CITY LIBRARIAN

Class specifications are intended to present a descriptive list of the range of duties performed by employees in the class. Specifications are not intended to reflect all duties performed within the job.

SUMMARY DESCRIPTION

Under administrative direction, directs, manages, supervises, and coordinates the activities and operations of the Escondido Public Library within the Community Services Department including public and support services; coordinates assigned activities with other divisions, departments, and outside agencies; and provides highly responsible and complex administrative support to the Director of Community Services.

REPRESENTATIVE DUTIES

The following duties are typical for this classification. Incumbents may not perform all of the listed duties and/or may be required to perform additional or different duties from those set forth below to address business needs and changing business practices.

• Assumes management responsibility for assigned services and activities of the Escondido Public Library including public and support services.
• Manages and participates in the development and implementation of goals, objectives, policies, and priorities for assigned programs; investigates and analyzes the library and information needs of residents, now and in the future, using a variety of methods including surveys, focus groups, and community participation; develops and directs convenient, accessible, and cost-effective information services, resources, and library facilities to meet the changing needs of the community; recommends and administers policies and procedures.
• Works with staff, the public, and the Library Board of Trustees to develop studies and plans to promote the mission, values, and vision of the Library and to meet quality of life standards.
• Monitors and evaluates the efficiency and effectiveness of service delivery methods and procedures; recommends, within departmental policy, appropriate service and staffing levels.
• Plans, directs, coordinates, and reviews the work plan for assigned staff; assigns work activities, projects, and programs; reviews and evaluates work products, methods, and procedures; meets with staff to identify and resolve problems.
• Selects, trains, motivates, and evaluates assigned personnel; provides or coordinates staff training; works with employees to correct deficiencies; implements discipline and termination procedures.
• Oversees and participates in the development and administration of the Escondido Public Library’s annual budget; participates in the forecast of funds needed for staffing, equipment, materials, and supplies; monitors and approves expenditures; implements adjustments.
• Oversees and participates in the full range of public relations and communication activities; determines need for informational and promotional materials and how best to disseminate information to target audiences; approves design and content of materials; communicates with users, library staff, Library Board of Trustees, support groups, community groups and organizations, City staff, and City residents to communicate library services and materials.
• Identifies and develops collaborative relationships with strategic community and City partners to complement the organization and to support the achievement of mutual goals.
• Sets and maintains customer service standards; solicits and responds to customer concerns; responds to and resolves difficult and sensitive citizen inquiries and complaints; follows-up with Library staff to ensure prompt resolution.
• Oversees the assessment, evaluation, and selection of print and media resources as well as technology to assure their quality, accuracy, pertinence, and cost-effectiveness.
• Provides responsible staff assistance to the Director of Community Services; conducts a variety of organizational studies, investigations, and operational studies; recommends modifications to Library programs, policies, and procedures as appropriate; prepares reports for the City Manager, City Council, and others as required.
• Serves as the liaison for the Escondido Public Library to other divisions, departments, and outside agencies; negotiates and resolves sensitive and controversial issues.
• Reports to, serves as staff to, advises, and/or facilitates the operation of a variety of boards, commissions, and committees including the Library Board of Trustees, the Friends of the Library groups, and the Escondido Library Endowment Foundation; prepares and presents staff reports and other necessary correspondence.
• Attends and participates in professional group meetings; represents the library in professional organizations and regional networks; participates in activities that promote libraries and librarianship.
• Stays abreast of new trends and innovations in the field of library science; monitors developments related to library operations and technology; evaluates the impact of new developments and recommends improvements to existing programs and procedures.
• Performs related duties as required.

QUALIFICATIONS

The following generally describes the knowledge and ability required to enter the job and/or be learned within a short period of time in order to successfully perform the assigned duties.

Knowledge of:

• Operational characteristics, services, and activities of a modern library program.
• Public library philosophy, best practices, and trends.
• Principles and practices of library organization, system development, and service delivery.
• Principles and practices of program development and administration.
• Principles and practices of municipal budget preparation and administration.
• Public library funding sources and fundraising techniques.
• Principles of supervision, training, and performance evaluation.
• Pertinent federal, state, and local laws, codes, and regulations.
• Advanced principles and practices of library science including collection development principles and strategies and cataloging and classification systems.
• Library automation principles and practices including technological trends and hardware and software systems as applied to library activities.
• Customer service, public relations, and outreach methods and techniques.
• Community needs and interests and a broad understanding of diverse cultures.
• City organization and functions of the various departments in the City.

Ability to:

• Oversee and participate in the management of the Escondido Public Library.
• Oversee, direct, and coordinate the work of library staff.
• Select, supervise, train, and evaluate staff.
• Lead in the development and administration of goals, objectives, and procedures for the Escondido Public Library.
• Research, analyze, and evaluate new service delivery methods and techniques.
• Prepare and administer large program budgets.
• Conduct accurate and thorough research and prepare clear and concise administrative and financial reports.
• Analyze problems, identify alternative solutions, project consequences of proposed actions and implement recommendations in support of goals.
• Analyze, assess, and address community needs related to the Library and recommend plans for modifying or extending library services, programs, and activities to meet community needs and requirements.
• Facilitate, develop, and work with groups, businesses and organizations to create partnerships and coalitions.
• Lead the Library in adapting to new and emerging technologies.
• Operate modern office equipment including computer hardware and software related to office and library management systems.
• Oversee and participate in the preparation of effective public relations and publicity materials for media and community publications.
• Effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of managers, council members, board, committee, and commission members, and the general public.
• Exercise independent judgment within established policy guidelines.
• Interpret and apply federal, state, and local policies, laws, and regulations.
• Demonstrate an awareness and appreciation of the cultural diversity of the community.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work including community leaders, public officials, public groups, library staff, and the general public.

Education and Experience Guidelines - Any combination of education and experience that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:

Education/Training: A Master’s degree in Library Science from an American Library Association accredited college or university.

Experience: Seven years of increasingly responsible professional librarian experience in a public library including three years of administrative and supervisory responsibility.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING ENVIRONMENT

The conditions herein are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions.

Environment: Standard office and library setting. CONTINUOUS working indoors, dust from paperwork. Work schedule is 9/80 with alternating Fridays off in a biweekly period. Work environment is both formal and informal, team oriented, having variable tasks, pace, and pressure. Work is performed indoors in office and in meeting rooms.

Physical: Primary functions require sufficient physical ability to work in an office and library setting and operate office equipment. CONTINUOUS sitting and upward and downward flexion of neck; fine finger dexterity; light to moderate finger pressure to manipulate keyboard, equipment controls, and office equipment; pinch grasp to manipulate writing utensils. FREQUENT side-to-side turning of neck, walking, standing, bending, stooping, pushing/pulling, and twisting at waist; moderate wrist torque to twist equipment knobs and dials; lifting objects weighing up to 20 lbs. from below waist to above shoulders and transporting distances up to 50 yards. OCCASIONAL squatting, kneeling, and reaching above and at shoulder height; moderate grasp to manipulate reference books and manuals; lifting objects weighing 20-35 lbs. from below waist to above shoulders and transporting distances up to 50 feet.

Vision: See in the normal visual range with or without correction; vision sufficient to read computer screens and printed documents and to operate equipment.

Hearing: Hear in the normal audio range with or without correction.

Date: April 2003
Johnson & Associates