Northern Lights Library System (NLLS) is currently seeking an innovative, collaborative, and highly motivated individual for the position of Manager of Public Services.

NLLS is located in Elk Point, Alberta, and serves a population of 174,483 people through a network of 47 public libraries NLLS and our partners, The Regional Automation Consortium (TRAC) shares Polaris; a leading-edge library software that brings numerous new possibilities to the way services are delivered to members.

Elk Point is two hours from Edmonton in a beautiful rural setting and surrounded by several larger centers within half an hour’s drive.

GENERAL ACCOUNTABILITIES

The Manager of Public Services will report to the Director and is responsible for the supervision of services to the member libraries. The most critical role is to help make each member library successful in serving its customers.

As Manager of Public Services, you will be responsible for building a cohesive team of consultants through effective training, planning, development, implementation, and evaluation of Public Services Staff and system services. This will ensure that member libraries meet the goals of providing support for programs and recreation in their communities. 

At headquarters, the Public Services Manager is part of the Management Team and is expected to take a leadership role in articulating the requirements of public services and integrating them into the overall mandate of the library system.

The Manager of Public Services also has supervisory responsibility the Library Clerk, Myrnam Branch.

 

SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES

Will include, but are not limited to the following:

1   Developing policies, services and resources to meet the immediate and long-term goals of the library system.

• Providing consulting services to member library staff, member boards, and advisory boards on a variety of topics, including:
• NLLS services
• basic library operations
• department budgeting
• collection development and maintenance
• staffing and management issues
• planning local and centralized training for library managers
• programming
• training and development for public services staff and library managers
• Ensuring access to resources for member library staff and customers by:
• managing the headquarters operation of interlibrary loan and reference service to member libraries
• developing and maintaining the NLLS headquarters collections
• assessing resource materials for staff and local board members (in cooperation with the Manager, Marketing and Communications)
• Developing the library skills of the member library staff by:
  • providing or coordinating in-service training and workshops, including information literacy skills, reference, on-line databases, and TRACPac as well as basic library operations
• being part of the team organizing the Annual Conference
• defining and implementing core competencies for library staff
• disseminating information about relevant training opportunities to member libraries
• Ensuring communication with internal and external contacts by:
• maintaining close and regular contact with member library staff and boards
• preparing and delivering presentations to stakeholders, as required
• Facilitating the provision of programs in member libraries by:
• organizing and supervising system-wide programs such as the Summer Reading Program
• facilitating author tours and other programs
• Managerial responsibilities include:
• supervising work of public services staff
• conducting performance evaluations
• developing and/or modifying procedures manuals
• making budget recommendations to the Director
• making policy recommendations to the Management team
• participating in overall decision-making at NLLS as a member of the Management Team
• Coordinating provincial and/or national library initiatives for NLLS by:
• participating in committee activities, representing NLLS and member libraries
• acting as liaison with partner agencies on behalf of NLLS and member libraries
• Cooperating as a team member in performing any duty that contributes to the achievement of NLLS Library System’s goals and objectives.
• Participate in professional associations and activities
• Oversee the operations and grant dispersal for on-reserve First Nations and Metis Settlement library services

KNOWLEDGE, ABILITIES AND SKILLS

• An ALA-accredited library science degree at the graduate level such as an M.L.S., M.L.I.S. or M.I.S.
• Minimum of 5 years’ professional experience
• Experience working with community groups an asset
• Public speaking skills an asset
• Ability to troubleshoot and problem solve
• Ability to work closely and effectively with others
• Demonstrated leadership ability and supervisory skills
• Excellent communication skills (written and oral)
• Excellent time management and organizational skills
• Familiarity with automated library systems (Polaris preferred)
• Flexibility, ability to work within tight deadlines and under pressure
• Strong knowledge and understanding of general library services, procedures, and related information technology
• Understanding of small, rural communities and the role of the library
• Valid drivers license

 

This position offers a comprehensive benefits package and a regular workweek consisting of 35 hours along with a generous vacation allowance. The salary for this position will be commensurate with experience and qualifications.

This position will be open until filled; interested parties to email resume and cover letter to:

Terri Hampson

Interim Acting Director
Northern Lights Library System
Postal Bag 8, Elk Point, AB T0A 1A0
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 780.724.2596 ext.2110

We thank all candidates for their applications; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

Northern Lights Library System (NLLS) is currently seeking an innovative, collaborative, and highly motivated individual for the position of Consultant in the area of Public Services.

NLLS is located in Elk Point, Alberta, and serves a population of 174,461 people through a network of 47 public libraries NLLS and our partners, The Regional Automation Consortium (TRAC) shares Polaris; a leading-edge library software that brings numerous new possibilities to the way services are delivered to members.

Elk Point is only two hours from Edmonton in a beautiful rural setting and surrounded by several larger centers within half an hour’s drive. There may also be the opportunity to work from home depending on home location.

Reporting to the Manager of Public Services, the Consultant is responsible for assisting in the supervision of services to the member libraries. The most critical role is to help make each library be successful in serving its patrons.

Primary responsibilities are in the areas of consultation, training, collection development, and communication. This person will also work closely with the staff of the TRAC partners and other library systems. The successful candidate will possess an MLIS/MLS from an ALA-accredited program with a thorough understanding of automated library systems and network management. Experience in implementing new services in an ever-changing environment of technology; excellent verbal and written communication skills and be able to deliver excellent customer service. New MLIS graduates are welcome to apply. A valid/clean Alberta driver’s license is mandatory.

This position offers a comprehensive benefits package and a regular workweek consisting of 35 hours along with a generous vacation allowance. The salary range for this position is $62,096 to $78,959 and will commensurate with experience and qualifications.

This position will be open until filled; interested parties to email resume and cover letter to: Terri Hampson

Interim Acting Director Northern Lights Library System Postal Bag 8, Elk Point, AB T0A 1A0 Email: [email protected] Phone: 780.724.2596 ext.2110 We thank all candidates for their applications; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.