City of Guntersville

Alabama's Lake City!

Library Director

JOB ANNOUNCEMENT

**Internal/External**

Announcement Date:  April 22, 2025

Closing Date:  Open Until Filled

Announcement Type:  Internal/External

Announcement Number:  25-09

Job Title:  Director    

Department:  Public Library

Hours:  Varies

FLSA Classification: Salary, Exempt

Application Process

Applications may be obtained from the City of Guntersville Human Resources (Personnel) Office located at 341 Gunter Avenue, Guntersville, AL or by visiting our website at www.guntersvilleal.org.  Completed applications for qualified applicants should be returned to the City of Guntersville Human Resources (Personnel) Department at 341 Gunter Avenue, Guntersville, AL 35976 or be emailed to humanresources@guntersvilleal.gov.    Applications will be accepted until position is filled.

Job Description

Nature of Work

This position consist of administrative and professional work in directing, planning, and managing all activities of the Guntersville Public Library.  Work also involves supervision of personnel and working closely with the Guntersville Library Board.  Work is performed and reviewed under the general supervision of the Mayor.

Essential Functions

  • Plans, directs, manages, and coordinates all the activities of the Library; promulgates and supervises adherence to rules and regulations of the Library.
  • Supervises, directs, provides instruction, and evaluates work of Library staff; ensures adherence to city policy and procedures and departmental guidelines; completes job performance evaluations on subordinate employees.  
  • Instructs personnel in general policies and procedures; conducts staff meetings; conducts informal training in library techniques and procedures.
  • Conducts a variety of public relations activities in interpreting the library to the public and in stimulating its use by the public including hosting special events, programs, workshops, and other activities to promote use of the library; meets with clubs, groups, community organizations, and others in explaining library system objectives and policies and in extending library services.
  • Meets with the Library Board on a regular bases in the interest of planning, library services, physical and program additions to the Library, and other matters.  Prepares reports and present to Library Board regarding policy matters, budget expenditures, and statistical reports.
  • Prepares grant applications; plans and administers acquisitions for collection development; supervises purchases; assist as needed in cataloging, weeding, and repairing of collection.
  • Assist as needed with collections, serving patrons, answering phone, answering questions or assisting with research request, and shelving library needs.
  • Prepares budget and oversees the financial operations of the Library. Ensures all funds are received and disbursed in accordance with the established accounting principles.
  • Establish long range goals for the growth and development of the Library’s services.
  • Maintains a safe and engaging environment of staff and visitors.
  • These are not to be construed as exclusive or all-inclusive duties.  Other duties and responsibilities may be added, deleted, or changed at any given time at the discretion of the Mayor.  It may be done formally or informally, either verbally or in writing.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities     

  • Extensive knowledge of principles, methods, and materials of library administration.
  • Thorough knowledge of reader interest levels, and of books and authors.
  • Considerable knowledge of the basic operations and practices of the publishing trade.
  • Advanced skills to operate a computer and applicable software (Excel, Word, Powerpoint, etc.), including internet, and specialized library databases and software applications.
  • Ability to effectively plan, organize, and administer the overall operations of the municipal library system.
  • Ability to explain the operations and services of the library system to the public and to conduct effective public relations.
  • Ability to analyze the library needs and to evaluate library services and equipment.
  • Ability to express ideas clearly and concisely, orally and in writing.
  • Ability to effectively supervise assigned personnel.
  • Ability to establish and maintain effective relationships with supervisors, co-workers, subordinates, elected officials, patrons, general public, and those contacted in the course of work.
  • Ability to perform all essential job functions.

Minimum Qualifications:

  • A Master’s Degree in Library/Information Science from an American Library Association accredited program is preferred for this position. Candidates that are currently enrolled in a qualifying degree program will be considered.  A candidate should also have ten (10) years of any combination of relevant education, training or experience sufficient to perform essential functions, five years of which shall have been in a supervisory position.  Examples of relevant experience include public library experience and/or experience working directly with children, teens, and adults providing direct customer service.

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