Lead a Dynamic Public Library System in Historic Central New York State

The Board of Directors of the Mid-York Library System (MYLS) seeks applications for a highly skilled and effective individual as its next Director.

The MYLS is on the cutting edge of providing technical innovation and leadership of the 43 member libraries in Oneida, Madison and Herkimer counties in scenic central New York. With strong fiscal support from the State and county legislatures, the System has continued to provide increased service to all members in its diverse library community. The System has an annual operating budget of $2.5M and serves over 369,000 people.

The successful candidate must demonstrate excellent oral and written communication skills and interpersonal skills, an understanding of public financing, the ability to recruit and develop advocates from a variety of public and private sectors, effective management and leadership of a highly dedicated workforce and member library community, proficiency in automated library systems, a commitment to ongoing innovation in information technology, and experience with planning, funding, and implementing facility improvements. The successful candidate must also possess integrity, vision, and a team and customer-focused approach to leadership.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES:

Under the general direction of the Board of Trustees, the Director acts as chief executive officer of the Mid-York Library System, with overall responsibility for the successful management and operation of all services and programs. The Director is expected to provide leadership in planning, developing, financing, and improving library service within Madison, Oneida, and Herkimer counties. The Director plans and evaluates programs and policies, recommends policy changes to the Board of Trustees, and supervises all System staff. The Director acts as liaison to the community, advisor to the member libraries, advocate to elected officials, and information conduit to the news media. The Director has oversight responsibility for the physical facilities, buildings, electronic equipment and mobile properties of the Mid-York Library System.

Qualifications: Master's Degree in Library Science from an ALA accredited program and at least 8 years of progressively responsible library experience, at least 2 years of which must have been in a senior administrative or management capacity of a public library or library system.

Compensation: Minimum starting salary of $80,000+ based on experience and qualifications. Outstanding benefits package.

SPECIFIC EXAMPLES OF DUTIES:

To the Board of Trustees:

· Prepares agenda and written reports for board meetings

· Documents all proposals and recommendations submitted to the board

· Notifies trustees of meetings and prepares an advance mailing for each meeting (not less than five or more than ten days in advance of the meeting)

· Works with trustee committees and prepares any information they may need

· Provides orientation for newly elected trustees

· Prepares the annual System budget and monitors expenses

· Administers personnel policy and other Board policies

· Keeps trustees informed on current library affairs and state and national trends as they affect the System

To the member libraries:

· Acts as consultant and advisor to member library directors and trustees as requested

· Maintains regular communication with member libraries through appropriate print and electronic media

· Assures that System services are provided in accordance with appropriate and necessary procedures, guidelines, and standards

· Acts as a professional resource to member libraries in library management, policy development, financial development, planning, legal issues, and other appropriate topics

· Conducts appropriate continuing education programs for library trustees

· Maintains awareness of current and future external trends (political, technological, socioeconomic, etc.) that may have an impact on member libraries

· Coordinates and submits funding proposals to county governments

To the community at large:

· Actively promotes Mid-York System services and library activities to community organizations and institutions

· Meets with other system directors to discuss coordination of services, promotion of legislation, etc.

· Actively participates in and supports the activities of PULISDO (Public Library System Directors Organization)

· Participates in appropriate professional activities on a local, state, and national level

· Maintains a personal and institutional commitment to training and continuing education

· Works with local and state officials to achieve a better understanding of the role of libraries in society

Additional duties as assigned by the Board of Trustees

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

The Director must have the personal ability to:

· Present considered options leading to solutions to problems

· Establish and maintain an atmosphere of mutual trust, respect, and cooperation between the System and its member libraries

· Demonstrate flexibility and the ability to work toward consensus

· Respond promptly and appropriately to trustee and member library inquiries

· Speak and write clearly and effectively to communicate with a broad range of audiences

· Understand the differences, needs, and problems of library users

· Schedule time effectively to meet deadlines

· Plan, organize, coordinate, and evaluate effectively

Additional requirements:

· Valid driver's license

· Willingness to travel to local, regional, state, and national meetings

· Ability to handle confidential matters in a discreet manner

· Willingness to work evening and weekend hours when necessary

· Computer technology skills including the ability to use the Microsoft Office software applications

ACCEPTABLE EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING:

· ALA-accredited MLS *

· Eight or more full years of professional library experience in libraries or library systems, at least two of which shall have been in an administrative capacity *

· Eligibility for a New York State public librarian's professional certificate *

· Additional training and experience in business management, public administration, computer science, personnel administration, and public relations are highly desirable.

· Additional experience in facility capital improvement programs is desirable

*Required under Regulations of the Commissioner of Education

Deadline: Application materials (resume, cover letter, three professional references at least one from a person to whom the applicant reported and salary history) must be electronically transmitted to The Mid-York Library System (mcaskey@midyork.org.) Resume review will begin February 15, 2008. Successful candidate will be in place by June 16, 2008.

Direct questions to Mary Lou Caskey, retiring Director, at (315) 735-8331 Extension 236 (mcaskey@midyork.org) or John Bart, Search Committee Chair, at (315) 336-2236 (jbart1@twcny.rr.com).

 Posted:  12/19/07