#26EX01 Chief Librarian - Nelson Public Library
About the role
Reporting to the Library Board under authority of the British Columbia Library Act, the Chief Librarian is responsible for providing vision and leadership to the Nelson Public Library (NPL) by planning, organizing and directing the operations of library services in accordance with policies and the Board’s strategic plan.
The Chief Librarian reports to and advises the NPL Board of Trustees and recommends actions to address current and emerging issues and trends to ensure that policies and services result in attaining the vision and mission and embodying the Library’s values.
The Chief Librarian is responsible for staying current in a rapidly evolving digital world, including ensuring that NPL continues to innovate in providing information, cultural connection and life-long learning opportunities to a diverse population while improving physical and digital accessibility. This Chief Librarian is responsible for continually improving operations, engaging employees, building on the success of innovative services and ensuring the NPL is a resource to the community beyond the traditional notions of a library. Through the Chief Librarian, Nelson Public Library plays a key role in ensuring a healthy, resilient and sustainable community.
PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES
- Board of Trustees
Chief advisor to the Board and its committees. Advises the Board on all management and development concerns of the library, including requirements under the Library Act. Advises the Board in development of a strategic framework and recommends policies consistent with it. Implements and interprets Board recommendations, objectives and policies.
Oversee the secretarial duties of the Board. Reviews all reports, studies and other documents prepared for the Board and its committees and attends all Board and committee meetings. Prepares Board meeting agendas, ensures distribution of minutes in accordance with Board policy and maintains Board files and records.
Educates, informs and orients the Board. Keeps the Board fully informed of all areas of library services and activities including current and pending legislation affecting public libraries to ensure that Board concerns are addressed, and that Board members have the necessary information and support to exercise their governance responsibilities. Ensures Board members are fully apprised of trends and changes in the external environment that may impact the library’s financial or service needs. Reviews and recommends policies to the Board and implements procedures for the effective management of the organization.
Acts as a liaison between staff and the Board. Ensure communication to help build respect and understanding.
- Leadership and Strategy
Understands and evaluates professional trends and ensures that NPL remains at the forefront of innovation, ensuring relevancy to its customers. Evaluates Library organization and resource allocation and modifies as conditions warrant. Manages the Library to ensure efficiency of operation and continuous improvement.
Provides strategic and operational leadership toward the ongoing development and delivery of services using a community development approach. Monitors use trends and recommend changes to the services that the library provides. Guides the management team as it develops and presents service changes and proposals to the Board.
Ensures that the employees of the library execute the strategic framework, with a focus on alignment between the mission, values, strategic priorities, goals, objectives, resource allocation and annual budgets. Ensures a high quality of community programming is provided based on assessed community needs. Acts as a liaison with other community organizations. Take advantage of community activities, public speaking engagements and opportunities for community outreach. Responds to member concerns and suggestions. Leads by example and models problem-solving skills and responsibility/accountability through personal example and excellence.
Advocates for the Library with City Council and Regional District Directors through annual presentations, invitations to Library-hosted events and collaboration on programs and services where feasible.
- Financial Management
Directs the financial administration of the library to ensure cost-effectiveness of services and operations. Seeks opportunities to apply for grant funding to supplement and build existing resources.
Prepares the annual budget to meet yearly objectives. Reviews and approves operating and service development plans, budgets, capital and expenditure budgets. Makes available to the Board and authorized parties all relevant information about the organization’s financial position and any material change or fact.
- Team Building and Management
Spearheads buy-in and support for the library’s vision and for all goals/objectives by communicating expectations and rationale and by monitoring and measuring progress and outcomes. Utilizes all opportunities to highlight the connection between overall strategy and day-to-day activities.
Develops and empowers staff through delegation of responsibilities and accountabilities, through regular feedback, and by providing development opportunities and direction. Provides direction to senior administration team and measures their performance against achievement of goals and objectives.
Ensures that there is a good fit between the employee and the job, by developing employee competence, and by providing consistent communication, coaching and motivation. Supports the performance management process within the organization, including coaching, open communication, training and the creation of development plans to build core competencies and personal effectiveness.
Celebrates organizational successes and supports the implementation of employee recognition and rewards programs.
Working in collaboration with the City Human Resources Department, oversees labour relations; facilitates negotiations with bargaining unit; conducts Labour Management meetings as required; hears, evaluates and oversees grievances as required by the Collective Agreement.
- Management of Relationships with Internal and External Partners
Identifies and maintains effective relationships with appropriate stakeholders such as other libraries, Indigenous communities, education institutions, governments, agencies, businesses, media, non-governmental organizations, community leaders and related institutions on a provincial, national and international scale.
Increases awareness of the library’s mission and values through participation in community and professional organizations. Where there is benefit, collaborates with key partners, including the City of Nelson, Indigenous governments, other government agencies, partners, vendors and community organizations and other external partners.
Liaises with the Friends of the Library and provides support and direction as required.
- Facility Management
Manages the Library facility in collaboration with the City Building Department to ensure effective maintenance, security and use of the building. Recommends opportunities for improvement or growth in alignment with strategic objectives.
- Other
Willingness to work outside of normal working hours.
Ability to travel out of town for meetings or as required.
Ability to perform other related work as required.
QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE
▪ Masters Degree in Library and Information Science from an accredited Library school preferred.
▪ A minimum of five years senior management experience in a public library or equivalent senior management experience.
▪ Knowledge of BC Library Act, operation of a municipal library and experience working with a Board.
▪ Valid BC driver’s license.
SKILLS
▪ Proven experience managing a successful client-driven service organization. Fundamental interest and passionate belief in the value and importance of libraries to society and citizens.
▪ Ability to develop a vision for libraries of the future, and engage and work with community to implement the vision.
▪ Proven track record in the areas of organizational leadership, strategic planning, operations management, service excellence, finance, public relations and marketing and partnership development.
▪ Proven track record in leading an organization in times of change. Demonstrated experience with and understanding of successful change management practices.
▪ Excellent interpersonal and team building skills. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with staff and community partners. Track record of successful labour relations, collective bargaining and staff management techniques.
▪ Highly developed analytical and business planning skills with a proven track record for long-term visioning and big picture thinking.
▪ Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to deal with elected officials, government departments, all levels of management, staff and the general public.
▪ Highly effective leadership, facilitation, communication, presentation, interpersonal and organizational skills.
▪ Thorough knowledge and understanding of statutes, regulations and by-laws affecting the Library.
#26EX01 Chief Librarian - Nelson Public Library
About the role
Reporting to the Library Board under authority of the British Columbia Library Act, the Chief Librarian is responsible for providing vision and leadership to the Nelson Public Library (NPL) by planning, organizing and directing the operations of library services in accordance with policies and the Board’s strategic plan.
The Chief Librarian reports to and advises the NPL Board of Trustees and recommends actions to address current and emerging issues and trends to ensure that policies and services result in attaining the vision and mission and embodying the Library’s values.
The Chief Librarian is responsible for staying current in a rapidly evolving digital world, including ensuring that NPL continues to innovate in providing information, cultural connection and life-long learning opportunities to a diverse population while improving physical and digital accessibility. This Chief Librarian is responsible for continually improving operations, engaging employees, building on the success of innovative services and ensuring the NPL is a resource to the community beyond the traditional notions of a library. Through the Chief Librarian, Nelson Public Library plays a key role in ensuring a healthy, resilient and sustainable community.
PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES
- Board of Trustees
Chief advisor to the Board and its committees. Advises the Board on all management and development concerns of the library, including requirements under the Library Act. Advises the Board in development of a strategic framework and recommends policies consistent with it. Implements and interprets Board recommendations, objectives and policies.
Oversee the secretarial duties of the Board. Reviews all reports, studies and other documents prepared for the Board and its committees and attends all Board and committee meetings. Prepares Board meeting agendas, ensures distribution of minutes in accordance with Board policy and maintains Board files and records.
Educates, informs and orients the Board. Keeps the Board fully informed of all areas of library services and activities including current and pending legislation affecting public libraries to ensure that Board concerns are addressed, and that Board members have the necessary information and support to exercise their governance responsibilities. Ensures Board members are fully apprised of trends and changes in the external environment that may impact the library’s financial or service needs. Reviews and recommends policies to the Board and implements procedures for the effective management of the organization.
Acts as a liaison between staff and the Board. Ensure communication to help build respect and understanding.
- Leadership and Strategy
Understands and evaluates professional trends and ensures that NPL remains at the forefront of innovation, ensuring relevancy to its customers. Evaluates Library organization and resource allocation and modifies as conditions warrant. Manages the Library to ensure efficiency of operation and continuous improvement.
Provides strategic and operational leadership toward the ongoing development and delivery of services using a community development approach. Monitors use trends and recommend changes to the services that the library provides. Guides the management team as it develops and presents service changes and proposals to the Board.
Ensures that the employees of the library execute the strategic framework, with a focus on alignment between the mission, values, strategic priorities, goals, objectives, resource allocation and annual budgets. Ensures a high quality of community programming is provided based on assessed community needs. Acts as a liaison with other community organizations. Take advantage of community activities, public speaking engagements and opportunities for community outreach. Responds to member concerns and suggestions. Leads by example and models problem-solving skills and responsibility/accountability through personal example and excellence.
Advocates for the Library with City Council and Regional District Directors through annual presentations, invitations to Library-hosted events and collaboration on programs and services where feasible.
- Financial Management
Directs the financial administration of the library to ensure cost-effectiveness of services and operations. Seeks opportunities to apply for grant funding to supplement and build existing resources.
Prepares the annual budget to meet yearly objectives. Reviews and approves operating and service development plans, budgets, capital and expenditure budgets. Makes available to the Board and authorized parties all relevant information about the organization’s financial position and any material change or fact.
- Team Building and Management
Spearheads buy-in and support for the library’s vision and for all goals/objectives by communicating expectations and rationale and by monitoring and measuring progress and outcomes. Utilizes all opportunities to highlight the connection between overall strategy and day-to-day activities.
Develops and empowers staff through delegation of responsibilities and accountabilities, through regular feedback, and by providing development opportunities and direction. Provides direction to senior administration team and measures their performance against achievement of goals and objectives.
Ensures that there is a good fit between the employee and the job, by developing employee competence, and by providing consistent communication, coaching and motivation. Supports the performance management process within the organization, including coaching, open communication, training and the creation of development plans to build core competencies and personal effectiveness.
Celebrates organizational successes and supports the implementation of employee recognition and rewards programs.
Working in collaboration with the City Human Resources Department, oversees labour relations; facilitates negotiations with bargaining unit; conducts Labour Management meetings as required; hears, evaluates and oversees grievances as required by the Collective Agreement.
- Management of Relationships with Internal and External Partners
Identifies and maintains effective relationships with appropriate stakeholders such as other libraries, Indigenous communities, education institutions, governments, agencies, businesses, media, non-governmental organizations, community leaders and related institutions on a provincial, national and international scale.
Increases awareness of the library’s mission and values through participation in community and professional organizations. Where there is benefit, collaborates with key partners, including the City of Nelson, Indigenous governments, other government agencies, partners, vendors and community organizations and other external partners.
Liaises with the Friends of the Library and provides support and direction as required.
- Facility Management
Manages the Library facility in collaboration with the City Building Department to ensure effective maintenance, security and use of the building. Recommends opportunities for improvement or growth in alignment with strategic objectives.
- Other
Willingness to work outside of normal working hours.
Ability to travel out of town for meetings or as required.
Ability to perform other related work as required.
QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE
▪ Masters Degree in Library and Information Science from an accredited Library school preferred.
▪ A minimum of five years senior management experience in a public library or equivalent senior management experience.
▪ Knowledge of BC Library Act, operation of a municipal library and experience working with a Board.
▪ Valid BC driver’s license.
SKILLS
▪ Proven experience managing a successful client-driven service organization. Fundamental interest and passionate belief in the value and importance of libraries to society and citizens.
▪ Ability to develop a vision for libraries of the future, and engage and work with community to implement the vision.
▪ Proven track record in the areas of organizational leadership, strategic planning, operations management, service excellence, finance, public relations and marketing and partnership development.
▪ Proven track record in leading an organization in times of change. Demonstrated experience with and understanding of successful change management practices.
▪ Excellent interpersonal and team building skills. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with staff and community partners. Track record of successful labour relations, collective bargaining and staff management techniques.
▪ Highly developed analytical and business planning skills with a proven track record for long-term visioning and big picture thinking.
▪ Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to deal with elected officials, government departments, all levels of management, staff and the general public.
▪ Highly effective leadership, facilitation, communication, presentation, interpersonal and organizational skills.
▪ Thorough knowledge and understanding of statutes, regulations and by-laws affecting the Library.