Department: Corporate Services - Library
Reports to: Deputy Chief Librarian, Branch Services
Effective Date: May 4, 2018
Revised Date: : Dec 2024
Review Date: May 2024
Positions Supervised: 10-15

POSITION SUMMARY:

Under the general direction of the CEO/Chief Librarian, coordinates and facilitates the daily operations of a Resource Branch or multiple Regional and Village branches within Oxford County Library. As part of the Librarian Team, supports the effective and efficient delivery of library services to the community and surrounding area for customers of all ages and backgrounds. This includes working with those that may be living with a disability, addiction, mental illness, experiencing homelessness or have other complex needs. The Branch Services Librarian assists the CEO/Chief Librarian with policy and procedure development, special projects and works within the community for the development of the Oxford County Library. All Oxford County Library (OCL) employees are responsible for supporting the Library’s Mission, Vision and Values.

KEY ACOUNTABILITIES:

  • Oversees and ensures the effective delivery of library services within a Resource Branch or within a catchment area that consists of two (2) Regional Branches and four (4) Village Branches. 
  • Direct supervisory responsibilities including, hiring, scheduling, performance management, coaching, employee relations, mentoring and professional development of non-union staff.
  • Delivers library services through circulation and information interactions with customers including, but not limited to: check-in/out and renewal of items, readers’ advisory, and technology support.
  • Provides direction on public services within branch(es) including internal work process, activities and facility spaces. This includes supervising and assisting with public services by monitoring and resolving issues encountered by staff and patrons.
  • Oversees and monitors building issues, including the maintenance and security of branch buildings and coordination of branch improvements. May act as the first point of contact to address equipment failures, facilities related issues and emergencies.
  • Recommends changes in policies and procedures to the CEO/Chief Librarian, monitors adherence to OCL policies and procedures by branch staff and volunteers and assists the CEO/Chief Librarian in facilities planning and policy review.
  • Provides leadership and advocacy for inclusive patron-centred services in identified branches and within said communities.
  • Manages overall usage of staffing hours and staff deployment to ensure branches are efficiently managed.
  • Collaborates as part of the Library’s Management Team to ensure the effective and efficient delivery of system-wide library services, in order to fulfill the Library’s strategic goals and objectives. 
  • Works collaboratively with branch staff and the Library’s Management Team to explore and implement services that are responsive to emerging library and technology trends that meet the current and futre needs of the rural communities served. 
  • Develops, coordinates and directs staff in the creation and facilitation of programs; and evaluates the overall success of programs, outreach and partnerships.
  • Responsible for the purchase of physical/print materials in assigned area. Collaborates with the Systems Librarian in collection development and maintenance activities for physical and digital collections and resources.
  • Collaborates with the Community Liaison Coordinator on a range of marketing, promotion and advocacy initiatives; serves as a member of the Library Social Media Team.
  • Liaises with community organizations to promote mutually beneficial working relationships. Makes presentations and represents the Library in the community as required. 
  • Prepares, submits, and/or approves reports related to branch activities, including statistical reports, timecards and cash reconciliation.
  • Represents Oxford County Library on committees with affiliated organizations and partner groups, and in the community. 
  • Understanding of role specific health and safety responsibilities and ensured compliance with internal and external safety policies, procedures and legislation, including the Occupational Health and Safety Act. 
  • Performs other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS FOR SUCCESS

  • Completion of graduate level education in Library and Information Science from an ALA-Accredited institution.
  • Demonstrated progressive experience working in a public library setting. Supervisory experience considered an asset. 
  • Demonstrated ability to foster teamwork, lead and empower teams. 
  • Demonstrated ability to collaborate with internal and external partners to deliver programs, services and outcomes.
  • Ability to interact respectfully with a variety of community member and groups, including those that may be living with a disability, addiction, mental illness, experiencing homelessness or have other complex needs.
  • Demonstrated skills with relevant library and business applications including, but not limited to; integrated library systems, maker space technologies, and social media platforms.
  • Knowledge of personnel management and public library management, including relevant legislation.
  • Experience with collection development and/or management. 
  • Excellent organizational, communication and interpersonal skills.
  • Valid Ontario driver’s license required. Must be able to travel to multiple locations.

COMPETENCIES FOR SUCCESS

  • Manager/Supervisor
  • Leader

WORKING CONDITIONS

  • Works in a library environment either within a multipurpose building or in a stand-alone location; hours of work include evenings and Saturdays.
  • Physical activity including lifting heavy boxes, bending and squatting, pushing carts of books/materials, and sitting/standing for extended periods of time.
  • Some basic building maintenance tasks required, such as shoveling of walkways.