Interim Library Director – Job Description

Interim Director of the East Lansing Public Library

The Interim Director of the East Lansing Public Library (ELPL) is a 6-month position to oversee the library while the Library Board of Trustees conducts a thorough search for a permanent Director.   The Interim Director manages the operations of the library to ensure quality service to the community, and ensures ELPL complies with all applicable laws, policies and decisions of the Board of Trustees.

Requirements

Knowledge of:

• Library policies and procedures
• State and national library trends
• Public administration
• Electronic resources
• Supervisory methods
• Budget administration
• Financial reports
• State and federal employment laws
• Union work environment

Skills and Abilities to:

• Interpret and apply laws, regulations and library policies
• Organize, prioritize and coordinate a broad range of responsibilities
• Resolve conflicts
• Maintain a positive work environment for employees
• Identify employee behavior that requires discipline
• Ensure the quality of work as measured against established standards
• Maintain effective working relationships with the Board of Trustees, City of East Lansing, City Council, staff and community leaders
• Communicate effectively in written and oral form
• Maintain confidentiality

Details of Duties

LIBRARY SERVICE

• Ensures that the library provides a quality collection of materials (digital and physical) that meets the needs of the community
• Ensures that library materials are properly cataloged, shelved and available to patrons
• Ensures that the collection is maintained and weeded on a regular basis
• Ensures that staff members provide exceptional customer service to all patrons

FISCAL MANAGEMENT         

• Develops a cooperative working relationship with the City of East Lansing (COEL) Finance Director to ensure communication and coordination of responsibilities
• Participates in City leadership meetings on Mondays and Wednesdays, as needed
• Develops the annual budget for the Library in cooperation with the COEL Finance Director and the administrative staff for presentation to the Board
• Administers the budget with Board input and oversight
• Evaluates and implements cost containment measures
• Ensures that all service contracts are developed in compliance with the COEL purchasing policy, advertising and competitive bidding requirements
• Ensures that all service contractors fulfill contract obligations

PERSONNEL

• Determines necessary staff and distribution of work and recommends staffing levels to the Board
• Ensures opportunities and financial support for professional development and training of staff
• Advises the Board of Trustees of open position(s), seeks approval to recruit qualified applicants, and reports hires to the Board
• Ensures compliance with Board policies
• Ensures the quality of work provided by library employees
• Ensures the appropriate administration of discipline with all matters requiring dismissal to be presented to the Board prior to action
• Ensures effective communication of information to all library employees and COEL departments
• Provides leadership and guidance to employees in fulfilling their responsibilities
• Manages employees in accordance with the existing union contracts

COMMUNITY RELATIONS

• Represents the library in outreach and interaction with area schools, community agencies, service organizations, Michigan State University, city and state governmental agencies, social services organizations, businesses and other local, regional, state and national libraries as directed by the Board.
• Meets with individuals and groups concerning library issues and works toward mutually acceptable resolution of concerns with notice to the Board.

BOARD RELATIONS

• Develops a cooperative working relationship with each member of the Board of Trustees
• Ensures that all Board members receive written weekly summary and written monthly reports
• Advises all Board members of important library-related information, including federal and state legislation affecting libraries, professional development opportunities, and significant events which impact library operations or public perception of the library

FACILITIES

• Ensures that the physical facilities, grounds and equipment are properly maintained and safe

Additional Qualifications (preferred):

• Master’s degree in Library Science from an American Library Association accredited school
• A minimum of four (4) years professional library experience in positions with progressive levels of responsibility
• A minimum of two (2) years of experience in an executive or senior management position
• Prior Library Director experience

Time frame: approximately 6 months

Hours: 36-40  hrs/wk

Compensation: range of $40,000-$70,000 for the time period, commensurate with experience

Consideration will be given to flexibility in schedule for qualified candidates; details can be  discussed during the interview process.

 Applications will be reviewed as received until position is filled.  Board members will contact qualified candidates to schedule interviews.