GENEVA PUBLIC LIBRARY

Library Director II

Civil Service Classification: Competitive

Salary: $80,000 to $90,000

Full-Time: 35 hours/week

Benefits: NYS Retirement, Paid Time Off, Health Insurance, Paid Holidays

About Geneva Public Library

Chartered in 1905, the Geneva Public Library has served the Geneva, New York community for over a century from its historic building at 244 Main Street. Since 2006, the Library has operated as a school district public library serving all residents of the Geneva City School District, and it serves as the Central Library of the OWWL Library System. Situated at the north end of Seneca Lake in the heart of the Finger Lakes, the Library welcomes more than 100,000 visitors annually and offers adult and youth programming, summer reading initiatives, technology assistance, genealogy and local history resources, a seed library, and meeting room space for the community. The Library’s mission is to inspire and support a lifetime of learning and creativity for the Geneva community.

Distinguishing Features of the Position

The position includes supervision of professional and clerical staff, as well as time spent in professional library service activities. Work involves carrying out broad policy as determined by the Library Board of Trustees.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Develops the library budget and supervises the expenditure of library funds and the collection of library revenues, and may administer grants
• Establishes and maintains procedures and effective controls to keep revenues and expenditures on budget
• Develops and evaluates plans for library services, evaluating the effectiveness of the Library’s services and programs in relation to the changing needs of the community
• Keeps abreast of best practices in library programs and services
• Attends OWWL Library System and Director Advisory Committee meetings and other local, state, and national conferences as appropriate
• Reviews and develops policies and procedures for the operation of the Library within the policies and guidelines set by the Board of Trustees, and works with the Board of Trustees and library staff on those policies
• Supervises the work and training of library personnel, and leads staff training
• Administers personnel policies; recommends appointments, transfers, promotions, dismissal, and staffing patterns of personnel
• Works with the Geneva Central School District on budget votes and trustee elections
• Develops and implements an effective system of supervision for all staff, and reviews staff performance
• Keeps informed of professional developments through attendance at and participation in professional organizations, system meetings, workshops, continuing education courses, and professional reading
• Represents the Library before governmental agencies and community groups in seeking financial resources for the Library, including public and private fundraising opportunities and grants
• Remains up to date on community needs and desires regarding library services and programs
• Supervises the maintenance of library property and recommends repairs, alterations, and new construction
• Administers the purchase and selection of library materials
• Compiles and submits all local and state reports

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Thorough knowledge of:

1. Library administration practices, modern library organization, procedures, policies, aims, and services
2. The application of computer technology to library operations
3. Modern principles and practices of library science
4. Library materials and collection development issues

Ability to:

• Carry out library policies and procedures
• Train and supervise library staff
• Plan and coordinate the work of others
• Exercise leadership and motivate others
• Read and comprehend library research
• Interpret and respond to users' needs quickly and accurately, and prescribe information or materials accordingly
• Establish effective working relationships with community organizations
• Express ideas clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing, to groups and individuals

Minimum Qualifications

A Master’s Degree in Librarianship from a library school accredited by the American Library Association, or recognized by the New York State Education Department as following acceptable education practices; and three years of professional library experience, one year of which must be supervisory or administrative.

Special Requirement

Eligibility for a New York State Public Librarian’s Professional Certificate at the time of application. Possession of the certificate at the time of appointment.

General Expectations

All library staff are expected to be reliable, punctual, and efficient; to handle situations with the public and each other with tact and courtesy; to understand and apply library policies; to generally supervise the use of the Library by the public and staff to protect library property and ensure public safety; and to comply with the Library’s Code of Conduct. Schedule includes some evenings and Saturdays.