Library Manager Job Description Template—
Overview
A Library Manager oversees the daily operations of a library or library branch, ensuring efficient service delivery, effective resource management, and a welcoming environment for patrons. They balance administrative duties, staff supervision, public programming, collection development, and community engagement to meet the educational, informational, and recreational needs of their users.
Key Responsibilities
- Manage daily library operations, including opening/closing procedures, facility maintenance, and patron services.
- Supervise and develop staff, including hiring, training, scheduling, performance evaluations, and fostering a collaborative team culture.
- Oversee collection development and maintenance, selecting, acquiring, cataloging, weeding, and preserving print and digital resources according to community needs and collection policy.
- Plan and implement programs and outreach, such as storytimes, workshops, author events, reading groups, and partnerships with schools and community organizations.
- Manage budgets and financial reporting, preparing and administering annual budgets, tracking expenditures, seeking funding opportunities, and preparing financial reports.
- Ensure excellent customer service, addressing patron inquiries, resolving complaints, and improving user experience through service design and feedback mechanisms.
- Maintain and develop library policies and procedures, ensuring compliance with local regulations, copyright laws, and accessibility standards.
- Oversee technology and digital services, including integrated library systems (ILS), e-resources, public computers, internet access, and digital literacy initiatives.
- Collect and analyze data, producing usage reports, program attendance statistics, and impact assessments to inform decision-making and demonstrate value to stakeholders.
- Advocate for the library, building relationships with local government, boards, funders, and community groups to secure support and promote library services.
Qualifications
- Education: Master’s degree in Library Science (MLS/MLIS) or equivalent from an ALA-accredited program is preferred. For some public or specialized libraries, a bachelor’s degree in a related field plus significant experience may be acceptable.
- Experience: Minimum 3–5 years of progressive library experience; at least 1–2 years in a supervisory or lead role preferred.
- Skills:
- Strong leadership and staff management abilities.
- Knowledge of cataloging, classification systems (e.g., Dewey, Library of Congress), and metadata standards.
- Proficiency with integrated library systems (e.g., Sierra, Koha, Alma), electronic resources, and common productivity software.
- Budgeting and grant-writing experience.
- Excellent communication, public speaking, and customer service skills.
- Program planning and community outreach experience.
- Familiarity with accessibility standards and inclusive library practices.
- Certifications (optional): State or regional public librarian certifications where applicable.
Typical Duties — Weekly Breakdown (example)
- Monday: Review circulation and inventory reports; meet with team to plan upcoming programs.
- Tuesday: Conduct outreach visit to partner school; process new acquisitions.
- Wednesday: Staff training session on cataloging updates; community advisory meeting.
- Thursday: Oversee children’s program; manage volunteers.
- Friday: Budget review; prepare monthly performance report.
- Saturday: Lead weekend shifts; handle special events.
- Sunday: Closed (or manage weekend schedule as applicable).
Performance Metrics
- Circulation statistics and digital resource usage.
- Program attendance and participant feedback.
- Patron satisfaction scores and service response times.
- Budget adherence and successful grant applications.
- Collection turnover rates and catalog accuracy.
- Staff retention and training completion rates.
Working Conditions
Library Managers typically work on-site during regular library hours; some evenings and weekends are required for programs and community meetings. The role involves a mix of desk work, public interaction, and light physical tasks (shelving, moving boxes). Reasonable accommodations can be made for disabilities.
Salary Range
Salary varies by region, library type, and experience. Typical ranges (U.S. estimates, 2025):
- Small public/school libraries: \(40,000–\)55,000
- Medium municipal/regional libraries: \(55,000–\)75,000
- Large metropolitan or specialized libraries: \(75,000–\)100,000+
Sample Job Posting (Full Text)
Job title: Library Manager Location: [City, State] Reports to: [Director / Board / Department Head] Employment type: Full-time (40 hours/week) — evenings and weekends as required Salary: [Insert salary range] + benefits
About the Library: [Two–three sentences describing the library, community served, mission, and unique features.]
Position Summary: The Library Manager is responsible for overseeing all aspects of day-to-day library operations, supervising staff and volunteers, developing and managing collections and programs, ensuring exceptional patron services, and collaborating with community partners to promote literacy and lifelong learning.
Responsibilities:
- Lead and manage daily operations of the library, including patron services, facilities, and technology.
- Supervise, hire, train, schedule, and evaluate library staff and volunteers.
- Develop and implement collection policies; select and acquire materials for both physical and digital collections.
- Plan, promote, and evaluate programs for children, teens, and adults.
- Prepare and manage budgets; pursue grants and alternative funding.
- Maintain accurate circulation, cataloging, and statistical records.
- Ensure compliance with relevant policies, copyright, accessibility, and safety regulations.
- Represent the library at community meetings, events, and professional networks.
Qualifications:
- MLS/MLIS from an ALA-accredited institution preferred or bachelor’s degree with relevant experience.
- Minimum 3–5 years of library experience; supervisory experience preferred.
- Knowledge of library systems, cataloging, and collection development.
- Strong leadership, communication, and customer-service skills.
- Ability to manage budgets and report on library metrics.
- Commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility.
Benefits: [List typical benefits: health insurance, retirement plan, paid time off, professional development funding, flexible schedule options, etc.]
How to Apply: Please submit a cover letter, resume, and contact information for three references to [email/contact link] by [deadline]. Include “Library Manager — [Your Name]” in the subject line.
Onboarding Checklist (first 90 days)
- Week 1: Facility walkthrough, meet staff, review policies, set up workstation, overview of ILS.
- Weeks 2–4: Shadow staff, review current collection and programs, begin community stakeholder meetings.
- Months 2–3: Finalize goals for first year, begin implementing quick-win improvements (signage, program adjustments), start budget planning.
Professional Development & Career Path
- Attend conferences (e.g., ALA Annual), join professional associations, and pursue continuing education in areas such as digital services, grant writing, and management.
- Career progression: Library Manager → Head Librarian/Branch Director → Library Director/Regional Manager → Library Systems Administrator or Consultant.
Template — Short Version (for job boards)
Library Manager — [Library Name], [City, State]. Full-time. Salary [range]. Responsibilities: manage daily operations, supervise staff, develop collections and programs, handle budgets, and engage community. Qualifications: MLS/MLIS preferred, 3–5 years’ experience, supervisory skills, ILS knowledge. Apply: [contact]. Deadline: [date].
Inclusive Language Tips
- Use gender-neutral phrasing (e.g., “they” instead of “he/she”).
- Highlight commitment to accessibility and accommodations.
- Encourage applicants from underrepresented backgrounds to apply.
If you want, I can: tailor this to a specific library type (public, academic, school, special), shorten it for a job board, or produce a version in your local language.
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