MONTGOMERY COUNTY GOVERNMENT Code No. 7930
ROCKVILLE, MARYLAND (Non-Merit)

CLASS SPECIFICATION

DIRECTOR, DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC LIBRARIES

DEFINITION OF CLASS:

This is executive level work directing the operations of the Department of Public Libraries. Contacts are with high ranking legislative and executive officials within County Government, officials of equivalent rank in other governmental jurisdictions, and private sector and community organizations or groups. The purposes of the contacts include planning appropriate public library services to meet community needs; developing partnerships to provide appropriate programs and services; making the case for funding and improvement in library service; and presenting, justifying and defending controversial positions where conflicting and opposing viewpoints, goals and objectives are strongly advocated, and must be reconciled to develop suitable alternatives or arrive at acceptable compromises.

The employee in this class plans, develops, implements, and evaluates overall County public library policies and programs by directing subordinate managers to provide a full range of public library services to meet changing community needs, including: books, records, periodicals, and other media for loan as well as reference material and on line access to computerized information networks through Community libraries; "talking books" from the Library of Congress and large print books for the blind or disabled; bookmobile service to special needs individuals, and minivan services to those in day care centers and housing developments, nursing homes and the elderly; and a full range of library services to the deaf, hearing impaired, homebound, and staff and inmates at the Montgomery County Detention Center. The work is performed under broadly defined missions, functions, and general administrative direction with little technical guidance. The employee exercises full and final accountability for all matters associated with completing work assignments including determining the work to be performed and the methods used. Results of the work are considered technically authoritative and evaluated in terms of the public library system's role in meeting the educational, cultural, and information needs of County residents. Guidelines consist of broad policy directives and basic legislation, and require the employee to use considerable judgment in interpreting the intent of the guidelines. The Director generates specific policies and guidance for use by subordinate managers in developing various components of the overall public library system. The complexity of the work is reflected in the need for planning, directing and integrating a broad range of educational and cultural functions, programs and services. The work requires consideration of cultural, educational, societal and community issues and impacts, and development of solutions which accommodate conflicting objectives from a variety of organizations, groups and individuals. The work of directing the public library system is essential to the mission of the County Government and affects all residents and communities in the County. The work is primarily sedentary, is performed in a typical office or meeting room setting, and is subject to common everyday risks. Performance of the work involves some travel.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES: (Illustrative Only)

Plans, organizes, coordinates and directs the activities of the Divisions within the Department, which include effective delivery of services to the public, and the procurement and technical processing of library materials.
Develops and implements Departmental strategic plans, policies and procedures, making recommendations to the County Executive on Executive branch policies and procedures which affect the operation of public library services.
Directs continuing evaluation of the methods of public and technical service employed, in order to design and implement ongoing improvements .
Coordinates with other County officials on all matters pertaining to library facilities, including planning for future locations or building needs, site selection, design and construction, maintenance, repair and renovation of library buildings, furniture and equipment.
Directs and supports a staff development program for professional and support employees; encourages and enforces Department wide adherence to equal employment opportunity law and diversity principles and practices.
Establishes and maintains effective working relationships with other governmental agencies and officials, vendors, publishers, the news media, and the general public.
Guides the development and use of advanced technologies for information access and library automation, integrating organizational change with technological developments.
Prepares strategic plans and reports on results achieved through strategic plan, long range Public Service Plans and annual work programs.
Works effectively and cooperatively with the advisory Library Board, local library advisory committees, the Friends of the Library, and other interested citizen groups.
Takes an active role in appropriate civic and professional organizations, and makes public presentations to interested groups to further the objectives, plans and service programs of the Department.
Represents the County and the library system in Statewide library and information technology organizations, and works with representatives of agencies/organizations at State and Federal levels to advise, lobby, and develop legislative programs, and interpret and implement applicable laws.
Directs the preparation and expenditure of the Departmental budget, ensuring necessary documentation and reports.
Performs other related duties as required.

RECOMMENDED QUALIFICATIONS:

Experience: Extensive (7 years) experience as a librarian or library administrator, with at least four (4) years in a managerial or supervisory capacity which included responsibility for fund and budget administration, program planning, implementation and administration.
Education: Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Master's Degree in Library Science. Must be certifiable under Maryland State law by the State Department of Education, Division of Library Development and Services.
Equivalency: None.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
Extensive knowledge of the theory, principles and techniques of library services, including knowledge of developing library and information technologies and their application to public libraries.
Extensive knowledge of the principles, methods and practices of public library administration, organization and management, as well as the aims and objectives of library services to the community, and of civic organizations with interests in library service.
Skill in directing, planning, organizing and coordinating all public library services to resolve highly difficult and complex professional and administrative problems.
Skill in negotiating agreements which accommodate the conflicting interests and viewpoints of numerous groups and organizations.
Skill in oral and written communication sufficient to develop defenses of, and justifications for decisions reached.
Skill in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with other governmental officials and agencies, legislators, advisory boards and committees, vendors, and the general public.
Ability to attend meetings or perform other assignments at locations outside the office.

LICENSE: Certification as Librarian by State Department of Education, Division of Library Development and Services.

MEDICAL GROUP: Medical History Review.

Class Revised: February 1972
September 1976
July 1987
February 1988
December 1996
December, 2002