Assistant Director, Library, (A263510-1), 214, Main Branch Job at City of Laredo

Overview

Plans, directs, and oversees all operations, administration, and personnel of the municipal library system under the general supervision of the Public Health Director. Provides strategic leadership in developing and implementing library services, programs, policies, and initiatives that align with community needs and municipal goals. Ensures compliance with all applicable laws, regulations, and departmental policies. Directly supervises and evaluates all library staff, fostering a collaborative, high-performing, and customer-focused team environment. Develops, manages, and monitors the library's annual budget, capital projects, proposals, and grant applications. Builds and maintains effective partnerships with municipal departments, community organizations, and the public to advance library services and engagement. Represents the library in public relations and outreach activities, promoting a positive and professional image of the department and its mission.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

The intent of this job description is to provide a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities performed by employees in this job. Employees may be requested to perform job-related tasks other than those specifically presented in this description.

• Develops, implements, and enforces departmental goals and objectives.
• Plans, directs, coordinates, and monitors day-to-day activities to ensure accomplishment of the same and ensure the smooth day-to-day operation of the library system.
• Plans, schedules, assigns work, instructs, and trains employees in proper methods and procedures; checks and approves work in progress and upon completion.
• Makes recommendations regarding employee job performance and conducts performance evaluations; recommends firing and merit increases.
• Performs employee recruitment activities for vacant positions; interviews, screens, and evaluates applications; makes recommendations on hiring and on salary adjustments.
• Develops and monitors programs and systems of control for circulation, cataloging, acquisitions, children's services, adult services, and reference services.
• Plans, coordinates, and monitors the activities of the library division such as public services, technical services, maintenance services, computer services, and branch/outreach services.
• Approves all requests for leave and payroll documents in the absence of the Library Manager.
• Participates in community activities; builds and maintains effective relationships with others; projects a positive and professional image of the library system through public speaking, news articles, and television interviews.
• Assists in the planning and development of the library budget.
• Police library for undesirable patrons or activity; initiates appropriate actions to eliminate or resolve problems.
• Performs all duties of other staff as the demand necessitates in order for operations to continue.
• Enforce law and regulations pertaining to Freedom of Information and Privacy Acts.
• Prepares book orders in compliance with departmental policies and procedures; ensures book purchases are appropriate for effective collection development.
• Communicates with library support groups such as Friends of Laredo Public Library, Inc. and other librarians; builds and maintains effective working relationships with the same.
• Travels out-of-town to attend workshops and seminars for continuing education and operational purposes.
• Conducts monthly facility inspection for compliance with city health and safety standards. Reports violations and takes corrective actions.
• Responds and handles library patron concerns and complaints.
• Is the library liaison for various personnel matters and issues.
• Will be required to drive a City vehicle for city business use.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

COMPETENCIES FOR SUCCESSFUL PERFORMANCE OF JOB DUTIES

Knowledge of:

• Knowledge of the principles and practices of library operations and administration.
• Knowledge of budget preparation and general accounting skills.
• Knowledge of personnel and organizational management principles and practices.
• Knowledge of laws and regulations pertaining to the Freedom of Information, Privacy Acts, and LSTA (Library Services and Technology Act).
• Knowledge of creative public relations techniques and ability to project a positive and professional image of the library system.
• Knowledge of basic computer theory, library automation, MARC cataloging formats, and database searching and analytics.

Skills and Abilities:

• Ability to interpret and enforce laws, establish policies and procedures, and rules and regulations pertaining to library administration.
• Ability to conduct reference interviews and retrieve information quickly.
• Ability to communicate clearly during public speaking.
• Ability to prepare and maintain accurate reports and records.
• Ability to prepare and monitor a budget and to ensure compliance with budget limitations.
• Ability to build and maintain effective working relationships with others.
• Ability to project a positive and professional image of the library system.
• Ability to maintain good health and physical condition sufficient to permit the full performance of the duties of the position.
• Ability to maintain good planning and organizational skills.
• Ability to take and follow directions from supervisor.
• Ability to give directions to and gain compliance from assigned staff.
• Ability to perform strenuous work and routine work.
• Ability to maintain a valid Texas Driver License and a good driving record.
• Ability to project a positive and professional image of the City of Laredo.
• Ability to effectively communicate both orally and in writing in the English language and orally in the Spanish language.
• Ability to comply with all City of Laredo's policies and procedures.
• Ability to maintain good health and physical condition sufficient to permit the full performance of the duties of this position.

WORK ENVIRONMENT/CONDITIONS AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Physical Effort Requirements

Position will have the following exposures

• Office or similar indoor environment, relatively free from unpleasant environmental conditions or hazards.
• Exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally, a negligible amount of force frequently, and/or constantly having to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects, including the human body. Sedentary work involves sitting most of the time. Jobs are sedentary if walking and standing are required only occasionally, and all other sedentary criteria are met.

Work Environment Locations

Position will require the employee to work in the following types of work environments
Never

• Confined space
• Warehouse environment

Seldom

• Street environment (near moving traffic)
• Construction site

Sometimes

• Outdoor environment

Frequently

• Vehicles

Often

• Office or similar indoor environment

Exposures

Position will require the employee to be exposed to the following environmental elements

Never

• Extreme cold (below 32 degrees)
• Communicable diseases
• Moving mechanical parts
• Fumes or airborne particles
• Toxic or caustic chemicals or substances
• Loud noises (85+ decibels such as heavy trucks, jack hammers, construction)

Seldom

• Individuals who are hostile or irate
• Individuals with known violent backgrounds

Sometimes

• Extreme heat (above 100 degrees)

Travel

Position will require the employee to travel

Never:

• International travel

Seldom:

• National travel

Sometimes:

• Regional travel

Frequently

• Local travel

Required Education and Experience

• Master's Degree in Library Science from a college or university accredited* by the American Library Association.
• At least five (5) years of progressively responsible experience working in a library with at least two (2) years of supervisory experience.

*Council of Higher Education Accreditation (C.H.E.A.)

Required Licenses or Certifications

• Valid Texas Driver License. If applicant holds an out-of-state license, a State of Texas Driver License must be obtained within 6 months of employment.

As part of the minimum requirements for all positions with the City of Laredo, a thorough background check and certified school transcripts will be required from all applicants who are offered employment.

Effective February 24, 1997, all selected applicants are required to undergo a drug and alcohol test prior to employment.

Effective January 7, 2008, all persons in safety-sensitive functions/positions, as per City of Laredo Drug and Alcohol Policy definition, shall be subject to random drug and alcohol testing.

A person with a disability who needs a reasonable accommodation related to a selection process is requested to contact the Human Resources Department at (956) 791-7480 two days prior to the scheduled interview and/or test if applicable.

City of Laredo is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action/Pro Disabled and Veteran Employer. We welcome differences in the form of gender, race, ethnicity, disability, geography, socioeconomic status, age, politics, religion, philosophy, sexual orientation, or gender identity. All applicants who share this goal are encouraged to apply. Must be able to function in a principle-based organization that has a culture built on character and core values.