Head of Reference Services

*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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

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.

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)