FictionAVTeen Assistant Department Head

Are you an experienced library professional looking for a leadership opportunity in a busy public service department Do you have a passion for popular materials and public service to adults and teens The Fiction/AV/Teen Department at Mount Prospect Public Library is looking for an Assistant Department Head who has a Masters degree in Library Science from an ALA accredited library school and a minimum of five years experience working as a librarian with adults and/or teens in a public library. An ideal candidate would also have programming experience.

Come join our dedicated and fun-loving team working with popular fiction and movies ebooks services for teens and a wide variety of programming. Use your excellent organizational and communication skills to lead and help manage the department. Duties beyond supervision will build on the successful candidates individual strengths which will contribute to our operations and may include collection development readers advisory programming teen services and/or desk operations.

SCHEDULE:Full-time exempt.

• Monday Tuesday Wednesday9am to 5pm
• Thursday 1pm to 9pm
• Friday 9am to 5pm; once every 13 weeks 11am to 7pm
• Participation in a weekend rotation approximately once every 7 weekends:
  • Saturday 9am to 5pm
  • Sunday 11am to 5pm

BENEFITS:Medical dental and vision benefits are offered. Part of the total compensation package also includes paid time off benefits (paid holidays vacation time personal days and sick leave) participation in the Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund (IMRF) pension plan 457 retirement savings plan pet insurance and a commuter transit benefit.

PURPOSE:

Under the general supervision of the Head of Fiction/AV/Teen the Assistant Department Head is in charge of the Department in the absence of the Department Head. This position assists the Department Head in the daily and strategic operation of the department.

This position is also responsible for the supervision of department staff (either directly or indirectly) which includes various librarian roles and support positions. The Assistant Department Head will assist the Department Head in the development and implementation of training modules for staff. This role also participates in programming and collection development. This position also includes staffing the Fiction/AV/Teen Desk providing services to adults and young adults patrons.

SUMMARY OF DUTIES:

This position comprises of the following essential duties:

• Supervision approx. 30%
• Management approx. 20%
• Public service approx. 20%
• Fiction/AV/Teen services approx. 20%

Other non-essential job duties may include serving as an in-charge leader when assigned representing the Library at events and committee work.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

Supervision

• Supervises trains and evaluates staff as well as conducting regular meetings with direct reports
• Schedules work and maintains adequate staffing levels as established or directed
• Monitors and approves the time and attendance records for department staff
• Participates in the recruitment process and evaluates candidates for employment
• Ensures training plans or programs are established and followed
• Establishes standards of work performance and manages individual performance accordingly
• Recommends any employment action for department staff
• Encourages and solicits staff feedback and responds appropriately

Management

• Advises Department Head on matters relating to Department operations
• Assists Department Head in development and implementation of training modules
• In charge of Department in the absence of the Department Head
• Resolves issues and problems applying Department and Library polices/procedures
• Writes reports and compiles statistics as assigned
• Assists Department Head with determining budget needs and operating within defined budget limitations

Public service

• Applies values-based customer service to patron interactions
• Answers readers advisory and other information questions at the public service desk on the telephone and via chat
• Monitors the behavior and conduct of Library patrons to ensure an atmosphere conducive to the use of the department and library resources for all patrons
• Performs procedures assigned to the public service desk
• Provides bibliographic instruction and tour

Fiction/AV/Teen services

• Participates in programming activities including leading book discussions
• Performs collection development tasks including selection and weeding of materials
• Responsible for updating and maintaining intranet and web pages when assigned
• Manages the services for homebound patrons and delegates tasks accordingly

Other

• Attends appropriate meetings workshops and seminars
• Serves as in charge staff when assigned
• Serves on committees as assigned
• Supervises trains and evaluates volunteers when assigned
• Other duties as assigned

EDUCATION TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE

Masters degree in Library Science from an ALA accredited library school (or equivalent education and work experience). Five years experience working as a librarian with adults and/or teens in a public library required. Prior experience with areas of department operations desirable. Supervisory experience also desired.

KNOWLEDGE SKILLS & WORKING CONDITIONS

Knowledge

• Knowledge of common library policies and procedures
• Knowledge of library services and organization
• Knowledge of popular audiovisual materials
• Knowledge of readers advisor services for adults and teens
• Knowledge of readers advisory AV and online resources and services
• Knowledge of an Integrated Library System
• Knowledge of program development production techniques and methods

Behavioral Skills

1. Communication. Able to clearly present information through the spoken or written word; read and interpret complex information; talk with customers or clients; listen well.
2. Customer Focus. Able to demonstrate a high level of service delivery; do what is necessary to ensure internal and external customer satisfaction; deal with service failures and prioritize customer needs.
3. Decision Making & Problem Solving. Able to take action in solving problems while exhibiting judgment and a realistic understanding of issues; able to use reason even when dealing with emotional topics; review facts and weigh options.
4. Flexibility. Able to remain open-minded and change opinions on the basis of new information; perform a wide variety of tasks and change focus quickly as demands change; manage transitions effectively from task to task; adapt to varying customer needs.
5. Initiative. Able to bring about great results from ordinary circumstances; prepare for problems or opportunities in advance; transform leads into productive business outcomes; undertake additional responsibilities and respond to situations as they arise without supervision.
6. Leadership. Able to assume a role of authority as necessary; advocate new ideas even when risk is involved; set an example for coworkers; delegate responsibility and empower associates to make decisions; provide constructive feedback to others.
7. Planning Prioritizing & Goal Setting. Able to prepare for emerging customer needs; manage multiple projects; determine project urgency in a meaningful and practical way; use goals to guide actions and create detailed action plans; organize and schedule people and tasks.
8. Supporting Diversity Equity and Inclusion. Able to adapt behavior to others styles; interact with people who have different values cultures or backgrounds; be of service to difficult people; optimize the benefits of having a diverse inclusive and equitable workforce.
9. Teamwork. Able to share due credit with coworkers; display enthusiasm and promote a friendly group working environment; work closely with other departments as necessary; support group decisions and solicit opinions from coworkers; display team spirit.

Working Conditions

• Work is performed in a typical library environment.