If you are a talented strategic thinker, library systems innovator and collaborative leader with public library management/administration experience, this may be the position for you!

The mission of the Schlow Centre Region Library is to open doors for members of our diverse community to gather, share, and discover a wealth of ideas, the joy of reading, and the power of information by providing services and resources in a welcoming, convenient and responsive manner. The community’s new state-of-the-art library building was finished in 2005. Over 300,000 people visited the library in 2008, checking out over 706,000 items. The library provides 37 public computer stations and a collection of over 133,000 books and other library materials. In fiscal year 2009, the library budget is approximately $2 million with a staff of 27 full-time equivalents. The Schlow Library staff is committed to sharing their expertise with library staff throughout Centre County and the Central Pennsylvania Library District.  

Schlow Centre Region Library is located in beautiful State College, Pennsylvania, also known as Happy Valley and home to The Pennsylvania State University. In 2008, State College was ranked as the second safest metropolitan area in the United States by the CQ Press. Centre Region residents enthusiastically support library programs and services with over 27,000 people attending library programs in 2008.

The next library director will have the capability to guide the Library toward a future where resources are maximized, technology is leveraged and services are tailored to the rapidly evolving needs of patrons. The director will ensure that the Library continues its vision of being the “community's best and most sought after gathering place where all are welcome to pursue their interests, learn new skills, express their creativity, interact with other members of the community, and enhance their quality of life�.

If you feel you have the experience, qualifications and motivation to fulfill this challenging role, you are invited to apply for this opportunity. Applications are due December 17, 2009. For full consideration, please send a resume covering relevant experience and education, a meaningful cover letter detailing your interest and how you qualify for the position and four professional references.

Please Send Resumes To:
Cathleen M. Prosek
Assistant to the Executive Director
Centre Region Council of Governments
cprosek@crcog.net
2643 Gateway Drive, Suite 3
State College, PA 16801
814-272-1447

Inquiries:
Lisa Rives Collens
District Consultant Librarian
Central Pennsylvania Library District
lcollens@schlowlibrary.org
211 South Allen Street
State College, PA 16801
814-237-6236

For more information, please see the following detailed job description:

Job Description

Job Title:  Director

Reports to:  Centre Region Council of Governments and Schlow Centre Region Library Board

Starting Salary:  $70,000 - $75,000

Status:  Full-Time (40 hours per week)

Job Summary:

The Library Director is responsible for planning, organizing, managing, and directing all phases of the Library operations in accordance with the goals, policies, and budgetary decisions of the Library Board. This position is responsible for raising the awareness and responding to the needs of the community in the area of Library services in order to provide the residents of the Centre Region with the best possible public library services. The Library Director is also responsible for working to raise funds from public and private grants, appropriations, and gifts.

Education and Experience:

• Minimum Education and Experience: Master of Library Science Degree from an American Library Association accredited school.
• Minimum eight (8) years of public librarian experience.
• Minimum of five (5) years supervisory experience.
• Minimum of two (2) years budgeting experience.
• Ability to plan, budget and implement public library services.
• Demonstrated ability to improve library development and funding.
• Outstanding oral and written communication skills.

Additional Experience Preferred:

• Advanced administrative ability to direct and manage the operation of a public library.
• Broad understanding of modern administrative theory and practices.
• Extensive knowledge of contemporary library principles, policies, and procedures.
• Thorough knowledge of library resources, material, and equipment.
• Experience in grant writing, public speaking, promotion and marketing.

Administration:

• Direct the Schlow Centre Region Library in accordance with State Codes and Centre Region Council of Governments (COG) articles of agreement and policies.
• Works with the COG administration on policy and administrative issues through regular communication with the Executive Director and attendance at monthly General Forum and Agency staff meetings.
• Attend meetings and report monthly on all services and activities pertaining to the Library operation to the Schlow Centre Region Library Board.
• Co-Administer the Centre County Federation of Public Libraries, a federated system, made up of the Schlow Centre Region Library and the Centre County Library & Historical Museum.
• Oversee the work of the Library as the system headquarters for the Centre County Federation of Public Libraries and as the District Center for the Central PA District.
• Work with the Centre County Library Federation Co-administrator to coordinate and negotiate the County Coordination Plan and countywide services.
• Promote and implement the objectives of the Library’s, Federation’s and District’s long range plans.
• Prepare the annual budget for the use of district funds for review by the district advisory council.
• Prepare and/or submit, all required State and Federal reports including but not limited to Technology Plans, Audit, Annual Report, Access PA and E-rate. 

Planning:

• Evaluate Schlow library services and recommend strategies and policies for development and planning to the Schlow Centre Region Library Board.
• Develop with the Centre County Federation of Public Libraries Board and Co-administrator ongoing long-range plans for county-wide services.
• Continue to update and develop the Central PA Library District’s long-range plan to address the goals defined by the district library members.

Public Relations:

• Develop and implement a comprehensive marketing plan to promote library usage and financial support including programming and presentations to community groups.
• Develop and implement partnerships with community groups, municipalities, and school districts to enhance library services.
• Work with the Friends of the Library Board to enhance the image of the Library and attract donations.
• Represent the Library in the media and community.
• Work with the Centre County Federation of Public Libraries Board and Co-administrator on joint advocacy projects and funding issues.
• Work with the district library directors on joint projects and provide leadership for this group.
• Attend the District Consultant and System Administrator Meetings held approximately four times per year.
• Cooperate and coordinate with the District Consultant, the District Libraries and Commonwealth Libraries Development Bureau.
• Affiliate with local, state and national library advocates and professional organizations and attend relevant meetings and workshops.
• Obtain the required continuing education credits as outlined in the state standards.

Application Information:

When applying, please mention that you saw this ad on LISjobs.com.