Tully Free Library Director job description

The Director of the Tully Free Library provides and communicates a vision for the library in our community. The Director also demonstrates the leadership and energy necessary to ensure that vision is a reality while implementing all policies adopted by the Board of Trustees. The Tully Free Library Director will demonstrate clear thinking, good communication skills, a sound grasp of emerging technologies, and the ability to work in a highly organized fashion to form positive relationships with staff, volunteers, patrons, Trustees, schools, and community leaders.

The Director oversees the operations of the library including: direction and supervision of staff members and volunteers; development of required monthly and annual reports for New York State, the board, and the community; and maintenance of up-to-date policies and procedures. The Director works closely with the Board of Trustees to ensure that the Tully Free Library fulfills its charter by the State of New York Department of Education, and adheres to the regulations of the department. As such the facility must be open to the public or at least 38 hours a week, to serve the needs of the population in the chartered service area of the Library. The Director is responsible for effective customer service, infrastructure and operational management, coordination and evaluation of staff and volunteers, and collaboration with the Board of Trustees on operational issues and strategic growth and development in the areas listed below:

Effective Customer Service to Patrons and the Community

  • Acts as the Library’s representative in the community, within the Onondaga County Public Library (OCPL) system, and with community-related organizations

  • Serves as a resource for patrons and maintains a friendly, responsive attitude toward them

  • Maintains good communication with staff and Trustees

  • Acts as liaison between Tully Elementary and High Schools and their libraries for cooperative programming and use of materials with teachers and staff Establishes and maintains relationships with community stakeholders (e.g., Rotary, PEACE) and attends related meetings to promote the library

  • Works with staff to plans and execute a variety of programs, employing diverse resources to meet community needs

Management of the Library Infrastructure

  • Supervises the upkeep of the building and grounds in cooperation with the Board’s Building and Grounds Committee

  • Oversees maintenance of Library equipment Maintains necessary service agreements and monitors their effectiveness

Supervision of all Library Operations

  • Manages and recommends necessary improvements in library services and facilities

  • Serves as the overall administrator of the Library, including all activities and services

  • Oversees the use and availability of public computers and mobile technology resources and ensures the availability of technology support to assist all library users

  • Oversees and maintains the Library public image presence, utilizing various media: a website, social media, and library outreach and marketing materials

  • Submits regular publicity to town and school newsletters and websites

  • Keeps necessary internal records, compiles and reports statistics and other information for the Board, local funding sources, and the State Education Department

  • Authors regular reports to the Community (including an Annual Report of the Library budget and operations), available for all patrons, posted to Library website and distributed to all residents throughout the library service area

  • Provides direction for collection development to reflect the community’s needs in accordance with the Library Mission Statement and long-range plan of the Library

  • Oversees the maintenance of all collections (books, periodicals, media, and eContent), including selection, ordering, processing, and weeding

  • Arranges and publicizes Library activities, exhibits, speakers, and general programs, including outreach programs in cooperation with other agencies and groups

  • Assures that monies for fines/fees are kept separate. At the end of each month, deposits monies in the bank as appropriate

  • Attends Member Library Director meetings, professional meetings, conferences, workshops and community activities whenever possible

  • Keeps abreast of and helps inform the Board and staff of current library issues, policies, procedures, and technology

  • Oversees use of Padget Family Community Room

  • Logs contributions to the Memorials and Endowment fund and fund drives; sends required acknowledgement notes as with Library tax exemption information.

  • Oversees the ordering of all Library materials, equipment and supplies

Management of Staff and Volunteers

  • Hires and dismisses (when necessary) staff members, with approval of the Board of Trustees

  • Coordinates schedules and training for staff and volunteers, including orientation of new staff

  • Provides written performance reviews on an annual basis for all staff members to provide regular evaluative feedback and improve job performance members

  • Oversees the recruitment, training, orientation, and utilization of volunteers

  • Conducts regular staff meetings

  • Is available for staff and patron consultation when Library is open

Effective Collaboration with the Board of Trustees

  • Keeps Board members informed on evolving library trends and needs

  • Works with the Board to update and implement a dynamic strategic plan

  • With the Board President and Treasurer, prepares the library budget. Approves expenditures and payments of invoices and petty cash funds.

  • Attends Board meetings and prepares a monthly report to be reviewed by Board members at least one week prior to the meeting

  • Suggests and researches policies that should be written or updated

  • Supports and attends all Board Committee meetings and provides information as needed

Job Requirements:

  • MLS/MLIS degree from an accredited institution preferred

    • An equal combination of coursework and library experience will be considered.

  • Knowledge of emerging library trends, methods and procedures as they apply to rural public library administration. Experience with the Polaris circulation system is beneficial.

  • A vision for the Tully Free Library that includes both ambition and practicality

  • Commitment to building strong community relationships

  • An advanced level of confidence with the integration of emerging technologies

  • Imaginative and achievable ideas for library programs

  • Managerial experience, including experience preparing budgets and supervising staff

  • Good communication, interpersonal and organizational skills, including ability to prioritize