ABOUT THE LIBRARY: At the Cambridge Public Library, we welcome all, inspire minds and empower community. We support a Cambridge where everyone has equitable opportunities to learn, people live their best lives, and democracy thrives. Since 1889, the Cambridge Public Library has been a place of learning and community where all are welcome to expand their horizons. Through the Main Library and six neighborhood branches — Boudreau, Central Square, Collins, O’Connell, O’Neill, and Valente — the Library operates as a unified system to offer free library services and programs to residents.
ABOUT THE ROLE: Reporting to the Deputy Director of Libraries, the Manager of Adult Services is a senior leadership position with responsibility for overseeing the daily operations of the Main Library Adult Services Department and for coordinating system-wide adult services. The Manager of Adult Services supervises a team of 18, manages budgets, establishes priorities, and sets the tone for providing excellent library collections, programs, and services to adults. The successful candidate will be a passionate advocate for community and public libraries, possess a track record of effective managerial and organizational leadership, and be able to inspire and engage staff and community members.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBITILIES:
Provides leadership, vision, and coordination of system-wide adult services:
- In alignment with overall Library goals, establishes adult services standards, guidelines, and procedures to ensure the delivery of consistent and high-quality library services to adults and older adults.
- Coordinates system-wide adult services programs, partnerships, and initiatives such as summer reading, tax help, and more.
- Provides system-wide leadership, advocacy, and expertise in the areas of adult services, readers' advisory, information literacy, and intellectual freedom.
- Identifies and analyzes emerging community issues and needs to determine directions for related library programs, services, and collections.
- Fosters an adult services culture that embraces change, innovation and continuous learning.
- Develops and maintains relationships and partnerships with other City staff, community groups, etc. to foster collaborative programs and services for adults and older adults.
- Communicates the Library’s adult services programs, philosophies, goals, and results to stakeholders.
- May plan and facilitate community of practice meetings.
- Performs all duties with cultural awareness and humility, recognition of historic and institutional systems of oppression and their impact, and an active commitment to providing equitable services to marginalized or underserved populations in Cambridge.
Provides effective leadership and management for the Main Library Adult Services Department:
- Manages the department in a manner that supports overall Library goals and ensures that staff members offer the highest quality assistance to library users.
- Delivers, and directs staff in the delivery of, exceptional and engaging service to the public, including readers’ advisory, reference, instruction, and circulation services.
- Oversees the development, implementation, and evaluation of effective and relevant programming that takes into consideration equity of access; Library initiatives; community assets; and the diverse educational, recreational, and personal needs of local adults and older adults.
- Directs all activities in the department, which includes Older Adult Services, the Cambridge Room, and service delivery at the Question and Answer Desk, Research Desk, Fiction Desk, and Tech Bar. Oversees staff schedules and work assignments, ensuring that coverage is adequate and assigned in the best interest of public service.
- Supervises assigned professional and paraprofessional staff members at various levels and provides thoughtful leadership, mentorship, and development to each. Evaluates staff performance annually and set goals with staff for the coming year.
- Aids in the recruitment of new staff, serves on relevant search committees, and trains new staff members, acquainting them with library policies, processes, and procedures.
- Raises awareness and understanding of library services in the larger community. Coordinates department relationships with other agencies, institutions, and organizations serving adults and older adults. Leads staff in conducting regular outreach to outside groups and hosting library visits and tours for community groups.
- Takes a leadership role in the selection of materials for the Library collection, especially online resources and periodicals, in accordance with the collection development policy and allocated budgets. Coordinates with associated vendors as needed. Carries out a program of collection development and maintenance. Directs merchandizing and display efforts.
- Communicates and applies library policies and procedures for patrons and staff, and leads department staff in addressing, resolving, and documenting violations of the library patron behavior policy. Monitors public areas of the library.
- Responds to and resolves patron concerns and issues.
- Ensures that Library initiatives are an active part of Adult Services.
- Reports needed repairs and servicing. Ensures cleanliness and good order in both public and staff areas.
- Conducts staff meetings to provide information and to seek input.
- Maintains accurate and current written policies and procedures for the department.
- Manages the department budget effectively; remains diligent in effective fiscal management.
- Prepares reports and compiles statistics.
Other Responsibilities:
- Serves as a member of the leadership team of the Library, attending regular leadership meetings.
- Works closely with Library Administration to resolve issues.
- Maintains a working knowledge of contemporary issues, trends, and technology in the library profession.
- Makes recommendations to improve or streamline services.
- Serves on committees which review and develop library policies and services.
- Represents the Library at City and professional meetings, conferences, and trainings.
- Contributes positively to the public relations efforts of the Library.
- Supports the Library’s strategic directions and plan.
- Contributes positively to the work culture of the Library.
- Any other duties required for the good of the Department and the Library.
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:
Education and Experience:
- Master’s degree from an ALA-accredited school of library science. A minimum of five years of successful professional work experience, at least three years of which have been in a position of supervisory/managerial responsibility and involved direct service to the public. Or any equivalent combination of experience and training which provides the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to perform the work.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
- Knowledge and understanding of the Library’s mission, values and strategic priorities.
- Commitment to doing all work through a lens of diversity, equity, inclusion and anti-racism.
- Knowledge of principles, materials and current issues related to serving adults and older adults; demonstrated ability to apply to programs and services.
- Knowledge of supervisory and leadership principles and practices; demonstrated ability to direct the work of other staff members.
- Demonstrated reference, readers’ advisory, programming, outreach, collection development, technology instruction, and project management knowledge and ability.
- Exceptional customer service skills and commitment to public service.
- Demonstrated ability to work in a diverse community.
- Ability to handle multiple activities or interruptions at once, to work independently, and to meet deadlines.
- In-depth knowledge and appreciation of literature and media, digital resources, and new and emerging technology; demonstrated ability to operate and instruct others in the use of library resources, equipment, software and systems.
- Effective communication and interpersonal skills, cultural sensitivity, and a positive attitude.
- Adaptability, dependability, and flexibility, especially during emergency staffing situations.
- Demonstrated ability to work both independently and as part of larger department and system teams.
- Knowledge of change management and process improvement principles and practices.
- Sound judgment and strong problem-solving skills; flexibility and adaptability in stressful situations and times of change.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS: Fluency in a language in addition to English
PHYSICAL DEMANDS: Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. Ability to operate standard office equipment; transport carts of materials which can weigh more than 100 pounds across a level floor or on a ramp; carry baskets of materials weighing up to 30 pounds; pay attention to details and concentrate on tasks despite frequent interruptions and moderate noise levels; communicate effectively and exchange accurate information with coworkers and members of the public; read and organize written material; place library materials on shelves or carts which can be located at floor level or overhead.
WORK ENVIRONMENT: Works in assigned area, including office areas, training rooms, library locations, as needed. Normal office exposure to noise, stress and interruptions. This position may be eligible for a hybrid work schedule under the City’s Telework Policy depending on operational needs.
SUMMARY OF BENEFITS:
REQUIRED DOCUMENTS: Please upload the following documents to complete your application:
