The 17,000 square foot Elsie Quirk Library is located on West Dearborn Street in Olde Englewood Village.  Dearborn Street is home to a variety of shops, galleries, eateries, and many local events such as the Farmers Market, the Cruizin on Dearborn car show, and the Fourth of July festivities.  The library plays an important role in the community traditions and local events.  With the completion of the 2010 renovation project, the interior offers cozy seating spaces, a large 99 seat meeting room, a conference room, and dedicated Teen and Children’s spaces.  In celebration of the 50^th Anniversary, the Friends of the Elsie Quirk Library added a charming Reading Garden.  Library staff offers a robust selection of programs for all ages which are well attended and numerous community organizations use the meeting rooms.  A “small town library” with enthusiastic staff and an engaged customers within walking and biking distance of historic neighborhoods, restaurants, parks and shops.

Library Manager (Elsie Quirk Library) (Official Job Title: Manager II): This is a management level position responsible for planning, budgeting, directing and supervising the operation of a branch library; continuing development of library services and resources; coaching, mentoring, and supervising staff;  developing and maintaining community partnerships, including with the Friends of the Library. The Manager participates with the Management Team to establish service plans to meet the objectives of the Library System.  Contributes to a culture characterized by respect and commitment to excellent service.  

Duties:

Administration

• Oversees daily library operations including participating in budget and business plan development and administration; keeps records/reports to indicate progress and for future planning. Seeks alternative revenue sources.
• Develops, communicates, and implements strategic plans, and establishes long and short range goals for the branch library.
• Develops, implements, and evaluates special projects, services and programs.
• Interprets policies and procedures for staff and the public.
• Evaluates building, equipment, and repair needs and works with various departments to address issues.
• Actively participates on the Library System Management Team, particularly in the development of long-and short-range plans, policies and procedures and participates in system-wide projects and service teams.

Communication

• Promotes the value, mission, products and services of the library and throughout the community.
• Works with library support groups such as the Friends of the Library.
• Develops and maintains community partnerships.
• Networks with other agencies within the County, the community and the library profession.
• Prepares and presents oral, written and visual presentations to groups.
• Promotes the understanding and use of library programs, resources and services.

Collection Development/Maintenance

• Monitors the quality of materials collections for the branch, maintains awareness of library collections, and  continually analyzes and evaluates the collection based on changing community needs.  Communicates changing collection needs to library administration and collection development staff.
• Maintains currency in library literature for awareness of trends in areas of new formats, methods of delivery, circulation models, new technologies, etc.
• Oversees the monitoring and expenditure of library budget.

Customer Service

• Develops and implements standards of service that ensure the prompt and efficient resolution of each inquiry by internal and external customers, delivered with the utmost respect and courtesy.
• Keeps abreast of developments, new trends and innovations in libraries.
• Provides assistance at service desks on a regular basis and to other sections as needed.
• Represents Sarasota County to library users.
• Promote effective communication of information to all internal and external customers.
• Participates in and/or facilitates training, community meetings and activities of the Library Advisory Board, Friends, Alliance, Friends of the Library, etc.

Staff Development

• Evaluates staffing needs for the unit and interviews and selects candidates for hire.
• Monitors and manages performance, including the administration of corrective action.
• Conducts regularly scheduled staff meetings and one on one meetings with each employee as needed.
• Participates in cross training in other sections and aids in cross training in their section.

Storm-related functions:  Participates in assigned Emergency/Hurricane/COOP role as required by Sarasota County.

Minimum Qualifications:  A Bachelor's Degree required from an accredited college/university AND four (4) years of related experience.  Two (2) or more of supervisory experience required.

Preferred Qualifications:  A Master's Degree in Library and Information Science from an American Library Association accredited institution AND three (3) years of supervisory experience in a public library is preferred.

Job Competencies:  Excellent written and verbal communication, knowledge of core library services and programs, and demonstrated skills in project management. Ability to develop and implement goals and objectives, and evaluate work of self and others.  Knowledge of facilitation tools and understanding of the dynamics of self-directed teams. Considerable knowledge of staff management. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with coworkers, officials, contractors, volunteers, community organizations and the general public. Public media interaction, presentation and negotiation skills.  Advanced knowledge of computers, software and the evolving role of technology in library services.  Commitment to adhere to County policies.

Special Note: This position works where children regularly congregate and in accordance with Florida Statues applicants must pass criminal sexual predator and sexual offender check background check. Successful applicants will also be subject to local/state and FBI background checks (including fingerprinting).

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 years.

Work Schedule:   Days, Hours will vary. Must be able to participate in all hours of operation including daytime, evening and weekend hours, as well as hours at other locations. May be re-assigned to a different work location.

Physical Demands: Must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds and frequently lift/move up to 25 pounds.  A handling device (dolly/cart, etc.) is available.

Sarasota County Government is committed to wellness and successful applicants must be tobacco free for twelve months preceding date of application.

Drug Free Work Environment             EOE/AA/ADA