At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a vibrant library team and engage with the community to promote services.
- Company: Join Hertfordshire Libraries, a hub for creativity and community connection.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career progression, and the chance to make a real difference.
- Other info: Great opportunity for career growth in a supportive environment.
- Why this job: Be a community champion and inspire others through innovative library services.
- Qualifications: Experience in team leadership and community engagement is essential.
The predicted salary is between 34434 - 37280 € per year.
Starting Salary £34,434 per annum (opportunity to progress to £37,280, prorated for part time)
Hours: 37 hours per week
Location: Potters Bar
Contract Type: Permanent
Directorate: Resources
About the Team
Today's libraries are vibrant community hubs offering books, digital access, activities and support for wellbeing. Modern librarians are creative, community-minded and passionate about helping people learn and connect. We're looking for a manager for our Oakmere Library to champion our service locally. You’ll lead a team of customer-facing staff, work with community partners and take part in outreach to widen access and participation. As part of the Area Management Team, you’ll also contribute to the wider leadership of Hertfordshire Libraries. You’ll lead by example on the library floor, whether running children’s coding clubs, supporting older people with wellbeing resources, or organising events and activities with local partners. We value strong communication skills, enthusiasm and the ability to manage a variety of projects. Life experience is just as important as formal qualifications. You should be proactive, organised, responsible and confident with IT. Experience in business or people management is a bonus. This role can be a stepping stone into library leadership or a fulfilling later-career opportunity to work locally and make a difference.
About the Role
Hertfordshire Libraries exists to help people to live better lives for longer by acting as hubs for community activities, places to access digital technology, creative spaces and gateways to reading, information and wellbeing. We are looking for someone who has the drive to develop Hertfordshire Libraries vision to deliver a high-quality, sustainable service, working closely in partnership with local communities to remain relevant to diverse and changing needs of Hertfordshire residents.
Responsibilities
- Promote the library service to the wider community and actively engage with local partnerships and organisations.
- Act as the face of the library service in the community and lead and motivate the library team to deliver and achieve service objectives.
- Take on the role of site manager with responsibility for providing a library service to the community and for the day-to-day management and supervision of its operation.
- As a member of the West Area Management team, take responsibility for the development and delivery of service provision within the area.
- Contribute to the ambition of attracting more visitors through outreach and promotional activities in the community, and via partnership working with relevant organisations and community groups.
- Demonstrate ability to develop key partnerships and relationships with stakeholders and customers.
- Apply transferable skills in promoting services within a local community.
- Show skills in managing customer-facing service.
Essential Qualifications
- Experience leading a team to develop a community service.
- Experience developing key partnerships and relationships with stakeholders and customers.
- Ability to manage workload within deadlines.
- Evidence of ability to develop key partnerships and relationships with stakeholders and customers.
- Evidence of transferable skills in promoting services within a local community.
- Examples of skills in managing customer-facing service.
Eligibility and Equal Opportunity
We welcome applications from candidates who currently reside in the UK with established proof of right to work documentation. We are not able to offer sponsorship at this time for this role. We are a Disability Confident employer and guarantee an interview to anyone disclosing a disability whose application meets the minimum criteria for the post. The ability to converse at ease with members of the public and provide advice in accurate spoken English is essential for the post. (For those whose language is a signed language, the provision of a sign language interpreter who speaks English to the necessary standard of fluency will be required.)
Library Manager employer: Hertfordshire County Council
Hertfordshire Libraries is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture where creativity and community engagement are at the forefront. As a Library Manager in Potters Bar, you will have the opportunity to lead a passionate team, develop meaningful partnerships, and make a tangible impact on the local community while enjoying competitive salary progression and a supportive environment for personal and professional growth.
Contact Detail:
Hertfordshire County Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Library Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the community! As a Library Manager, you'll be the face of the library, so spend some time engaging with local groups and organisations. This will not only help you understand their needs but also show your commitment to making a difference.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your leadership skills! When you’re in interviews, share examples of how you've motivated teams or led projects. We want to see your passion for community service and how you can inspire others to achieve their best.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive in your outreach! Think about creative ways to promote library services and engage with the community. Whether it’s through social media or local events, showing initiative can really set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are enthusiastic about joining our team and contributing to Hertfordshire Libraries’ vision.
We think you need these skills to ace Library Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for libraries and community engagement shine through. We want to see how you connect with the role and why you're excited about making a difference in Potters Bar.
Tailor Your Experience:Make sure to highlight your relevant experience in leading teams and developing community services. We’re looking for examples that showcase your ability to manage projects and build partnerships, so don’t hold back!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language to describe your skills and experiences, as we appreciate strong communication skills. Remember, less is often more!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity to lead at Oakmere Library.
How to prepare for a job interview at Hertfordshire County Council
✨Know Your Community
Before the interview, take some time to research the local community and its needs. Understand what services the library currently offers and think about how you can enhance them. This will show your passion for the role and your commitment to making a difference.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Be prepared to discuss your experience in leading teams and managing projects. Think of specific examples where you've motivated staff or successfully implemented a new initiative. Highlighting your leadership style will demonstrate that you're ready to take charge of the library team.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Think about how you would build relationships with local partners and organisations. Be ready to share ideas on outreach activities and how you would promote the library service within the community. This shows that you understand the importance of collaboration in this role.
✨Communicate Clearly
Strong communication skills are essential for this position. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently. During the interview, make sure to listen actively and respond thoughtfully to questions, demonstrating your ability to engage with the public effectively.
