Head of Reference Services



Job Details

Head of Reference Services
Employer

City of Rochester

Salary

$91,579.00 - $134,673.00 Annually

Location

Rochester MN 55904, MN

Job Type

Regular FT

Job Number

20180022B

Department

Rochester Public Library

Opening Date

05/07/2018

Closing Date

Continuous

POSITION DESCRIPTION

The City of Rochester invites applications for the position of: 

Head of Reference Services
Rochester Public Library

Rochester Public Library (RPL), winner of the 2018 National Medal of Museum and Library Service, seeks a forward-thinking, agile, and collaborative Head of Reference Services to join the Administrative Team in building community focused library services. The successful candidate will possess a willingness to embrace change and learn from failure, a keen interest in collaborating and brainstorming with colleagues and community members, and the ability to think strategically and objectively about library activities.

Duties of the position include providing visionary leadership to and overseeing the daily operations of the Reference Services Division. The Reference Services Division provides exemplary customer service by maintaining up-to-date resources in a variety of formats; providing world-class programs, events, and classes, including the award-winning Rochester Reading Champions and Wellness Corner programs; managing interlibrary loan services; and building community connections.

RPL's Strategic Plan drives our planning, budgeting, and yearly actions, and our Logic Model, outcome measurements, and customer engagement practices provide a continuous feedback loop. RPL's Core Values are at the heart of our strategic decisions and daily activities. We strive to provide a welcoming environment for people to gather, reflect, and connect with each other and informational resources through our physical building, bookmobile, as well as outreach activities. We are committed to intellectual freedom, serving all customers fairly, and providing exceptional customer service. As a staff we champion collaboration, embrace creativity, engage in the community, and care about each other, our customers, the community, and what we do.

RPL, a department of the City of Rochester, MN, is a very busy downtown library and bookmobile (over 500,000 visits per year, over 1.8 million items checked out, and the busiest bookmobile in the state of Minnesota). RPL serves the City of Rochester, Olmsted County, and visitors from all over the world with a mission of: We strengthen community and enrich lives by sparking imagination, creativity, engagement, and learning.

Nature of Work
The Head of Reference Services provides leadership for the planning, development, and administration of the Reference Services Division.  The position is responsible for overseeing the daily operations of the Reference Services Division; selecting, training, inspiring, supervising and developing staff; coordinating and evaluating the activities of the Reference Services Division including collection development, interlibrary loan, web content development, classes for adults, Wellness Corner, Rochester Reading Champions, and serials control.

Responsibilities include participating as a member of the Library's administrative team which is responsible for the execution of the Library's Strategic Plan and yearly Action Plans; building and maintaining relationships within the library and greater community; the Head of Reference Services may act for the Library Director in the Director's absence.

The Head of Reference Services Division reports to the Library Director.
 
Starting salary is $91,579 to $107,738 with advancement to $134,673.
This position also includes great benefits and a potential relocation package.

Applications will be accepted until the vacancy is filled.
Individuals attending ALA are invited to learn more about the position by scheduling an in-person meeting with Heather Acerro by emailing her using hacerro@rochester.lib.mn.us. 

 

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

*Manage the Reference Services Division

  • Provide innovative leadership in the development and evaluation of library reference services.
  • Provide short- and long-term planning to reach Rochester Public Library goals and action plans.
  • Work cooperatively with other divisions to plan and coordinate workflow and projects.
  • Assign and organize work to meet Rochester Public Library goals and action plans.
  • Maintain effective communication.

*Lead and Develop Employees
  • Inspire and empower staff at all levels to equip them to perform at their best.
  • Supervise employees through assigning work, evaluating work performance, mutually setting goals and objectives, training, and adhering to rules, regulation and contracts as they pertain to division employees
  • Participate in recruitment, hiring, and orientation processes for new division employees.
  • Ensure that division employee conduct is in compliance with departmental and City policies and procedures. Collaborate with the Library Director and human resources to resolve employment issues.
  • Encourage ongoing development through training and growth opportunities.

*Administration
  • Act as advisor to Library Director on overall library planning and budgeting in collaboration with other Division Heads.
  • Recommend and manage budget for the Reference Services Division.
  • May act for the Library Director in the Director's absence.

*Collection Development
  • Build and maintain the adult non-fiction, reference, and periodical collections in all formats.
  • Develop and monitor the use of written procedures for these areas.

*Public Service
  • Oversee public service within the Reference Services Division.
  • Provide public service at the Reference Desk and other service points, outreach events, and through classes and programs.
  • Handle complaints and deal with problems as they arise.
  • Meet the City's customer service standards and the Library's Core Values in all interactions with the public and staff.
  • Utilize furnishings, equipment, and space within the Reference Division for optimum public service, attractive appearance, efficient support service, and optimum staff and public comfort.

*Public Relations & Community Engagement
  • Work with the Communication Division to provide publicity for the Division.
  • Build and maintain relationships in the community to further the Library's mission.
  • Give presentations.
  • Represent the library at various functions.

Perform other duties as assigned or necessary.

*Essential Job Functions

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education and Experience
Master's degree in Library Science from an American Library Association accredited college or university and at least five years professional librarian experience in a public library.  Library reference experience and at least three years of supervisory experience is also required.

Desirable Qualifications
Experience in administration and leadership in the areas of reference and public service.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES
Knowledge of: library procedures and administrative practices; computer applications for libraries, including online database searching and interlibrary loan; materials selection, interlibrary loan, and serials, with some knowledge of cataloging, with the ability to coordinate these functions; and principles of supervision, budgeting and human resources.

Skill in: providing customer service to people of all ages; developing strong working relationships; effectively teaching, leading and directing the work of others; Microsoft Office software including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint; and working under pressure of time and conflicting demands.

Ability to: set priorities and to manage one's own time as well as to plan, supervise, and coordinate the work of others; exercise initiative while functioning as a member of the library management team; assess user needs quickly and accurately; participate in cultural, intellectual, and professional activities of the community, region, and state; express oneself clearly and concisely, orally and in writing; and work with people tactfully and courteously.

PHYSICAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL CRITERIA
In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the following represents the physical and environmental demands for this position. The employee must be able to perform the essential functions with or without accommodation.

In consideration of the overall amount of physical effort required to perform this position, the work is best described as: Light Work: Exerting up to 20 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 10 pounds of force frequently, and/or a negligible amount of force constantly to move objects. If the use of arm and/or leg controls requires exertion of forces greater than that for Sedentary Work and the worker sits most of the time, the job is rated for Light Work.

Physical demands that may be required continuously (2/3 or more of the time), frequently (1/3 to 2/3 of the time), and occasionally (up to 1/3 of the time) are noted below:

Continuous demands: repetitive movements of the hands, wrists, and fingers.

Frequent demands: fine dexterity; standing; sitting; lifting, carrying, pushing, or pulling up to 10 lbs of force; and handling of materials.

Occasional demands: walking; lifting, carrying, pushing, or pulling between 10 to 50 lbs of force; climbing; balancing; stooping; kneeling; twisting; bending; and reaching.

Sensory requirements necessary in the performance of the essential functions of this position include: sight, hearing, and touch.

Environmental conditions that may exist in the performance of the essential functions of this job include:
NONE (not substantially exposed to environmental conditions)

CITY OF ROCHESTER EMPLOYEE BENEFIT SUMMARY
 

VACATION: An employee begins to accrue vacation from the first day of regular employment and accumulated vacation will appear on their pay advice.  Vacation may be used as accrued subject to supervisor approval.

Employees shall have the following vacation schedule:

HEALTH INSURANCE: Employees in this position may select from two medical insurance plans. Under either plan, preventive services are covered at 100%.

Base Plan - Four coverage tiers are available. Employees carrying single coverage are subject to a $200 deductible. Employees carrying any other tier of coverage are subject to a $400 combined family unit deductible. Eligible expenses are covered on an 80/20 basis after the deductible has been met. Out-of-pocket maximums are $3,000 per person or $6,000 per family. Once the out-of-pocket maximum has been met, eligible expenses are covered at 100%. Under this plan, monthly premiums range from $54.70 for single coverage to $277.22 for family coverage.

High-Deductible Health Plan (HDHP) - Four coverage tiers are available beginning with employee only then employee plus children, employee plus spouse and family coverage. Under this plan, the City contributes to a health savings account or HSA for the employee based on the tier selected. The employee may use the account to pay for eligible expenses or may save the funds to be reimbursed at a later date with eligible receipts. Individuals selecting employee only coverage are subject to a $3,000 deductible. All other coverage tiers are subject to a $6,000 combined family unit deductible. Just as the base plan, out-of-pocket maximums are $3,000 per person or $6,000 per family. Once the deductible has been met, eligible expenses are covered at 100%. Contributions to the health savings account or HSA will be $1,400 for employee only coverage and $2,800 for all additional tiers. Employees beginning employment during the calendar year will be provided with prorated HSA contributions. Under this plan, monthly premiums range from $49.22 for single coverage to $249.50 for family coverage.

DENTAL INSURANCE: Dental insurance for the employee is provided at no cost to the employee. Dependent dental coverage is $9.18 per month or $4.59 per pay period.

HOLIDAYS: CITY OFFICES CLOSED
New Year's Day
Martin Luther King Day
Presidents' Day
Memorial Day
Independence Day
Labor Day
Veterans Day
Thanksgiving Day
Day after Thanksgiving
Christmas Eve - 1/2 Day
Christmas Day
New Year's Eve - 1/2 Day

SICK LEAVE: Sick leave is accrued at one (1) day per month worked with no maximum. Sick leave may be used for personal illness, dental and medical care and for serious illness of immediate family.

LIFE INSURANCE: Life insurance for exempt employees is twice the employee's annual salary rounded to the next nearest thousand with a maximum of $250,000. Life insurance coverage is provided at no cost to the employee and is for the employee only. As your salary increases, so will the life insurance coverage.

FLEXIBLE BENEFITS: Under Section 125 of the Internal Revenue Code, employees who enroll in a flexible benefits plan are allowed to use before-tax dollars for employer-provided group health and dental premiums, out-of-pocket health care expenses and dependent care. Using flex benefits helps you have the benefits you need, increase your spendable income and lower your taxes. Health care expenses to be reimbursed become limited to dental and vision expenses for employees selecting the high deductible health plan with associated health savings account.

SUPPLEMENTAL LIFE INSURANCE: Employees may purchase supplemental life insurance for themselves, their spouse and dependent children. This coverage would be in addition to the City-provided life insurance.

GROUP VOLUNTARY LONG-TERM DISABILITY INSURANCE: You may elect any level of coverage between $500 and $5,000 per month provided you do not insure more than 60% of your monthly income. Benefits begin on the fourth month of a disability and are payable to age 65 for injury, sickness or pregnancy. Premiums are based on age group and are paid through payroll deduction.

RETIREMENT:
Social Security
Public Employees Retirement Association (PERA)
www.mnpera.org

DEFERRED COMPENSATION: The International City Management Association and Great West deferred compensation plans are available to employees on a voluntary basis. The deferred compensation plan allows you to arrange for a portion of your salary (through payroll deduction) to be paid to you at retirement age. The chief advantage is a tax savings. Income taxes are not paid on the amount placed into the plan because you do not receive the money. Taxes are paid on the money you receive after retirement. Retired persons are usually in a lower tax bracket, thus the tax savings.

UNITED WAY: If interested in contributing to the United Way through payroll deduction, contact the Human Resources Department.

PAYDAYS: Standard hours for full-time employees are 80 hours per pay period. Earnings are deposited every other Friday.

An Equal Opportunity Employer

01
The following supplemental information may be used as a scored evaluation of your knowledge, skills and experience. Be certain that the choices you make correspond to the information you have provided in your application and resume. You must be honest and accurate in answering the supplemental questions and do not type "see resume". You may also be asked to demonstrate your knowledge and skills in a work sample or during an interview for this position. By completing this supplemental questionnaire you are attesting that the information you have provided is true and accurate. Any information provided may be reviewed by the hiring manager. Any misstatements or falsification of information will eliminate you from consideration or may result in dismissal. Do you understand and agree with this statement?
  • Yes
  • No
02
Which of the following best describes your level of education?
  • High school diploma or equivalent G.E.D.
  • Completion of an Associate degree
  • Completion of a Bachelor's degree
  • Completion of a Master's degree in Library Science
  • Completion of a Master's degree in a field OTHER THAN Library Science
  • None of the above
03
Please list the specific program/degree that you completed. Include the name of the educational facility and location. Do not type "See Resume". If no program was attended, type "N/A".
04
Which of the following best describes your years of full-time employment experience working as a professional librarian in a public library?
  • No experience
  • Less than 5 years
  • More than 5 years, but less than 10
  • More than 10 years, but less than 15
  • More than 15 years
05
Do you have experience providing reference service in libraries?
  • Yes
  • No
06
Describe your experience providing reference services in libraries. Please include the employer name(s), duration of employment, actual duties performed and explain what experience and knowledge that you gained. Do not type "see resume". If no experience, type "N/A"
07
Which of the following best describes your overall employment experience with budgeting:
  • No experience
  • Limited - my budget experience is limited to my personal finances
  • Moderate - I have worked in positions where I have made purchases within a prescribed budget and/or made budget recommendations
  • Extensive - I have been employed in a supervisory/managerial position where I have been responsible for establishing and maintaining compliance with a budget
08
Which of the following best describes the total amount of the operating budgets that you have been directly responsible for administrating*: *Note: Not including personnel costs
  • No experience
  • Less than $100,000
  • More than $100,000, but less that $250,000
  • More than $250,000, but less than $500,000
  • More than $500,000, but less than $750,000
  • More than $750,000, but less than $1,000,000
  • More than $1,000,000
09
Please describe your budget experience. Include the employer name(s), total budget dollar amount and actual budget responsibilities. If no experience, type "N/A".
10
Which of the following best describes your experience overseeing and directing the activities performed by other staff:
  • No experience
  • Limited - I have provided some work direction or suggestions to other staff
  • Moderate - I occasionally provide work direction and/or training to other staff
  • Extensive - I frequently provide direction to and/or formally supervise other employees as a regular part of my job
11
Which of the following best describes the number of staff that you oversee or direct:
  • 1 to 3 staff
  • 4 to 8 staff
  • 9 to 15 staff
  • More than 15 staff
  • N/A - I do not direct or oversee any staff
12
Did your experience overseeing and directing the activities performed by other staff include any of the following? (select all that apply)
  • Hiring, selecting or promoting employees
  • Conducting performance appraisals
  • Disciplining or reprimanding employees
  • Adjusting employee grievances
  • Scheduling employees
  • Approving timecards and/or time off requests
  • Employee development and/or training
  • N/A - I have no experience directing or overseeing other staff
13
Which of the following best describes your years of full-time equivalent employment experience overseeing and directing the activities performed by other staff:
  • Less than 3 years
  • More than 3 years, but less than 5
  • More than 5 years, but less than 10
  • More than 10 years
  • N/A - I have no employment experience supervising directing or overseeing other staff
14
In detail, describe your employment experience overseeing and directing the activities performed by other staff, including:
  • The name of the employer(s),
  • Your position title(s)
  • The actual duties you performed,
  • Your duration of employment,
  • Number of employees supervised and their position titles, and
  • The actual supervisory duties you performed.
Do not type, "see resume". Type "N/A" if you have no experience.
15
Which of the following best describes your years of full-time employment experience working with library collection management?
  • No experience
  • Less than 3 years
  • More than 3 years, but less than 5
  • More than 5 years, but less than 10
  • More than 10 years
16
Did your experience in library collection management include any of the following? (Select all that apply)
  • Selecting materials for a small collection (less than 25,000 items)
  • Selecting materials for a mid-size collection (25,000 - 75,000 items)
  • Selecting materials for a large collection (over 75,000 items)
  • Weeding materials from a small collection (less than 25,000 items)
  • Weeding materials for a mid-size collection (25,000 - 75,000 items)
  • Weeding materials for a large collection (over 75,000 items)
  • Overseeing the selection and weeding of materials for a large collection (over 75,000 items)
  • Managing the collection development budget
  • Selecting and deselecting database subscriptions
  • Selecting and deselecting digital materials (books and media)
  • Formally responding to complaints about library materials
  • Drafting collection development policies
  • Using online vendor tools such as iPage or Baker & Taylor 360
  • No experience
17
Describe your experience in library collection management. Please include the employer name(s), duration of employment, actual duties performed and explain what experience and knowledge that you gained. Do not type "see resume". If no experience, type "N/A"
18
Please indicate the current versions of software that you are PROFICIENT in using: (select all that apply)
  • Microsoft Office Word
  • Microsoft Office Excel
  • Microsoft Office PowerPoint
  • Microsoft Outlook
  • Microsoft Access or other similar database software
  • Integrated Library System (ILS) software
  • None of the above
19
In 150 words or less, describe what public libraries mean to you.
20
In 300 words or less, describe your leadership philosophy and provide examples of how you have used this philosophy in past employment.
21
In 500 words or less, describe how you would develop and maintain positive working relationships with varied people/groups including, but not limited to: City employees, Council members, business and community groups, media representatives and the general public. Also, please provide examples of how you have created positive working relationships in previous employment.
22
Do you have a valid driver's license?
  • Yes
  • No
23
Are you able to understand and speak any languages other than English? Note: Generally, this does not include taking a language course(s) in a school setting. Answering "yes" indicates that you can fluently communicate in a language other than English.
  • Yes
  • No
24
Describe your experience or ability speaking and understanding languages other than English. Do not type "See Resume". If no experience, type "N/A".
25
OTHER QUALIFICATIONS: Describe any other special training you've completed or skills and experience you currently possess that you feel would make you the best-qualified person for this position.
26
CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT: City policy requires that finalists are required to undergo a background investigation which may include, but not limited to: verification of employment and educational records, identification verification, driver's license record and a criminal history. Please note that a criminal conviction does not automatically disqualify an applicant from consideration for employment with the City of Rochester. If selected as a finalist, are you willing to undergo a background investigation?
  • Yes
  • No

* Required Question

Employer
City of Rochester
Address
201 4th Street SE

Rochester, Minnesota, 55904
Phone
(507) 328-2555
Website
http://www.rochestermn.gov/departments/human-resources/employment

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