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Library Associates is seeking candidates and referrals for the position of Library Director for the city of Palo Alto.
The City of Palo Alto, located 35 miles south of San Francisco and 14 miles north of San Jose, is a thriving, beautiful community, home to approximately 61,000 residents.. Part of the San Francisco Metropolitan Bay Area and the Silicon Valley, Palo Alto is located within Santa Clara County and borders San Mateo County. The City of Palo Alto is more than 100 years old, and is named after a majestic 1000 (not 250) year old coastal redwood tree along San Francisquito Creek, where early Spanish explorers settled.
The blend of business and residential areas anchored by a vibrant downtown defines Palo Alto’s unique character. A charming mixture of old and new, Palo Alto’s tree-lined streets and historic buildings reflect its California heritage. At the same time, Palo Alto is recognized worldwide as a leader in cutting-edge technological development. This exciting mix of tradition and innovation makes Palo Alto an extraordinary place in which to operate a business.
The Director of Libraries is charged with the overall responsibility for planning, organizing, implementing, and evaluating city-wide library and related information service programs within a branch library system. The requirement to perform budgetary analysis and preparation, as well as policy and procedure analysis and implementation, are key elements of this position. Emphasis is also placed upon the incumbent's ability to develop and maintain efficient and effective operating techniques within a highly visible, service-oriented municipal organization.
REPORTS TO: City Manager
Responsibilities: Essential and other important responsibilities and duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Directly, and through subordinate supervisors, plans, organizes, directs, monitors, and evaluates the overall library operation, including establishing selection processes and procedures for new employees, in-service training programs, departmental orientation; develops, reviews, and conducts personnel performance appraisals.
- Reviews and approves adult and children's service programs and activities, library publications and publication schedules, material selection policies, and all material purchase requests.
- Reviews and approves technical services activities, including material selection, purchase and maintenance standards and procedures, insuring that materials meet the criteria of the ALA Bill of Rights and are available in sufficient quantity.
- Analyzes needs, develops and implements plans for growth, use, and development of library facilities in accordance with the needs of the residents of the community.
- Prepares and monitors Annual Operating and Capital Improvements budgets, reviewing and exercising final approval authority over all library expenditures; establishes and monitors inventory control systems for all library furnishings and material; reviews and analyzes fee structure and fee collection process for adequacy and control.
- Acts as Library department liaison with community groups to ensure that appropriate and sufficient contact is maintained to adequately assess the community's library service needs.
- Works with other City departments to insure that the Libraries are organized and operated efficiently and effectively and in a manner consistent with the goals of continuing employee development, optimum service delivery, and professional standards; insures that employee selection standards and procedures are consistent with the City's Affirmative Action goals and policies.
- Perform related duties and responsibilities as required.
Minimum Qualifications: Sufficient education, training and/or work experience to demonstrate possession of the following knowledge, skills, and abilities which would typically be acquired through:
- Possession of a Master's degree in Library Science
- Ten years of increasingly responsible public library experience, five of which must have been in a managerial capacity.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
- Ability to plan, organize, direct and implement programs and activities in the library field and related community services field; stimulate creativity and executive change as needed; analyze, formulate and implement departmental budget; work effectively and cooperatively with a variety of city/community programs; successfully supervise the work of others; effectively evaluate book collection needs for the city's library system; write clearly.
- Knowledge of principles of management and organization; principles and practices of librarianship, including problems and procedures in operating a branch library system, and professional services such as cataloging, reference, and bibliographic work; modern library plant and equipment requirements; library programs and their relationship to community needs; adult and juvenile books, periodicals, reference, and bibliographic works; principles of training and supervision.
- Ability to communicate with others and to assimilate and understand information, in a manner consistent with the essential job functions.
- Ability to operate assigned equipment.
- Ability to make sound decisions in a manner consistent with the essential job functions.
- Ability to communicate effectively, orally and in writing, in English language with wide variety of people.
- Ability to work varied schedule as required.
Working Conditions:
- Work in office environment;
- Sustained posture in seated position for prolonged periods of time;
- Travel to other locations frequently
Compensation:
- Salary range: $125,000-$139,000 per year
- Excellent benefits package
Application Information:
Please go to our website, www.libraryassociates.com, and use our online registration form or email Recruiting Assistant, Patty De Anda, pdeanda@libraryassociates.com with a courtesy copy to Recruiting Manager, Keith Gurztweiler, keith@libraryassociates.com.
Equal Opportunity Employer
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