Jobs

Posted 23 April 2008

Branch Library Manager II
Seattle Public Library

Deadline: 15 May

INVITATION TO COMPETE #02-08
Branch Library Manager II
Beacon Hill & International District/Chinatown Branches
$65,124.80 - $79,019.20 annually

THIS POSTING IS OPEN TO THE PUBLIC AND TO EMPLOYEES OF THE SEATTLE PUBLIC LIBRARY

This is a re-post of this vacancy announcement. The new application deadline for this position is 5:00 p.m., Monday, May 5, 2008. If you have already applied for this position, there is no need to reapply. Previous applications will be considered along with new applications for this vacancy. Interviews for this position will begin Thursday, May 15, 2008. Interview candidates for this vacancy should be available this date to interview.

This is a full-time, regular appointment that is exempt from FLSA with excellent benefits. This position is in a bargaining unit represented by AFSCME and, with few exceptions upon employment the individual selected must join the union and pay dues.

The Branch Library Manager reports to the Assistant Director of Public Services. The position supervises a staff of 20 professionals, clerical and support staff. It oversees the quality of reference, reader’s advisory, information, referral and circulation services to the public and coordinates collection development activity. The neighborhoods in which branches are located consist of many community groups, organizations and schools that are deeply committed to their branch libraries and the branch manager ensures that outreach efforts respond to their interests and needs. 

Other activities include: monitoring budgets, providing for collection development and maintenance, and short- and long-range development of Library services in the Library unit. Incumbents: assist in the selection of staff, may schedule, train, supervise and evaluate Librarian and clerical staff, assist in the development of branch or regional goals, develop procedures to implement objectives, facilitate the purchase of needed materials, coordinate various activities with others in the Library, and may perform other duties as assigned. In addition to the management responsibilities listed, the position may provide a full range of professional library services including all levels of reference, general reader's advisory, information and referral, selection of materials, and outreach activities.

Seattle Public Library currently has three Strategic Goals which are:

• Provide exemplary customer service to our internal and external customers
• Build a sustainable, accountable, relevant and fiscally sound organization
• Involve and engage staff and the public

These goals are supported through eleven service priorities and annual activities developed by each branch or department in order to achieve key outcomes.  Some of the service priorities include: service to immigrants and refugees, 24-hour virtual library, early learning, and cultural programming.

THE BEACON HILL AND INTERNATIONAL DISTRICT/CHINATOWN BRANCHES

Both branches are located in two of the most diverse communities of Seattle in close proximity to the core of the city. The two branches are designated magnet World Language sites and have many bi-lingual staff members.  The architecturally striking 10,400 square foot Beacon Hill branch serves a largely single-family residential neighborhood, with increasing densification occurring. Its central location and easy access attracts many users to its meeting room for assorted community activities and library programs for all ages, to the general collection of 40,000 items, to an array of PC stations with Internet connections, and to its emphasis services of ESL and World Language interests.  The International District/Chinatown (IDC) branch is a tenancy, 3800 square foot facility in a mixed-use complex that includes family housing and a community center next door.  This neighborhood has a long history as the heart of Seattle’s Asian immigrant community, and includes many small businesses, restaurants, and service agencies drawing clientele from across the metropolitan area.  The IDC staff is engaged in continuous outreach and partnership activities and offers programs for all ages.  The Branch Library Manager has the honor of blending complementary, creative, skilled and energetic staff to provide exemplary customer service to these two multicultural communities.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

Public services and collection management.  Develop, deliver and continually evaluate and improve services.  Coordinate branch services with The Seattle Public Library’s system wide priorities and resources.  Participate in and coordinate branch collection development and maintenance with the Technical and Collection Services staff, and ensure that the Library’s standards and procedures are fully implemented.  Provide reference and other public services at service desks. 

Staff supervision.  Develop and guide staff toward the highest standards of customer service.  Supervise staff and evaluate performance.  Develop challenging work assignments and oversee the accomplishment of work plans.  Oversee the selection, training, performance appraisal and recognition, discipline, and professional development of branch staff.  Administer the labor agreement and human resources policies and procedures. 

Community outreach.  Maintain effective working partnerships with schools, community groups, neighborhood planning groups, civic agencies, and library user groups.  Identify emerging needs for new library services and set goals and priorities accordingly.  Represent the Library to the neighborhood and to community groups and individuals.

Branch operations.  Oversee building and property management functions and coordinate branch operations with other departments and divisions including Facilities, Security, Information Technology, the Business Office, and Public Services administration

Branch administration.  Conduct studies, develop reports and administer projects.  Assist with developing branch budgets and monitoring expenditures.  Oversee human resources issues, staffing, and adherence to Library administrative policies and procedures.  Manage service projects. 

Promote core Library values.  Support intellectual freedom.  Assume responsibility for how the Library is perceived by staff and the public.  Provide leadership to the Library through collaborative problem solving. 

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• An MLS from an ALA-accredited library school, or Washington state certification as a librarian.

• Three years of experience with supervision of public library services.  Qualifying experience is not limited to regular, management or supervisor-level assignments.  It can include significant unit lead roles, temporary assignments and key roles in service and project activities, collection and staffing management.

Experience should demonstrate:

• Knowledge of trends and issues related to library services, programs and collections, particularly as they relate to neighborhood library issues and users.

• Knowledge of effective supervisory and management practices and principles in a public library setting and experience supervising or providing lead supervision to public service staff.  Experience should include supervising both professional and support staff and promoting teamwork.

• Knowledge of and ability to use relevant informational resources, including Internet resources, PCs and network systems, office and library applications.

• Experience providing outreach to neighborhood community groups, organizations and library users and potential users is HIGHLY DESIRED.

• Excellent interpersonal and creative problem-solving skills.

• Exceptional written and oral communication skills in English, including experience in public speaking.  Knowledge of one or more languages in addition to English is highly desirable.

• Asian and/or Spanish Language skills highly desirable.

• A sense of humor and a positive and enthusiastic approach to public service.

• A commitment to intellectual freedom and the Library’s mission and goals.

HOW TO APPLY

The Seattle Public Library Human Resources Department must receive application materials by 5:00 p.m. on Monday, May 5, 2008: 

• Seattle Public Library Employment Application (available online at www.spl.org)
• Cover letter (send to job.applications@spl.org)
• Resume (send to job.applications@spl.org)