Head of Adult Services, Topsfield Town Library (Topsfield)
SUMMARY
The Topsfield Town Library seeks an enthusiastic and positive-thinking person to manage the adult service/circulation department. The ideal candidate understands adult circulation services, including ILS software, collection development, programming and outreach development, maintenance of library records and statistics and other pertinent responsibilities. Must provide excellent service to all patrons and place a strong emphasis on maintaining a positive, supportive and fun working environment.
SUPERVISION
SUPERVISION RECEIVED:
Library Director (or Assistant Library Director, when applicable)
SUPERVISES:
Library staff working in the circulation/adult services department, library volunteers.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
· Organizes, directs, oversees, and participates in the operation of the library’s Adult Services/Circulation Department as Library Department Head, including supervising and training all library staff and volunteers assigned in the department.
o Supervises and provides departmental direction to desk staff; teaches desk staff how to use the integrated library system (ILS) and teaches other desk functions; creates and communicates circulation desk procedure for staff; communicates to desk staff new library policies, best practices, functions, and technologies.
o Facilitates patron access to information including: updating materials lists, promoting new library services and collections, implementing new library technologies, and providing user instruction.
o Performs reference services, assists patrons with requests for information or materials, assists patrons in the selection of materials through readers’ advisory technique and guides through multiple mediums, and teaches patrons how to use the library, online catalog, and activity or meeting room equipment.
o Supervises the library’s first point of contact with most visitors, including answering queries as appropriate, and/or directing queries to other departments. Checks materials in and out at the desk; registers new patrons; assists with reserves, overdue, and lost/damaged materials; assists patrons with utilizing library services. Performs specialized functions such as: handling audiovisual equipment, updating Circulation/Adult Services portions of the library handbook, maintenance of patron records.
o Represents the library in the Merrimack Valley Library Consortium’s Circulation/Interlibrary Loan User Group.
o Supervises regional library delivery routing.
o Works with the Friends of the Library to manage and promote the museum pass program (including software) and various other Friends/Library events.
o Personally handles problems and patron complaints and provides assistance to staff handling difficult situations.
o Works with library consortium central staff to identify and resolve ILS problems and enhancements.
o Continues education by attending professional meetings, courses, and workshops in library related services and subjects.
o Keeps statistics and creates monthly departmental reports for the Library Director and staff. Contributes to the keeping of statistics for the library as a whole.
· Responsible for the general operation of the Library if and when called upon to be the person in charge (i.e. in the absence of the Director, Assistant Director), if requested by Library Director.
· Develops, implements and coordinates a full range of diverse and innovative Adult Library programs and events in collaboration with other members of the library’s Program Planning Committee, guided by the Library’s strategic planning goals and the needs of the community
o Includes planning in partnership with community organizations such as the Topsfield Historical Society, Council on Aging, and others.
· Participates in the collection development for print/non-print materials
o In conjunction with the Assistant Director/Head of Reference, evaluates reviews for adult fiction and non-print materials and makes selections reflecting knowledge of the collection of the community.
o Responsible for the development of CD audiobook, adult DVD, and Library of Things collections.
o Oversee fund accounting information and timely submittal of invoices to administration for payment. Monitors expenditures of allocated funds.
o Represents the library in the Merrimack Valley Library Consortium’s Collection Development User Group.
· Uses library website as an effective marketing and communication tool for the library. Adds content to the library’s website, including RA guides/reading guides, news items, information about events, and other items of note to the community.
o Some knowledge of HTML, CSS, and other coding techniques.
o Shares knowledge with colleagues.
· Provides backup service for the library’s Reference and Children’s/Youth Services Desk, as required.
· Works with the Director and other library Department Heads to formulate new plans, policies or processes for the library.
o Works with administration in analyzing library’s present and future technology needs and makes recommendations for purchase of appropriate hardware and software.
· All other work as assigned.
Qualifications
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
· MLS or advanced degree in Information Science from an ALA-accredited institution preferred.
· At least three years library experience, or any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.
· Thorough knowledge of the principles and practices of professional library work, along with library automation, materials, and tools.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
· Working knowledge of computer applications, HTML and web management, social media, and ILS system software.
· Significant experience working with the public, excellent customer service and communication skills to patrons of all ages; ability to perform effective user instruction.
· Ability to train, organize and supervise the work of others; ability to work well independently or as a team; ability to balance office and front desk time exercising professional knowledge and judgment.
· Considerable knowledge of library principles, materials and tools, along with familiarity with library automation.
· Excellent oral and communication skills.
· Ability to troubleshoot computer and other equipment problems.
· Ability to write reports and organize statistics.
· Strong interpersonal skills, clear communication skills, and a cooperative, positive attitude.
· Competency in other library departments to cover and work effectively with them.
· Ability to maintain effective working relationships with patrons, colleagues, other town department staff, and other libraries.
· Ability to work with a high level of detail, and to work effectively with constant interruptions.
· Position requires working at least one evening during the week and includes a Saturday rotation. Additionally, programming and outreach duties may require some work hours outside of normal schedule.
Full/Part Time
Full Time
Education
MLS/Masters
Salary
$63,960.00 / yearSalary Notes
$63,960 (Based on 37.5 hr. week at $32.80 hr.)
Closing Date
How to Apply
TO APPLY: Please submit a letter of interest, resume and references to Dan Tremblay, Library Director. dtremblay@topsfieldlibrary.org
Posted
2025-09-10 | Quick link to this job