Job Description

Under the direction the Library Director and/or designee, the Supervisor of Adult Services ensures that library users have access to robust adult collections, services and technology, and a wide variety of classes and public events. The Supervisor of Adult Services is responsible for managing the Adult Services division of the Library, including personnel administration, reference and technology services, collection development and outreach to the Newton community. This position also serves on the leadership team that works with the Administration to move the institution forward to meet the evolving needs of Newton’s current and future Library users.

• Directs and supervises the staff and operations of the section including selection, training, and evaluation of staff librarians, para-professionals, pages, and library volunteers in performance of duties or activities. Recommends changes to meet changing schedules and service needs. Assigns staff to provide direct patron service at service points, in programming and for outreach.
• Responsible for the service outcomes at the reference desks, public computing areas and call center, including informational, reference, technology, readers advisory, library account and other library service inquiries made in person, by phone or by other electronic means. Prioritize duties and assuring questions are answered promptly and professionally. Manages escalated patron issues referred by employees across departments.
• Develops and oversees the adult library materials collections and organization including Newton’s Local Materials collection. Selects, orders, requisitions and requests purchases of print, non-print, and electronic materials. This includes managing and coordinating organization, selection and deselection (weeding) of all adult materials. Assigns specific collection development areas to staff. Recommends, monitors and operates within the library’s annual materials budget plan.
• Oversees and assures outcomes of all adult library public programming including staff led events, outside speakers and performers as well as managing staff conducting such programs.
• Performs all work related to reference functions, including work at all adult service points. Assists and instructs patrons in the use of library technology and electronic resources and with the selection and location of Library materials.
• Assists in the management and operation of all technology related to reference service, including library computers and peripherals, ILS software, databases and electronic resources.
• Formulates, develops and implements Adult Services department procedures. Integrates local policies with regional and network requirements. Manages the Library’s adult services division including the use of the integrated library system software, related library software and equipment for staff and patron use.
• Prepares monthly, periodic and annual reports for the Library Director and/or others.
• Assists the Library Director in long range planning, goal setting and policy development related to Library services, staff and collection development, personnel and the Library building. Assists with administration and special projects as requested.
• Develops and conducts staff and patron training classes and programs in technology, research and other topics.

Secondary Elements

• Participates in Library staff and other meetings and activities in the regional and local network, particularly as they relate to Reference and Technology Services, to provide input into planning and coordination of services.
• Through professional literature and/or workshops, keeps current on changing trends in reference services. Works to keep processes, procedures, and equipment up-to-date and suggests new ways to meet the needs of the public.
• Assists in updating the library website.
• Acts as duty officer as assigned in absence of more senior staff.
• Attend and participate in Department and other meetings and special events.
• Performs other duties as required.

Full time: 37.5 hours per week

Education, Training and Experience: Master’s Degree in Library Science and five to seven years related experience and/or training, or equivalent combination of education and experience. Broad knowledge of advanced professional library science, personnel administration and technology management and the operation of library equipment.

Company Description

THE CITY:

The City of Newton is a wonderful place to live and work. Newton has safe and attractive neighborhoods, an excellent public school system, an active community life, multiple transportation systems, proximity to Boston and a well-managed and financially strong City government. The City of Newton has a population of approximately 88,900, with 32,600 housing units and occupies a land area of 18.3 square miles. Newton is principally suburban-residential in character. Unlike many other communities that are established around a single Main Street or downtown, Newton is comprised of thirteen distinctive villages. Newton has a diversified economic base with approximately 4,700 establishments employing approximately 79,500 people. Newton is special in many ways. It is home to a variety of private secondary and post-secondary schools including a portion of Boston College, Lasell University, William James College, Hebrew College, and the UMass Amherst – Mount Ida Campus. The longest stretch of the Boston Marathon runs through the City, including the well-known Heartbreak Hill. Newton-Wellesley Hospital, part of the Mass General Brigham health care system, serves as an important partner to the City. In September 2018, Newton was again ranked #1 in Massachusetts as the best place to live and #12 in the U.S.

OUR GOVERNMENT:

Newton has what is known as a “strong Mayor” form of government with the Mayor having the executive and administrative powers of the City. The legislative branch is comprised of 24 City Councilors. Mayor Ruthanne Fuller was sworn in on January 1, 2018 after serving on the City Council. She ran on a platform of providing Newton’s children with a top-notch education in an inclusive environment where empty nesters, seniors, young families, and people of diverse incomes can live together in vibrant villages and neighborhoods. Mayor Fuller is committed to keeping Newton safe, improving the city’s infrastructure, addressing climate change, providing excellent and responsive city services, and fostering art, culture and community life. The first female Mayor of Newton, she is a tireless advocate for all the city’s residents and is committed to making sure the city is welcoming, inclusive and diverse. The City of Newton was evaluated by Moody’s Investors Services in February 2020 and assigned its highest rating of AAA. Newton was thus well-positioned to weather the pandemic and economic downturn.

AS AN EMPLOYER:

The City of Newton believes that its employees are its greatest asset. To that end, we are committed to supporting our employees by providing competitive wages and growth, a comprehensive benefits package which includes a defined municipal pension plan, quality health and dental insurance plans, generous paid leave benefits, paid holidays, and access to supplemental benefits such as deferred compensation, short term disability plans, flexible spending accounts, and other employee benefits. We also provide access to an Employee Assistance Program and access to employee training and professional development opportunities. We continuously work to review and expand upon our benefit offerings. We encourage you to visit our Human Resources Department website to learn more about our organization and benefits which are available to our employees. And as always, you are encouraged to reach out to our dynamic HR Team by emailing hr@newtonma.gov.

Human Resources Diversity Statement

We recognize our workforce is a source of strength that is vital to our ability to effectively serve the City of Newton’s diverse community. We will:

• Actively recruit, develop, and retain a diverse and talented workforce.
• Proactively address discrimination through education and in partnership with other departments and leaders.
• Serve as a role model to celebrate and nurture diversity.
• Foster inclusion by staying curious and clarifying assumptions.
• Evaluate and develop policies and practices that reflect the diverse nature of our workforce.
• Build and strengthen accountability at all levels to support diversity efforts.

Benefits

• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• 457 Deferred Compensation plans
• Metro Credit Union
• Verizon Wireless discount
• Employee Assistance Program
• Generous paid leave time benefits and paid holidays.
• City Retirement (Mandatory)
• Direct Deposit
• Opportunity to serve the public and join a dynamic team of dedicated employees