[Web4lib] Library Director Recruitment Riverside Public Library

[Bracken, Karen]

Library Director



$116,136 to $145,116 annually*



*Appointment may be made at any step contingent upon the qualifications of the successful candidate.





Riverside Public Library (RPL) has a history that reaches back to 1888, growing from just a few rooms in the historic Loring Building to a distinguished Mission-Revival Library building financed by Andrew Carnegie to its current system of a Downtown Library and seven branch libraries.



Today, RPL serves a fast growing community of approximately 300,000 covering 85 square miles. With a collection of approximately 465,000 books and other library materials, as well as 325 public access computers and an annual circulation of 1.5 million, RPL is a major provider of information services and cultural programs in California's Inland Empire.



The City of Riverside is recruiting for a Library Director who will lead and direct the operations and activities of the Riverside Public Library and perform other related duties as assigned.

Work Performed

Duties may include, but are not limited to the following:



* Plan, organize and direct the operations and activities of a large diversified library system.

* Direct the preparation of the annual budget and utilize appropriate means to insure adoption; review and evaluate current programs and anticipate future needs; evaluate cost for services and methods which reduce costs; monitor performance against parameters and compliance with City policies.

* Direct, develop, implement and review departmental goals, objectives, policies and procedures including book selection and acquisition policies and standards, delegate responsibility to appropriate subordinates.

* Work closely with the Library Board of Trustees, an administrative board, providing technical and professional advice, recommendations and reports related to levels of service and other library related matters.

* Plan development and expansion programs for the library system, in conjunction with appropriate City and County officials, including plans for site acquisition, buildings and equipment.

* Direct the planning, implementation and evaluation of new automated library services and management information systems which increase effectiveness and efficiency while reducing administrative costs.

* Search for new and appropriate ways to serve the public in a rapidly growing and increasingly diversified environment.

* Develop, direct and maintain a public relations program through personal contacts and subordinate staff to promote library programs which provide the public, civic groups, public officials and other interested parties with information on library services.

* Participate in the selection, training and evaluation of senior professional staff; work closely with staff to build an effective management team.

* Maintain fair employment practices to ensure the departmental hiring and promotional practices are consistent with the City's equal employment opportunity policy.

* Represent the City and the library system in the community and at professional meetings.

Minimum Qualifications

Education: Possession of a Master of Library Science Degree from an accredited college or university.



Experience: Seven years of progressively responsible professional public library experience with at least three years at a senior management level gained either as a Library Director or as an assistant in a high growth city or county.



Necessary Special Requirement: Possession of, or the ability to obtain within 10 days of appointment, an appropriate, valid Class "C" California Motor Vehicle Operator's License.





The ideal candidate will have a proven track record of managerial effectiveness achieving significant goals, implementing projects, enhancing internal systems and business practices, and delivering excellent customer service.



The successful candidate will be a professional who:

* Has high expectations of himself/herself and others and places tremendous importance on accountability.

* Is a gifted visionary who is also skillful at implementing plans and projects, who views changes as a welcome opportunity.

* Practices superior interpersonal and communication skills to assist him/her and others in strengthening internal and external relationships with customers and stakeholders.

* Invests in staff by placing a high degree of importance on professional development and proactively developing talent and capabilities in others.

* Is able to establish strong relationships with stakeholders, educational institutions, and the community.

* Is naturally motivated and results-driven.

* Exhibits an abundance of contagious energy that produces sustainable momentum throughout the organization.

* Possesses a sophisticated understanding and background in performance management and measurement.

* Demonstrates sound strategic thinking and judgment in tackling complex and sometimes controversial issues and decisions.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

Knowledge of:

* Principles of library organization, administration and management.

* Principles and practices of librarianship, including the problems and procedures involved in operating a reader-services program through a branch library system and the professional services such as cataloging, circulation, reference techniques and bibliography.

* Principles and practices of modern office management.

* Principles and practices of organization, administration, budgeting and personnel management.

Ability to:

* Plan, organize and direct a comprehensive program for providing library services in a large multi-ethnic, multi-lingual, urban library system.

* Work effectively with the public, public officials, appointed boards, professional staff members and professional people from other agencies.

* Coordinate the work of various divisions of a large geographically widespread library system and plan and direct a large staff.

* Communicate clearly and concisely, orally and in writing.

* Select, supervise, train and evaluate subordinates.

Selection Process

Applications will be screened for minimum qualifications as outlined in this announcement. Additional screening will be conducted based on highly desirable criteria and finalists will be invited to interviews with a hiring panel consisting of members of the Board of Library Trustees and the City Manager's Office.



Appointed candidates are required to successfully pass a medical evaluation, a criminal background check, and to submit an official copy of educational transcripts verifying obtained degrees or certificates as indicated on the employment application.



To be considered, please submit a City application. Applications are available online at www.cityjobs.riversideca.gov


Applications will be accepted until 11:59 p.m. on Friday, December 17, 2010.



Karen Bracken
Digital System Spec.
Riverside Public Library
951.826.5214