Sarasota County libraries are not just about the books. Our award-winning library system offers extensive collections where people of all ages can find their hobbies, their histories, their music, art and culture. In addition to books, videos, digital resources and more, plentiful public meeting spaces provide places to meet neighbors and elected officials and explore their myriad connections to each other and their neighborhoods.

Job Description:

Lead our 15-member team at the newly renovated Frances T. Bourne Jacaranda Library in Venice, FL - one of safest communities in the U.S.! Are you looking for a community library where you get to know your patrons? This beautiful location is part of our 10-branch library system. 

Jacaranda is a heavily utilized branch serving patrons and hosting intergenerational programs including a Creation Station. We are well-funded by an endowment and supported by our Friends of the Library group for long term stability in our programming. 

Play a key role in supporting, coordinating, or leading library programs/projects, teaching and coaching of staff and citizens, providing customer service, conducting research, performing analytical type work, and coordinating collections. While the primary focus will be leadership in Youth Services, the librarian will also work with youth and adults in intergenerational programming. In the team environment you will participate in setting unit, library, and system goals, contribute to decision making and evaluation of progress. 

Customer Service 

• Presents individual and group training programs for public and staff in the use of the library, its technology and equipment, and its resources. 

• General reference service in assisting customers by locating answers to questions, including Interlibrary Loan services and referral to agencies outside the library. 

 
Collection Development/Management 

• Maintains awareness of literature related to current best practices and future trends. 

Communication/Programming/Outreach 

• Participates in presentation and development of technology training and information literacy programs for staff and patrons. 

• Plans and directs library programming for adults, young adults, and children, in coordination with other library professionals at the library and throughout the library system. 

• Assist in the planning and implementation of library makerspace technology at the library; assist in the creation, organization, and maintenance of library’s makerspace; and provide makerspace programming and instruction. 

Administration 

• Assists, leads, develops, implements, and/or evaluates special projects, services, and library programs. 

• Collaborates with internal core services to manage operational issues, support community goals and form strategic partnerships. 

• Participates in business planning, staff planning, and budget development. 

Staff Development 

• Assists and participates in selection and training of other library staff and volunteers as needed. 

• Participates in training and supervision of new staff and volunteers. Encourages staff and volunteers to use their individual talents creatively to address tasks. 

About You 

Minimum Qualifications: 

• Master's degree in Library Science from a college or university accredited by the American Library Association.   

• OR - Bachelor’s degree and enrolled in a MLS/MLIS program with the ability to obtain a MLS/MLIS within six (6) months of hire. 

Preferred Qualifications: 

• One year of experience in a library environment. 

Subject to Passing Substance Screening:  This position is subject to passing a pre-employment substance screening.  An applicant who fails to pass a required drug screening test shall be disqualified from employment in any class for a period of five (5) years. 

About Everything Else 

Pay: $43,721.60 - $59,820.80 based on your experience 

Benefits:

• Enjoy great benefits including Health, Dental, Vision, and Life Insurance, Short-Term and Long-Term Disability, Flexible Spending Accounts, Employee Assistance Program (EAP), Florida Retirement System (FRS) and many, many more! 
• For more information about employee benefits, please click this link or visit SCGov.net for additional information.
• Utilize our award-winning wellness program including free gyms and classes at multiple Sarasota County Government locations. 
• Enjoy 11 paid holidays, 3 personal days and 16 paid vacation days in the first year of full-time employment with increasing accrual rates with years of service. (That adds up to a possible 30 days off in your 1st year!)​​

A different blend of voices prompt better conversations, choices and results for everyone. Sarasota County – Many Voices, One Team.

Diversity, equity and inclusion (DE&I) are the keys to serving, representing and understanding our community. We celebrate and value the experiences, backgrounds, perspectives, talents and strengths that make us different and are committed to creating a culture of understanding and respect where our employees realize that we are stronger together. 

Our vision is to have a diverse, equitable and inclusive workplace that attracts, develops, retains and engages a talented workforce broadly representative of the citizens and communities we serve. To further value creativity, innovation, collaboration and great customer service – internally and externally. 

Sarasota County Government promotes diversity and inclusion in its workforce and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender identity or expression, genetic information, religion, national origin, marital status, age or disability. A job applicant with a disability who requires reasonable accommodation to participate in the application/selection process is requested to make known the need for an accommodation to Human Resources or appropriate county staff members. For assistance with the application, please call 941-861-5353.

Government employers are drug-free and tobacco-free environments, EEO/AA/ADA employers, and they prohibit discrimination in all services, programs or activities.

Sarasota County Government is a Tobacco-Free/Drug-Free Workplace.