IMS ADMINISTRATOR / COLLECTION DEVELOPMENT MANAGER

DESCRIPTION:

Oversees, plans, and coordinates the operations of the Collection Management Division at the Birmingham Public Library, which includes the following departments: Acquisitions, Cataloging, Books-By-Mail, and Interlibrary Loan

Responsibilities include supervising senior staff, conducting personnel functions, and recommending policies and procedures to optimize service delivery and efficiency

Develops and manages the system-wide operational budget for all library materials, ensuring responsible allocation of resources in alignment with strategic goals

Collaborates with departments including Media Communications, Information Technology, Southern History, and Archives on projects related to digitization, materials preservation, software and database development, website enhancements, and social media engagement for the Birmingham Public Library System

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES:

This position reports to the Executive Director

Manages Collection Development and the budgets for the Central Library and the branch locations

Meets and negotiates with book and non-book library information and materials vendors to receive the best price for materials purchased

Administers, plans, and coordinates operations of the Acquisitions, Catalog, Books-By-Mail, and Interlibrary Loan Departments

Coordinates and supports operations with external departments - Media Communications, Information Technology, Southern History, and Archives

Develops, coordinates, and interprets policies and procedures for assigned departments; prepares operational budget recommendations, monitors expenditures and revenues

Performs all phases of personnel functions for assigned staff, including interviewing, hiring, recommending promotions and merit increases, and maintaining appropriate personnel records

Directly supervises department heads to include training, monitoring, and evaluating work

Provides support and guidance in performing day-to-day personnel and operational functions

Attends various administrative meetings to recommend new policies and procedures, discuss operational or personnel problems, and implement new practices for improving library operations and services

Conducts staff meetings to implement new policies and procedures and resolve operational problems

Conducts regularly-scheduled training programs for staff development

Performs various public relations functions, including developing and initiating programs to promote the library; represents the library in outside agencies and organizations

Prepares various reports, documents, and correspondence and maintains adequate records and files

Manages the acquisition, access, and maintenance of digital resources, including ebooks, audiobooks, online databases, electronic resources, and streaming media

Performs other related work as required

DESIRABLE KNOWLEDGE, ABILITIES, AND SKILLS:

Knowledge of principles, practices and policies relevant to library operation and personnel administration

Outstanding management skills

Current knowledge of relevant and emerging issues, including involvement with local and state library associations

Excellent interpersonal skills and creative problem-solving ability and ability to use these in responding to inquiries and complaints

The ability to lead effectively, by example, inspire staff and promote enthusiastic teamwork and collaboration throughout the system

Skill in directing, planning and evaluating library operations and staff to resolve problems and improve library services to the public

Skill in coordinating various projects and delegating responsibilities appropriately

Exceptional written and oral communication skills, including public speaking

Knowledge of and proven experience applying effective management practices and principles in a public library setting including personnel administration, budget development, financial management, strategic planning a d project management

Knowledge and skill in operating computers and general office software such as Microsoft Office applications and understanding of and experience in library automation preferably Innovative Interfaces

Knowledge of library cataloging principles

Knowledge of library acquisitions principles

Ability to coordinate and work closely with other library departments, particularly the Media Communications, Information Technology, Southern History, and Archives departments

Knowledge of accounting principles

Knowledge of digital resource management

WORK ENVIRONMENT/PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Physical requirements include the ability to stand for long periods of time; eyesight sufficient to read and the ability to understand information from microforms and PC monitors and the manual dexterity necessary for the regular use of PCs; ability to maneuver loaded books trucks weighing at least 100 pounds; ability to stoop, twist, turn, and move materials from place to place in the library; ability to lift moderate weight of up to 50 pounds is required

Must work nights and weekends as required

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS Graduation from a graduate library school program accredited by the American Library Association and seven years of professional level librarian work including three years of management/supervisory experience

Must be able to satisfy the WORK ENVIRONMENT / PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS stated above

Background check is required

The applicant must have a valid Alabama drivers license and be able to safely operate library vehicles as needed.