Head of Reference and Adult Services, Weymouth Public Libraries (Weymouth)
Grade 12 / Full Time
Monday-Wednesday 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.; Thursday 1:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.; Friday 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.; and every third Saturday 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. with the previous Friday off.
Definition
Weymouth Public Libraries is in need of a proven professional and self-starting library leader interested in being a key member of a progressive, dynamic library system. We seek an innovative, collaborative, flexible, and service-oriented department head to provide professional reference and adult services. We seek an individual who is as equally dedicated to the community as to librarianship. Our culture of “Yes!” has resulted in a large growth in programs and services for grateful and increasingly engaged library patrons and local decision makers.
Essential Functions
The essential functions or duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position.
Leads five full-time staff in providing all activities, programs, and services of the Reference Department and Teen Services. Assists direct reports by providing general reference service and reader’s/listener’s/viewer’s advisory service to patrons of all ages. Actively promotes and markets library programs and services to patrons and the community through outreach and publicity.
With direction and support from the Director and Assistant Director of Library Services, develops a full range of community-relevant adult programming including but not limited to author events, music and arts programs, book clubs, genealogy and local history events, and community-wide efforts. Responsible for adult programming from conception through planning, publicity, execution, and follow up.
Responsible for collection development in assigned areas, as well as other areas as needed. Manages collection through reports and accepted practices of weeding.
Responsible for leading creation of effective marketing materials across all platforms, using current graphic design tools such as Canva. Updates library website and social media as needed to promote adult programming and reference services.
Researches and writes comprehensive and persuasive grant applications to corporations, foundations, and local, state, and federal agencies.
Maintains the local history collection, focusing on preservation, security, and developing greater access for patrons using current technologies.
Assists patrons with the online public access catalog and public technology.
Meets regularly with other department heads to coordinate departmental projects and activities, and ensure consistent service across all areas of the library.
Works on library's technology team, along with the Assistant Director and Senior Library Assistants, to provide support with all library hardware and software.
Active and influential participation expected on library network committees and/or statewide committees as needed.
Supervision
Works under the general supervision of the Director and Assistant Director of Library Services. Performs library duties at the professional level in assuming immediate charge and responsibility over the Reference and Teen departments.
Job Environment
Work is performed under typical office and library conditions. The work environment is an active public library. Occasionally required to work outside of normal business hours. In addition, may be required to work on weekends and evenings when staffing levels and staffing situations dictate.
Works with computers and other standard office equipment, social media platforms, websites, etc. Daily contact with library patrons, other town departments, vendors, and other library organizations by phone, in person, and in writing.
Qualifications
Required Minimum Qualifications
Education and Experience
Master’s degree in library and information sciences from an ALA-accredited school and at least three years of professional library experience. Supervisory experience preferred.
Knowledge, Ability, and Skill
Knowledge
Thorough knowledge of library principles, practices, and current trends and resources in reference. Knowledge of and comfort with emerging library/information technology skills and trends. Broad understanding of archival practice. Experience working with an integrated library system and emerging technology. Knowledge of collection development principles and practices. Understanding of intellectual freedom as it relates to public library operations. Awareness and understanding of the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Ability
Ability to work creatively, effectively, independently, and cooperatively with colleagues, patrons, and the community at large. Ability to foster open communication and cooperative relationships. Ability to troubleshoot software and hardware. Ability to communicate effectively with local media representatives as needed.
Skill
Excellent skills in supervision, interpersonal relations, and written, oral, and online communication. Excellent customer service skills required. Excellent organizational, planning, and problem-solving skills. Must have superior skills in the area of reference and reader’s/listener’s/viewer’s advisory. Must be comfortable with and have a history of public speaking and presentation experience. Familiarity, comfort, and skill with downloadable media, blogs, social networks, and website maintenance.
Physical Requirements
Light physical effort required in carrying and shelving books, and in performing other typical library functions. Frequent standing, walking, bending, reaching, and climbing. Ability to operate a keyboard at an efficient speed. Frequently required to sit and talk or hear, use hands to finger, handle, feel, or operate objects, tools, or controls; and reach with arms and hands. The employee may occasionally lift and/or move materials weighing up to 20 pounds.
This job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee, and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.
Full/Part Time
Full Time
Education
MLS/Masters
Salary Range
$64,573.07 - $86,657.33 / yearClosing Date
11/10/2025
How to Apply
The Town of Weymouth is an EEO/AA employer
Applicants interested in applying for a position can send their resume and application either by fax to 781-682-3561, by email to jobs@weymouth.ma.us, or by mail or in person to Human Resources, 111 Middle Street, Weymouth, MA 02189.
Questions can be directed to Human Resources at 781-340-5010.
Posted
2025-10-27 | Quick link to this job