DIRECTOR
From the shores of Lake Erie at the mouth of the Black River, the Lorain Public
Library System provides library services to Northern Ohio communities. If you
are a visionary leader and you are looking for an opportunity to provide library
services in an urban/suburban/rural district serving 135,275 then Lorain Public
Library System is the library for you. Lorain Public Library System consists of a
Main Library, five branches and outreach services. Operating budget of $11
million, 110 FTE’s, and 1,951,000 annual circulation. The City of Lorain is
located 25 miles west of Cleveland on Lake Erie.
Basic Function:
Serves as the chief administrator of the library system under the direction and
review of the Board of Trustees.
Distinguishing Features of the Class:
The director has full charge of the administration and operations of the library in
accordance with the by-laws, objectives and policies adopted by the Board of
Trustees and is under the direction and review of the Board. The director plans,
organizes, directs, and coordinates all activities of the library system. May have
direct supervision over one or more units within the library system. Highest level
of independent responsibility and accountability.
Characteristic Duties and Responsibilities:
Envisions and interprets community needs, developing new programs and
services for all segments of the communities served; appropriately involves
library users and community constituencies.
Assures that collections and services provided meet the needs of library users
and represent appropriate expenditures of library funds.
Assures that the staff is responsive to the patrons and deals with them in a
pleasant and professional manner.
Works with Board of Library Trustees; plans Board development activities
including orientation of new Board members; recommends policies and advises
Board on operational, fiscal, staffing and facilities matters; informs/reports to
Board President and Committee Chairs.
Works with fiscal officer and assistant director to plan and coordinate annual
budget process; monitors budget.
Assists the fiscal officer in preparing long-range financial forecasts for levies and
buildings projects.
Initiates, coordinates and implements long range planning process.
Establishes organizational structure and lines of authority, defines staff
responsibilities to effectively and efficiently accomplish the goals and work of the
library.
Determines staffing requirements and oversees personnel functions such as
recruitment, selection, development, compensation and evaluation of staff.
Supervises subordinate administrators and managers.
Interprets personnel policies and collective bargaining agreement; secures labor
relations legal counsel and personnel consultants as necessary.
Assists the Library Foundation in fundraising efforts.
Assures that the library environment is pleasant, and that physical facilities,
grounds and equipment are properly maintained, updated and staffed.
Evaluates and develops plans for effective allocation and utilization of building
space to meet the changing needs of the library; works with architects, staff and
Board on building projects.
Maintains contacts with community and governmental officials to assure good
relationships and communications are maintained and the community is aware of
library services and issues.
Serves as liaison and representative for the library in governmental, professional,
community, business and professional affairs and activities.
Attends seminars and professional conferences to keep current on public library
trends, administration and services.
Represents the library at Lorain County Library Administrators Council, Northeast
Ohio Regional Library Service, Ohio Library Council, American Library
Association, etc.
Works with other library directors, agencies, groups and professional
organizations to develop and promote cooperation and delivery of library
services.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
Knowledge of the principles and practices of professional library work.
Broad knowledge of library materials and methods.
Analytical and organizational skills; ability to anticipate future system needs.
Ability to interpret community interests and needs and to translate them into
appropriate library services.
Ability to manage and evaluate programs of service.
Thorough knowledge of the administration, managerial, and financial practices
needed for directing a multi-branch library system.
Knowledge of current library technology.
Broad knowledge of public affairs.
Knowledge of public relations.
Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing for all levels of employees,
management, and officials internally and outside of the system.
Education, Training and Experience:
Minimum qualifications: Requires a master of library science degree issued by
an ALA-accredited library school and either three years administrative
experience in a library system as a director or six years as an assistant director.
demonstrated ability and skill in working in an ethnically and socioeconomically
diverse urban, suburban and rural environment; capable of managing
experienced managers and a diverse staff, mastery in strategic planning and has
excellent communication skills; capable of advocating for stable funding of public
libraries; fosters a culture of innovation, teamwork and continuous improvement.
Full-time salaried position at 38 hours per week; includes working evenings and
weekends as needed; required to attend some school board, township, city
council and county government meetings; represents the library at community
events throughout the library service district. Salary commensurate with
experience, plus excellent benefits. Position available September 6, 2016.
Request an application packet at Director.Search@lpls.info. More information is
available at www.lorainpubliclibrary.org > About the Library > Employment
Opportunities. Deadline for applications is May 27, 2016. EEO/Equal Access
Agency.