Branch Manager

Job Summary

Directs and coordinates the daily operations of a clustered branch of the Scott County Library (SCL). Supervises and motivates staff, models and promotes exceptional customer service, and engages the community to ensure services meet customer needs and align with library and county strategy. Serves as a member of the Library Management Team to monitor current strategic objectives and develop future library services and programs.

Job Description

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

• Directs and coordinates daily operations of assigned branches to ensure effective use of resources by planning, organizing, monitoring, and evaluating operational activities. 
• Supervises staff, including, but not limited to hiring, onboarding and offboarding, assigning, and directing job duties; managing staff performance and conducting evaluations; assessing staff development needs; directing staff to training opportunities; and setting work schedules. 
• Establishes and maintains community collaborations and partnerships. Acts as liaison to various community groups and organizations (both internally and externally). Keeps informed of various community/county resources in order to make referrals and connections. Assists county partners with library-based service delivery. 
• Builds and maintains relationships with city partners. Supports the maintenance of assigned library buildings by reporting issues to the city, bringing problems to the attention of maintenance staff, and contacting the appropriate authorities when emergencies arise. Keeps Director informed of issues and solutions. 
• Welcomes customers to the library, assesses customer needs, and connects customers with appropriate resources and staff; answers directional and informational questions; provides information services, including research assistance, readers' advisory, and instruction.
• Plans, delivers, and/or monitors programs, including early literacy classes; markets and promotes programs throughout the library system; and supports outreach to the community, including Readmobile visits.
• Asists customers with library accounts and materials, including processing account applications; verifying account information; checking materials in and out; renewing materials; placing holds and interlibrary loan requests; sorting and shelving materials; accepting payment and making change; and responding to customer concerns and disputes.
• Assists customers through various aspects of using the library, including accessing library materials, public access catalog, Internet stations, printers, copiers, self-checkout, etc.; reserving meeting rooms; scheduling curbside appointments; faxing and scanning documents; instructing customers in the use of print electronic resources; and troubleshooting equipment problems.
• Maintains branch collection, including identifying gaps, making suggestions for purchase, and weeding. Selects new materials in an assigned area for the library system.   
• Markets and promotes the library and its services to the public. Trains and coaches staff to do the same. 
• Creates and maintains an inviting and welcoming environment by ensuring that library materials are attractive and organized, displays are engaging, and signage is clear and easy to read.; trains and coaches branch staff to ensure they create welcoming environments 
• Responds to complaints and problems as they arise. 
• Conducts and/or participates in various meetings and conferences, as requested and/or assigned, to share and acquire best practices, keep informed on key issues, and to bring forward ideas for new services and programs. Brings back information to share and acquire best practices.
• Navigates change, especially related to technology; communicates change to staff; supports staff in developing skills with new technology; identifies emerging customer needs and makes recommendations to Library Management Team to address those needs.
• Performs supervisory duties as defined in MN Statute 179A.03 Subd. 17.
• Works the days and hours necessary to perform all assigned responsibilities and tasks. Must be available (especially during regular business hours or shifts) to communicate with other employees, supervisors, customers, vendors, and any other person or organization with whom interaction is required to accomplish work and employer goals. 
• Performs other related duties as required or assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Requires equivalency of a Bachelor’s Degree in Library Science or a related field and three years of progressively responsible customer service or library experience, including supervisory experience. Must possess a valid driver's license. The incumbent shall provide a reliable means of transportation for the performance of work responsibilities.

SUPERVISORY CONTROLS

The employee is under general guidance and direction from the Library Director. The employee exercises independent judgment in planning schedules to meet demands and setting priorities, including scheduling on-call staff. Work is checked through periodic reports and conferences.

The incumbent directs and oversees the work of others, including: planning, coordinating, implementing, and overseeing branch service and program delivery; personnel selection; evaluation of work performance; training; and disciplinary activities. Performs supervisory duties as defined in MN Statute 179A.03 Subd. 17.

The incumbent promotes employee professional development and provides coaching and mentoring to others.

CORE COMPETENCIES AND ABILITIES

Customer Service - Delivers government services in a respectful, responsive, and solution-oriented manner.

Communication - Is always clear about what we're doing and why we're doing it.

Collaboration - Works with partners – communities, schools, faith groups, private business, and non-profit agencies – to see that services are not duplicated but rather are complimentary, aligned, and provided by the partners who can deliver the service most effectively.

Stewardship - Works proactively to make investments, guided by resident input, which will transform lives, communities, and government.

Empowerment - Works with individuals and families to affirm strengths, develop skills, restore hope, and promote self-reliance.

Resiliency - Fosters public preparedness and responds when families and communities face health and safety emergencies.

Innovation - Takes informed risks to deliver services more effectively and learns from successes and failures.

Knowledge – Knowledge of library principles, methods, materials, and practices.

Knowledge of principles and methods of professional librarianship in public libraries. 

Demonstrates a thorough knowledge of library services, best practices, current trends, and local policies and procedures. 

Knowledge of public library programs, policies, and services.

Knowledge of library computer technology.

Knowledge of county policies, procedures, and labor contracts.

Abilities – Ability to supervise professional and library support staff.

Ability to plan the development of a public library system, including library collections, staffing, buildings, and automation.

Ability to work with a management team; contribute to planning and development and to actively participate in decisions affecting the library system. 

Ability to work both individually and as part of a team, with or without direct supervision, while also completing assignments and meeting deadlines.

Ability to adapt quickly to changing environments.

Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing.

Ability to plan, organize, and assign work to others.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, peers, and the general public.

Ability to explain library policy and procedures to the general public and employees.

Ability to meet recognized community needs.

Ability to speak, present, and interact in public arenas with composure, professionalism, and discretion.

Ability to use MS Office software and proprietary library software and hardware for the performance of essential duties.

Ability to use appropriate discretion in dealing with matters of a confidential nature.

WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS

May be required to stand up to 4 hours per day when assisting patrons at the reference and service desks and at public computers. Bends or stoops up to 60 minutes per day to search for books or move library materials. Work involves viewing a computer screen and the use of fingers in fine coordination for up to 6 hours daily to search the library catalog and complete other computer assignments.

Typical characteristics of the regular, ongoing work environment of this position requires inside work, typically in a library setting. The position is multi-task oriented and includes periods of stress when balancing multiple and varied needs/demands of services.

Physical activities include sedentary to light work: Reaching, sitting, standing, walking, pushing, lifting, pulling, touching, grasping, feeling, stooping, talking, hearing, seeing, and repetitive motions. Lifts and/or navigates up to 35 pounds on a routine basis in handling files and equipment necessary for performing the essential duties of the job.

SELECTION PROCESS

Selection for this position will be based on a minimum qualifications screening and rating of training and experience. Top candidates will be forwarded to hiring manager or supervisor for consideration for interview and/or additional assessments. Final selection will include a background check and approval by the County Board.