Reference Area Supervisor

GREENVILLE COUNTY (SC) LIBRARY SYSTEM

JOB ANNOUNCEMENT, NO. 2025-018

FUNCTION

Under the supervision of the Information Services Manager, this position:

• Is responsible for assigning, instructing, directing, and supervising the activities related to the operation of the Reference and Technology Center areas at the Main Library.
• Is responsible for some collection management, reference service, adult programming and instruction, and readers’ advisory service system-wide.

MINIMUM TRAINING & EXPERIENCE

Required:

• Master’s Degree in Library Science from an A.L.A. accredited college or university.
• Three years of library experience, including experience in library reference, readers’ advisory service, and research.
• One year of library experience at a supervisory or leadership level.
• 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 that meet the minimum requirements may be substituted.

Preferred:

• Supervisory or leadership experience in a public library.

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 training and/or support for subordinates; reviews performance of subordinates and makes recommendations for improvement/growth as appropriate. (E)
• Assigns, instructs, directs, and supervises staff. (E)
• Prepares and/or reviews staff schedules, approves leave requests, and arranges supplemental coverage when needed. (E)
• Participates in the interviewing and selection of new employees within areas of responsibility. (E)
• Serves at a public service point providing direct service to patrons on a regular basis. (E)
• Confers with the Information Services Manager and Human Resources regarding unit personnel needs, problems, vacancies, recruitment, specific position requirements, and overall employee relations. (E)
• Addresses personnel issues and administers disciplinary actions. (E)
• Communicates and enforces the Library System’s Code of Conduct and other policies, procedures, and rules to customers and employees. (E)
• Assists in developing budget recommendations, formulation of goals and objectives, and in the preparation of selected grant proposals related to the activities of the unit. (E)
• Recommends resources for the reference collection at the Main Library. (E)
• Assists with selecting, evaluating, and maintaining the circulating non-fiction collection at the Main Library. (E)
• Works with HR Training Coordinator and Branch Library Services Manager to develop and implement training to enhance reference and readers’ advisory skills for Information Services and branch library staff. (E)
• Works with HR Training Coordinator and Digital Literacy Coordinator to develop and implement training on technology competencies for Information Services staff.
• Operates and cares for equipment, including computers, printers, copiers, and assistive technology; provides instruction and demonstrations, as needed.
• Assists the Information Services Manager, as needed. (E)
• Supervises SC Room and Interlibrary Loan staff in the absence of the Information Services Manager, as needed. (E)
• Demonstrates use of library materials in all formats and software to staff, patrons, and others, as required.
• Establishes relationships with organizations and groups in the community to promote Library System services and resources and to provide outreach programs when appropriate. (E)
• Works with the Adult Events & Outreach Manager to direct unit staff in the planning, scheduling, and implementation of programs for adults at the Main Library.
• Participates in special projects and serves as a member of various committees as requested.
• Receives and compiles statistics, reports, correspondence, etc. (E)
• Reviews and studies professional literature to keep abreast of developments in library and information science. (E)
• Works with the Volunteer Coordinator to train, schedule, and supervise volunteers in the unit as appropriate. (E)
• Attends library association meetings, training programs, workshops, and conferences as appropriate.
• Oversees the Next Five Faves readers’ advisory service. (E)
• Coordinates and schedules Main Library tours for adult community groups and organizations.
• Ensures safe work methods are followed to prevent injury and that safety and maintenance issues are reported promptly and properly. (E)
• Coordinates maintenance requirements for Reference and Technology Center. (E)
• Works a schedule that meets the needs of the unit.
• 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.)

• Provides training and/or support for subordinates; reviews performance of subordinates and makes recommendations for improvement/growth as appropriate. (E)
• Assigns, instructs, directs, and supervises staff. (E)
• Prepares and/or reviews staff schedules, approves leave requests, and arranges supplemental coverage when needed. (E)
• Participates in the interviewing and selection of new employees within areas of responsibility. (E)
• Serves at a public service point providing direct service to patrons on a regular basis. (E)
• Confers with the Information Services Manager and Human Resources regarding unit personnel needs, problems, vacancies, recruitment, specific position requirements, and overall employee relations. (E)
• Addresses personnel issues and administers disciplinary actions. (E)
• Communicates and enforces the Library System’s Code of Conduct and other policies, procedures, and rules to customers and employees. (E)
• Assists in developing budget recommendations, formulation of goals and objectives, and in the preparation of selected grant proposals related to the activities of the unit. (E)
• Recommends resources for the reference collection at the Main Library. (E)
• Assists with selecting, evaluating, and maintaining the circulating non-fiction collection at the Main Library. (E)
• Works with HR Training Coordinator and Branch Library Services Manager to develop and implement training to enhance reference and readers’ advisory skills for Information Services and branch library staff. (E)
• Works with HR Training Coordinator and Digital Literacy Coordinator to develop and implement training on technology competencies for Information Services staff.
• Operates and cares for equipment, including computers, printers, copiers, and assistive technology; provides instruction and demonstrations, as needed.
• Assists the Information Services Manager, as needed. (E)
• Supervises SC Room and Interlibrary Loan staff in the absence of the Information Services Manager, as needed. (E)
• Demonstrates use of library materials in all formats and software to staff, patrons, and others, as required.
• Establishes relationships with organizations and groups in the community to promote Library System services and resources and to provide outreach programs when appropriate. (E)
• Works with the Adult Events & Outreach Manager to direct unit staff in the planning, scheduling, and implementation of programs for adults at the Main Library.
• Participates in special projects and serves as a member of various committees as requested.
• Receives and compiles statistics, reports, correspondence, etc. (E)
• Reviews and studies professional literature to keep abreast of developments in library and information science. (E)
• Works with the Volunteer Coordinator to train, schedule, and supervise volunteers in the unit as appropriate. (E)
• Attends library association meetings, training programs, workshops, and conferences as appropriate.
• Oversees the Next Five Faves readers’ advisory service. (E)
• Coordinates and schedules Main Library tours for adult community groups and organizations.
• Ensures safe work methods are followed to prevent injury and that safety and maintenance issues are reported promptly and properly. (E)
• Coordinates maintenance requirements for Reference and Technology Center. (E)
• Works a schedule that meets the needs of the unit.
• 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.