Head of Circulation
Join our leadership and manage a superbly dedicated, hard-working team in our busy and well-loved library. Arlington's Libraries consistently rank in the top ten statewide for annual circulation--and we're fine-free! Among qualities, we hope to see in our new Head of Circulation: a steady and calm demeanor, great communication skills, patience, empathy, the ability to be flexible and learn new technologies, and a desire to keep staff engaged through cross-training and development opportunities.
Supervision
Works under the general supervision of the Library Director or Assistant Library Director. Performs responsible library duties requiring independent judgment and initiative; assignments are completed according to established procedures and departmental policies and standards.
Supervisory Responsibilities
Supervises five dedicated full-time and seven dedicated part-time library assistants, plus six part-time pages, and a pool of 10 to 14 on-call circulation assistants. Also coordinates volunteer staff: a pool of 25 to 30 adult volunteers and 5 to 7 students.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
- Oversees and schedules the operations and personnel of the circulation department, including registering new borrowers, checking out materials, administering museum passes, and maintaining complete and accurate records; performs all circulation desk duties.
- Prepares department statistics, monthly and other periodic reports.
- Plans, evaluates, recommends and implements approved policies, procedures, goals and objectives regarding circulation functions, including handling of reserves, department expenditures, overdue and lost materials and interchange procedures.
- Responsible for the accounting of all money collected for fines and reserves; ensures that funds received are properly recorded and forwarded as required.
- Responsible for planning, organizing and supervising activities of the group engaged in the circulation of materials on an automated system; directs, instructs, advises, assists and checks subordinates pertaining to schedules, methods, standards of performance, rules and regulations, and safety precautions; participates in the selection and training of staff; selects and trains pages; ensures that the circulation desk is adequately staffed.
- Enforces and interprets library policies pertaining to circulation of materials and use of equipment; assists patrons in the use of library facilities and resources; answers inquiries on procedures in person and by email and telephone.
- Attends and participates in a variety of conferences and other meetings; discusses developments, directives, and problems of mutual concern. Serves as liaison to the Minuteman Library Network on matters related to Circulation, disseminates relevant information to library staff in other departments.
- Regularly checks shelves to monitor shelving performed and ensure accuracy and timely operation; ensures that work areas and equipment are appropriately maintained.
- Performs similar or related work as required, or as the situation dictates.
Education and Experience
- Bachelor's Degree; three years of professional library experience; experience in automated circulation management; supervisory experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Knowledge, Ability, and Skill
- Knowledge of library policies and procedures, including RFID circulation systems, periodical management, and information technology. Thorough knowledge of circulation department operations. Broad knowledge of literature.
- Ability to interact tactfully and appropriately with a diverse population of library patrons. Ability to work independently. Ability to learn computer operations and related library databases. Ability to adapt to changing methodologies and standards in service delivery.
- Supervisory and organizational skills. Excellent computer skills. Project management skills. Excellent customer service skills. De-escalation skills. Demonstrated patience and creative problem-solving skills. Oral and written communication skills.