Chief of Library Services

Responsible for the overall leadership, administration, operation, planning, and development of the York County Public Library system in accordance with applicable County policies and procedures and policies established by the Library Board of Trustees. Provides leadership within the library system, community, and library profession. Provides strategic direction, develops and administers the departmental budget, and oversees library programs, services, facilities, and personnel to ensure effective delivery of library services. Works closely with Community Services leadership, other County departments, and community partners to advance library services and respond to evolving community needs.

This position requires an on-call status and response to emergency situations such as weather-related emergencies and may be assigned emergency management responsibilities, to coordinate an emergency shelter or provide assistance as directed by County Administration, Department Director/Deputy Director or the Emergency Operations Center (EOC).

Plans, organizes, directs, and participates in all phases of the County library services; works in cooperation with the Library Board of Trustees and County officials in planning the continued development and improvement of the library system. Develops and executes strategies and programs to promote positive relationships and public confidence in library services.

Provides leadership and direction to library personnel, directly and through staff supervisors, to ensure effective daily operations, service delivery, and implementation of library programs in accordance with applicable laws, policies, and procedures. Provides oversight of operations for all County library branches. Interacts directly with library services employees, patrons, visitors, community members, County Administration, and other division/department employees.

Oversees personnel management, including recruitment, hiring, training, performance evaluations, employee development, retention, and disciplinary matters, in accordance with County personnel policies. Provides guidance to supervisory personnel, promotes staff participation in planning and decision-making, and supports professional development opportunities.

Authorizes and develops library-related staff training programs. Develops and recommends library policies and ensures implementation of approved policies. Encourages and authorizes staff participation in professional organizations and education programs. Responds orally and in writing to comments, inquiries, or complaints from library patrons.

Prepares and administers annual operating and capital budget requests in accordance with County budget procedures. Presents proposed budget requests to the Library Board of Trustees for review and approval. Monitors expenditures and ensures responsible management of approved financial resources.

Works collaboratively with the Library Board of Trustees, providing regular updates, professional recommendations, and information regarding library operations, policies, programs, budget matters, and strategic initiatives.

Coordinates the development and periodic review of the Library's strategic plan in collaboration with the Library Board of Trustees and oversees implementation of the approved plan. Oversees the preparation and submission of required reports, including annual reports to the Library of Virginia in accordance with state aid requirements. Prepares and analyzes library statistics and other reports to evaluate services, establish operational goals, and support planning and decision-making.

Serves as a liaison for the Library Board of Trustees and the York County Library with county government, interested community organizations, and other local or state agencies. Facilitates coordination of interagency activities.

Conducts and facilitates meetings and training. Plans, coordinates, and participates in meetings, special events, and activities, which may include evenings and weekends.

Attends seminars, conferences, workshops, classes, lectures, and reads various professional journals and other literature to enhance and maintain knowledge of trends and developments in library science and enhance managerial skills; maintains membership in various professional associations and participates in activities of such associations, as appropriate.

Delivers presentations to government, civic, and community groups, agencies, and organizations to promote library services, build library support and resources, and facilitate positive image of the library within the community.

Serves as liaison to other related organizations, groups or agencies, such as Friends of the Library. Recommends expenditures and activities advantageous to Library objectives.

Minimum Qualifications

Requires a Master's Degree in Library Science or Library and Information Science from a program accredited by the American Library Association and 6 to 9 years of progressively responsible experience in public library administration, including demonstrated management and supervisory responsibilities, and demonstrated knowledge of library technology, contemporary library practices, and public library operations.

Must possess a valid Professional Librarian Certificate issued by the Virginia Public Librarian Certification Commission.

Must possess a valid driver's license issued by the Commonwealth of Virginia with an acceptable driving record.

This job is contingent upon successful completion of pre-employment checks to include driving record, criminal history and background checks.

Supplemental Information

Comprehensive knowledge of the principles, practices, and methods of public library administration, including library programs, services, collections, and emerging technologies.

Thorough knowledge of modern management principles, organizational leadership, personnel administration, and supervisory practices.

Knowledge of local and state government operations, including applicable laws, regulations, and administrative procedures.

Knowledge of public-sector budgeting, financial management, and resource allocation.

Knowledge of library technology, information systems, and digital resources.

Excellent oral and written communication skills, including the ability to prepare reports, deliver presentations, and communicate effectively with diverse audiences.

Strong analytical, organizational, problem-solving, and time-management skills.

Ability to provide effective leadership, motivate employees, foster teamwork, and maintain a positive and productive work environment.

Ability to exercise independent judgment, make sound administrative decisions, establish priorities, and manage multiple responsibilities.

Ability to evaluate library services, identify community needs, develop strategic initiatives, and implement improvements.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with County officials, Library Board members, employees, community organizations, and the general public.

Ability to address sensitive or confidential matters with professionalism, discretion, and sound judgment.

Physical Demands

Must be physically able to operate a variety of machinery and equipment including computers, typewriters, CD and tape players, microfiche machines, microfilm readers, copiers, etc. Light Work usually requires walking, bending, stopping, sitting, or standing to a significant degree. Must be able to lift objects up to 25 pounds.