Shelby County Public Libraries/Harrison Regional Library
Job Description
Library Director
JOB SUMMARY
The Library Director under the direction of the Library Board oversees the daily operations and manages the staff of
the Harrison Regional Library System. This position also serves as the system administrator for the ILS system,
Polaris. The Harrison Regional Library System serves as the technical services hub for the other ten public libraries
in Shelby County. This position requires expertise in cataloging bibliographic records, managing a database of
300,000 MARC records, producing necessary reports and statistics for member libraries, management of the
library’s website, computer instruction, and staff development.As chief financial officer this position coordinates
financial data with the County Commission, Alabama Public Library Service, and auditors. This positionwrites and
administers grants for both the Harrison Regional Library and member libraries; provides staff development both at
the Harrison Regional Library as well as member libraries; verifies compliance by member libraries with State Aid
Rules and Regulations; and resolves problems between the member libraries as well as the public.This position
serves as the representative for the Harrison Regional Library System before both public and private sectors.
DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES
Administration (25%)
In cooperation with the Library Board develops and implements Library System policies and procedures. Acts as
system administrator for Polaris to provide a common ILS system for Shelby County public libraries. Provides a
coordinated library service program to promote reciprocal borrowing among public libraries including a van
delivery system and centralized cataloging services..Develops protocols and standard operating procedures to carry
out these functions. Works in concert with the Shelby County IT Department to maintain computer hardware and
connectivity to the wide area network linking all Shelby County public libraries. With assistance from the Library
Board and Shelby County member library directors develops and implements both long term and short term strategic
plans. Continually updates required Long Range Plan and Technology Plan for the Alabama Public Library Service.
Complies with required State Aid rules and regulations in order to receive Supplemental State Aid for Public
Libraries. Monitors progress toward achieving and maintaining Alabama PublicLibrary Standards.
Staff Supervision (40%)
Performs analysis of personnel needs for the Library. Posts job vacancies, interviews qualified candidates and
makes selections. Trains staff in cataloging and technical services. Plans and implements professional development
of Library staff.Oversees performance appraisal system for staff. Reviews and approves all performance appraisals
for all staff. Conducts corrective interviews when warranted.Documents problems in job performance and customer
service. Ensures that new staff receive proper and adequate orientation and training. Approves sick leave, vacation
and part time hours for all staff.
Leading and Directing (15%)
With assistance from the Library Board and Shelby County member library directors develops and implements both
long term and short term strategic plans. Continually updates required Long Range Plan and Technology Plan for
the Alabama Public Library Service. Complies with required State Aid rules and regulations in order to receive
Supplemental State Aid for Public Libraries. Monitors progress toward achieving and maintaining Alabama
PublicLibrary Standards. Plans and conducts monthly directors meetings. Resolves disputes among member
libraries. Makes recommendations to system member libraries on a variety of topics to ensure better library service.
Meets with member library boards and/or elected officials to explain system services, solicit support for system wide
projects, and to ensure compliance with State Aid Rules and Regulations as well as the System Contract. Makes
recommendations to Library Board regarding noncompliance of System Contract or State Aid Rules and
Regulations by library system member libraries.
Controlling and Reporting – (10%)
As chief financial officer for the Library this position is responsible for preparing and presenting an annual budget to
the Harrison Regional Library Board and upon the Board’s approval submitting the annual budget to the Shelby
County Commission. Under the direction of the Board this position supplies an independent who has been retained
by the Board with the financial records, documents, and other pertinent materials for an annual audit of the Library’s
financial records. This position monitors financial expenditures throughout the year; approves and signs all
purchase orders; and reports to the Library Board on all financial matters for the Library.
Grant Writing (10%)
Writes and administers grants for the Library System. Works with state legislative committee to secure state
funding for libraries.Keeps relevant files on all grant and supplementary funds.
REQUIREMENTS
 MLS or MLIS from an American Library Association accredited college or university
 Five years or more public library experience
 Five years or more supervisory experience
 Three years or more administrative experience
 Valid Alabama driver’s license in good standing
 Acceptable background check and drug screening
DESIRED SKILLS, ABILITIES, AND KNOWLEDGE
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Knowledge of principles and practices of public administration as applied to library service
Knowledge of public library functions
Ability to relate and apply knowledge of library theory, practices, methods and trends
Knowledge in accounting and bookkeeping standard operating procedures
Working knowledge of supervisory methods including delegation, scheduling, evaluating performance,
administering corrective interviews, and maintaining orale among member libraries and Harrison Regional
Library staff
Skill in grant writing and administration
Ability to work with elected officials, system member library directors and the public
Skill in resolving problems with the public or between staff from system member libraries
Ability to effectively communicate orally and in writing
Ability to prepare and present reports including conclusions and recommendations
Thorough knowledge of ILS system administration
Ability to design reports to retrieve information from the ILS system
Ability to identify, manage, and implement emerging technologies and resources
Ability to provide training and support to library staff and member libraries
Ability to train, oversee, and direct staff in cataloging, reference, interlibrary loan and outreach services
Thorough knowledge of print and online information resources and reference tools
Thorough knowledge of contemporary bibliographic maintenance standards and practices
Knowledge of standard interlibrary loan practices, procedures, and applications
Knowledge of website design and maintenance
Thorough knowledge of Microsoft productivity software
Ability and willingness to substitute in reference, interlibrary loan, cataloging, or outreach services
Ability and willingness to substitute as van driver if needed