Library Director, Newbury Town Library (Newbury)

The Town of Newbury, through its elected Board of Library Trustees, seeks an innovative and energetic full‑time Library Director to manage all operations and activities of the Newbury Town Library (NTL). NTL's mission, long‑range plan, and policies guide the Director's supervision, directly or through delegation, of all library programs, services, collections, and staff to advertise, stimulate, and nurture the vibrant curiosity of our patrons.

The Director will bring a broad understanding of trends in library science and services, along with excellent technological knowledge and skills to meet the needs and interests of patrons. To pursue these objectives, the Director meets with and advises the Board of Trustees, engages with and supports the Friends of the Newbury Town Library, and interacts with Town government, community groups, and local businesses to provide a welcoming, cheerful, and technologically agile library.

The Director will coordinate with the Town's Administrator and Department of Public Works to ensure that the building and grounds are properly maintained and that patrons and employees enjoy a safe and comfortable environment. An essential element of the Director's role will be collaborating with staff and the Friends to develop creative and cost‑effective programs to appeal to the interests of patrons from pre‑school to deeply retired. Equally, the Director will be NTL's public‑facing representative to communicate the value of the library as a crucial public institution and gathering place for the community. In this work, the Director will from time to time attend nighttime or weekend programs, events, and meetings.

The ideal candidate will bring direct library operations experience encompassing practical, compassionate leadership and personnel management. The applicant will also possess expertise in budget supervision, including preparation of annual budgets, monthly budget reconciliation, and presentations and recommendations to the Board of Trustees and other Town officials. Additionally, the candidate will be able to guide grant writing and timely creation of the reports which MBLC and MVLC regularly require.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Responsible for short and long range planning for the library.
• Upholds the ALA Code of Ethics, the ALA Freedom to Read Statement, the Library Bill of Rights, and the First Amendment to the Constitution of the United States.
• Responsible directly or through supervision for the development, direction and management of library personnel, the facility, public services and programs; adopts and executes services, policies and programs approved by the elected Board of Trustees, and carries out the library’s vision and mission.
• Develops and directs the implementation of all library policies and procedures and oversees compliance with them.
• Acts as Trustees’ liaison with Town boards and representatives.
• Directs and evaluates the work performed by all members of the library staff and volunteers; encourages continuing staff education and professional growth.
• Consults with the Board of Library Trustees concerning personnel matters, financial and budgetary issues, physical plant concerns and projects, and health and safety issues.
• Performs annual staff evaluations and meets with individual staff members for performance reviews.
• Oversees and, in conjunction with other staff members, manages all aspects of the library computer systems including internal hardware and software and the library’s interface with the Merrimac Valley Library Consortium.
• Develops and prepares annual operating budget and capital outlay programs for the approval of the Library Trustees, Town boards, and Town Meeting; oversees all Town library accounts and funds in conjunction with the Town Accountant.
• Develops and prepares long‑range planning for the library facility and the operational growth of the library.
• Prepares the weekly payroll and payment vouchers and supervises the judicious expenditure of all appropriate town funds and endowed funds.
• Stays informed of and pursues grant funding to promote, enhance and create new library services, programs and collections; prepares all related applications.
• Conducts studies relating to library services efficiency, cost effectiveness and system analysis and prepares all necessary state and local reports.
• Maintains affiliations with local, state and national professional organizations; attends workshops and conferences addressing current professional issues, trends and developments.
• Supports state and federal legislation designed to aid or enhance library services and development.
• Implements and directs the library’s community outreach programs to patrons of all ages.
• Participates in meetings of the Board of Library Trustees, the Board of the Friends of the Library, and attends relevant meetings of town boards and committees.
• Presents written Director’s reports at Library Trustees’ meetings.
• Prepares a yearly written report of library activities and expenditures for inclusion in the Town of Newbury’s Annual Report and participates in the Annual Town Meeting.
• Supervises collection development, coordinates collection policies, and directs the staff in compliance with same.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of management principles and public library administration, including organization, financing, fundraising, and human resources.
• Strong commitment to excellent customer service and a desire to meet and serve the library’s user community.
• Ability to work well with other staff members and to lead by example.
• Ability to motivate, establish and maintain effective working relationships.
• Ability to think analytically and develop new or revised procedures and workflow.
• Ability to exercise initiative and independent judgement.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to organize job duties, set priorities, and work independently.
• Demonstrated knowledge of library materials and resources.
• Knowledge of computers, the internet, and computer software.
• Knowledge of library laws and regulations that affect Massachusetts public libraries.
• Minimum of five years of progressively responsible library experience, including supervisory experience.

Education and/or Certification

• Masters of Library Science degree from an accredited graduate program is preferred, with a professional certification by the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners.

Mental Skills and Demands

• Confidentiality
• Reading
• Detailed work
• Technical ability with computers
• Multiple concurrent tasks
• Verbal communication
• Problem solving
• Written communication

Physical Demands

• Work is performed primarily indoors, under some stress. It requires the ability to lift up to 25 lbs. and to shelve books on top and bottom shelves. Ability to climb a step‑stool.

Special Work Conditions

• Work weekend and evening hours as necessary.

Full/Part Time

• Full Time

Salary Range

• $65,000.00- $75,000.00/year

Salary Notes

• Salary is dependent upon qualifications and experience.

Closing Date

• Open until Filled