Branch Library Services Manager

GREENVILLE COUNTY (SC) LIBRARY SYSTEM

JOB ANNOUNCEMENT, NO. 2026-052

FUNCTION

TRAINING & EXPERIENCE

Required:

• Master’s Degree in Library Science from an A.L.A. accredited college or university.
• Five years of professional public library experience at a supervisory or leadership level.
• Experience working at a branch library and providing circulation services.
• Demonstrably progressive work experience showing an increase in the level of duties and responsibilities.
• Certified or eligible for certification by the South Carolina State Library.
• Other combinations of experience and training, which meet the minimum requirements, may be substituted.

Preferred:

• Experience managing a branch library.
• Experience working with collection development and maintenance.
• Experience in planning library outreach and events for adults.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Must have the ability to:

• concentrate for long periods of time
• speak clearly and distinctly
• hear and/or comprehend verbal communication
• see and interpret all job-related materials
• operate library equipment as assigned
• lift up to 25 pounds and push book carts weighing over 100 pounds
• sit for long periods of time
• stand for long periods of time
• walk, bend, and stoop
• reach, grasp, and use hands to touch, handle, or feel
• type on an ongoing basis for long periods of time, using both hands
• tolerate low levels of dust and mold associated with working with books and other library materials

EXAMPLES OF WORK PERFORMED

These tasks are illustrative only; to carry out the day-to-day functions of the job, other duties may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or logical assignment to the position. Essential job functions designated with (E).

• Provides supervision and administrative oversight for Branch Managers and Bookmobile/Homebound Supervisor. (E)
• Provides training, direction, and/or support for subordinates; reviews performance of subordinates and makes recommendations for improvement/growth as appropriate (E).
• Acts as an assistant to the Adult Services Director, working on projects and tasks as assigned. (E)
• Serves as Acting Adult Services Director in that person’s absence. (E)
• Serves as a Substitute for Branch Managers and other branch leadership staff, working temporarily in branch libraries as needed. (E)
• Assists in planning for change and improvement in branch operations, including budget recommendations, workflow optimization, and formulation of goals and objectives. (E)
• Participates in the interviewing, selection, and/or approval of new employees. (E)
• Handles sensitive and confidential matters. (E)
• Performs research and analysis of branch staffing levels and provides direction to managers regarding staff schedules and staffing levels. (E)
• Confers with the Adult Services Director and the Human Resources (HR) Manager regarding branch personnel needs, problems, vacancies, recruitment, specific position requirements, and overall employee relations. (E)
• Addresses personnel issues and administers disciplinary actions with guidance and direction from the HR Manager. (E)
• Works with the HR Training Coordinator to develop and implement training for Branch Library Services staff. (E)
• Works with the Technical Services Manager and Branch Managers regarding the development and maintenance of branch collections. (E)
• Serves on internal library working groups and committees as assigned. (E)
• Works with Facilities Maintenance Manager on issues regarding branch facilities. (E)
• Works with Security Manager on issues regarding Code of Conduct violations/enforcement. (E)
• Collaborates with the Adult Events and Outreach Manager, Information Services Manager, Youth Services Manager, and Branch Managers regarding programming and outreach initiatives. (E)
• Works with the Adult Events and Outreach Manager, Branch Managers, Information Services Manager, and/or Youth Services Manager to determine feasibility of allocating staff resources to fulfill proposed programs and outreach initiatives. (E)
• Provides assistance in reference, reader’s advisory, and circulation services to customers and employees. (E)
• Assists customers with the use of computer equipment, Windows operating system, MS Office, various Internet browsers, email, the Library System’s website, online catalog, and databases. (E)
• Communicates and enforces the Library System’s Code of Conduct and other policies, procedures, and rules to customers and employees. (E)
• Demonstrates knowledge of computer applications and participates in planning and administration of automation at branch level. (E)
• Receives and compiles statistics, memos, documentation, reports, correspondence, etc. (E)
• Reviews and studies professional literature to keep abreast of developments in library and information science. (E)
• Answers questions on library operations, policies and procedures, and handles problems and complaints. (E)
• Works with Volunteer Coordinator to promote and facilitate use of volunteers in the branches.
• Attends meetings, training programs, workshops, conferences, etc., as requested by supervisor and/or as funds are available. (E)
• Ensures safe work methods are followed to prevent injury. (E)
• Works a schedule that meets the needs of the unit. (E)
• Maintains regular and reliable attendance and remains compliant with the Library System’s Attendance Guidelines. (E)
• Performs other related duties as required, including those of any staff member in the unit.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS/ABILITIES & CHARACTERISTICS

(Testing of computer skills may be part of the interview process for this position.)

Knowledge:

• Thorough knowledge of modern library principles and of procedures and skills applicable to public libraries.
• Thorough knowledge of collection development principles as related to public libraries.
• Extensive knowledge of print and audiovisual titles, authors and content of library materials and resources in a broad range of subject fields.
• Knowledge of current trends in the publishing, production, and distribution of library materials and digital resources.
• Knowledge of planning outreach and events/programs for adults.
• Knowledge of problem solving, leadership and management techniques.
• Knowledge of human resources functions and processes.
• Considerable knowledge of the functions of reference and readers’ advisory services.
• Knowledge of library computer systems and applications, online databases, office software, email, and mobile devices.
• Knowledge of business English, spelling, and arithmetic.

Skills/Abilities:

• Ability to recommend and assist in the development of content for training initiatives for staff on circulation policies and procedures, customer service, technology competencies, collection development & maintenance, and adult events & outreach.
• Ability to learn and be proficient in the Library System’s calendar/scheduling software.
• Ability to learn the Library System’s integrated automation system software used to manage library processes.
• Ability to demonstrate to customers the use of the Library System’s website; including the online catalog and databases.
• Ability to plan, organize, and direct Library System activities.
• Ability to learn and enforce policies, procedures, and regulations to customers and employees.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality of customer records and other identifiable customer uses of resources and services, security related incidents, and personnel issues.
• Ability to learn and enforce Federal and State laws pertaining to employment.
• Ability to supervise and direct the work of others and provide coaching, training, and disciplinary actions as needed.
• Ability to effectively exercise discretion, independent judgment, and critical thinking to resolve staff, customer, and operational problems within established guidelines.
• Ability to deal with difficult individuals with tact and diplomacy.
• Ability to communicate concepts, general information, and task-related information in oral, written, and electronic forms.
• Preferred: Bilingual – English/Spanish skills.
• Preferred: Touch typing skills.

Characteristics:

• Enjoys interacting with people and possesses a strong commitment to providing an exemplary customer experience.
• Enjoys working in a leadership role, providing direction and guidance to staff.
• Establishes rapport with others in person and on the telephone, and maintains effective working relationships with customers and coworkers.
• Is ethical, approachable, trustworthy, and apolitical.
• Works calmly and effectively in stressful situations.
• Follows established procedures and instructions received from supervisor.
• Possesses strong leadership and organizational skills.
• Works well in a team environment.
• Values technology as a tool, staying on top of technology trends.
• Recognizes change as an ongoing opportunity for growth.
• Performs routine tasks efficiently and without difficulty.
• Is receptive to feedback, willing to learn, and embraces continuous improvement.
• Takes ownership of work, does what is needed without being asked, and follows through until a task is resolved.
• Arrives on time, works hours as scheduled, and maintains a good attendance record.