Ottawa Library Seeks New Director

The Board of Trustees of the Ottawa Public Library in Ottawa, Kansas is recruiting candidates for the position of Library Director. The Director is responsible for all library operations and supervision of personnel, budget, programming and service to the public.

Candidates should be well versed in current technology and possess supervisory, communication, organizational, decision-making and public relations skills. Qualifications for the position are an MLS or a combination of education and experience which is the equivalent of a graduate degree as evaluated by the Board of Trustees. Salary is based on education and experience.

Applicants should submit their resumes to the Board of Trustees, Ottawa Public Library, 105 S. Hickory Street, Ottawa, Kansas 66067 or by e-mail to Ken Woods at ken.woods@ottawalibrary.org. Please include in your resume three references, your education and training, your technological background and a brief discussion of your philosophy concerning the operation of public libraries, the future of public libraries, technology and it’s growth in libraries and your management style.

OTTAWA LIBRARY JOB DESCRIPTION

JOB TITLE: Library Director

DATE PREPARED/REVISED: May, 2008

FLSA STATUS: Exempt

JOB SUMMARY:

Under the direction of the Board of Trustees, the Library Director will serve as administrator of Ottawa Library.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

1. Plans, organizes, coordinates and directs library services to serve the people of the community.

2. Evaluates the effectiveness of library services in relation to the changing needs of the community and establishes short and long term goals, objectives and programs, developed by the director and the board, to meet these needs. Informs board of progress towards meeting these objectives.

3. Formulates and recommends policies to the library board. Implements library policies and procedures adopted by the board. Recommends and administers service, public relations, administrative, collection development and personnel policies.

4. Prepares annual budget in consultation with board; directs and supervises the expenditures of library funds. Maintains records of the library’s financial status, including the endowment fund as reported by the investment administrator. Oversees appropriate fundraising activities (donations, grants, etc.). Reports financial status to the board of trustees on a regular basis.

5. Supervises the library staff. Writes job descriptions, hires and dismisses personnel, assigns duties and responsibilities, schedules, conducts written annual evaluations, and plans staff development.

6. Prepares technology plan and replacement schedule of technology equipment for the library. Will become familiar with technology used in the library and search for new technology as it becomes available.

7. Coordinates maintenance of library facility and grounds with city personnel.

8. Establishes and maintains effective working relationships with other government agencies, Friends of the Ottawa Library, civic and community groups, and the general public. Represents the library and speaks before community, civic and other groups regarding the objectives and activities of the library.

9. Maintains awareness of local and state laws and other current developments pertaining to libraries; actively supports sound library legislation on the state and federal level. Attends professional meetings and takes an active role. Affiliates with ALA, MPLA and KLA. Maintains awareness of the services and programs of Kansas State Library and Northeast Kansas Library System and coordinates the library’s involvement. Actively participates in local Chamber of Commerce.

10. Other duties as assigned by the Board of Trustees.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Normal working hours are 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. five days a week.

Evening and weekend work may be necessary. Additional time beyond the scheduled 40 hours/week may be necessary to discharge duties.

Primarily works in an office setting with a computer.

Annual evaluation by the Board of Trustees.

PERFORMANCE OF DUTIES:

Educational Qualifications: A Master’s of Library Science (MLS) from an American Library Association -accredited University. A degree in a related field with work toward a MLS will be considered.

Experience/Skills: Experience in public library management and supervisory skills.

Knowledge of basic computer skills and trends in library technology.

Demonstrates strong written and oral communication and public relation skills.

Physical Requirements: Varies, estimated average of 60% of time at desk. Occasionally performs the duties of the public service desks. Must have or obtain a valid Kansas driver’s license.