Assistant Director/Head of Reference, Parker Memorial Library (Dracut)
Position Summary: Under the supervision of the Library Director, the Assistant Director / Head of Reference is responsible for providing reference services using resources in various formats and interpreting library policies and procedures in the absence of the Library Director.
Supervisory Responsibility: Works under the general direction of the Library Director, according to established procedures and departmental policies and standards; duties require independent judgement and initiative. Supervises staff and volunteers as needed.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities: The essential functions or duties listed below are illustrations of the type of work 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.
-Work closely with the Library Director to implement exemplary library services.
-Assist patrons with inter-library loan requests.
-Supervise personnel in the absence of the Library Director.
-Serve as the building supervisor in the absence of the Library Director.
-Conceive, design, and implement various cultural, educational, and recreational programs for adult patrons.
-Provide outstanding reference services using the library’s collections, electronic resources, and materials in other formats.
-Understand and train patrons on how to verify and vet source material.
-Administer procurement and distribution of Federal and State tax forms.
-Assist the Library Director in recruitment, hiring, and evaluation of personnel.
-Participate in the library’s strategic planning and annual reporting.
-Oversee the development and culling of the library’s nonfiction collection.
-Interpret library policies and procedures in the absence of the Library Director.
-Use scheduling software to set the schedule of service desks.
-Perform other similar or related work as assigned or required.
Qualifications
Education & Experience:
Masters in Library Science (MLS) from an accredited ALA certified institution, or equivalent experience, required.
Minimum of three (3) years of progressively responsible experience in a public library, including at least one year in a supervisory capacity, preferably in a union environment.
Knowledge, Ability & Skill:
-Thorough understanding of library theories and practices.
-Demonstrated ability to apply professional library practices with an emphasis on reference, administration, and inter-library loan procedures.
-Familiarity with basic reference resources and a general knowledge of human civilization and literature to facilitate reference and inter-library loan work and selection duties.
-Ability to interact with and assist patrons with the use of the library facility, services, and technology in a professional and courteous manner.
-Ability to maintain strict patron confidentiality; knowledge of ethics as applicable to library service; familiarity with ALA Code of Ethics, Library Bill of Rights, and Freedom to Read statements; remains current on other ALA actions and recommendations.
-Familiarity with recent advancements in library automation systems.
-Proficient in keyboarding skills and office software.
-Ability to learn new computer applications.
-Ability to exercise tact, initiative, independent judgment, and confidentiality consistent with library policies.
-Ability to maintain effective working relationships with staff and a positive support/service attitude with the public.
-Ability to communicate effectively in person, in writing, and on the telephone.
-Ability to multi-task.
-Participate in professional organizations by attending conferences, committee meetings, and continuing education classes to develop job-related competencies and keep apprised of changes in the library field.
Physical Requirements:
The physical demands described below represent those necessary to perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations will be provided in accordance with applicable law to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform these functions.
-Stand, walk, sit, and use hands for handling or feeling objects.
-Reach with hands and arms, climb, balance, talk, and hear.
-Occasionally lift and/or move items weighing up to 40 pounds.
-Specific vision abilities may include close vision and distance vision.
Full/Part Time
Full Time
Education
MLS/Masters
Salary Range
$58,640.00 - $81,204.00 / year
Salary Notes
Anticipated hiring range: $58,640.40 - $70,033.00 annually depending on qualifications and experience (paid weekly)
Closing Date
How to Apply
Submit resumes to HR online at the town's website. Applications are being reviewed immediately on a rolling basis. Position will remain open until filled.
Posted
2026-01-28