book talks, booklists, reviews, blogs and bibliographies.
• Participate in library sponsored TV and radio presentations.  
• Write bibliographic articles and contribute to or approve articles about library services.
• Plan and present programs on a variety of subjects of community interest.
• Initiate contacts in the community and work with community organizations on library-connected programs. Form partnerships with neighborhood organizations and businesses for the enrichment of the communities that the library serves.
• Represent the library in community organizations including speaking at meetings and keeping community leaders aware of library resources and services conducive to civic programs.
• Oversee community group use of meeting room.

Library Administration:

• Participate in staff recruitment and selection, including transfers and promotions.
• Follow and enforce safe work procedures and accident prevention practices.
• Assist the library in promoting its diversity and inclusion commitment.
• Assist in the coordination of general maintenance and security of the assigned branch property.
• Participate in systemwide teams and committees and in implementation of long-range strategies.
• Gather information on best practices from other libraries; prepare and present narrative and statistical studies, studies of use, reports and plans; and handle correspondence.
• Keep apprised of library literature and contribute to the growth and development of the library by participating in conferences, professional associations, and community affairs; correlate these activities to serve the goals of the library.

HOW TO APPLY

Applications must be submitted through the City of Milwaukee's online portal. The deadline to apply is Friday, February 7, 2025.

Requirements

Minimum Requirements

1. Master's degree in library science or library information science from an American Library Association (ALA)-accredited library school.
2. Five years of post-Master of Library and Information Science (MLIS) degree progressively responsible professional librarian experience, including performing complex bibliographic, reference, and readers' advisory work. 
3. One year of lead or supervisory experience related to the essential functions above (may be concurrent with #2 above).

Conditions of Employment

• Work beyond standard business hours on occasion.
• Work rotating shifts during Library operating hours which are Mondays and Tuesdays from 12:00 – 8:00pm, Wednesday through Friday 10:00am – 6:00pm, Saturdays 9:00am – 5:00pm, and Sundays 1:00 – 5:00pm