Director
Rapides Parish Library
Application Opening Date: March 1, 2014
Application Closing Date: March 31, 2014 at 5:00pm
Start Date: July 1, 2014
Salary Range: $55,000 – $90,000 Depending on Qualifications
Location: Alexandria, Louisiana
The Rapides Parish Library Board of Control seeks a library director for its system consisting of a main library, 5 urban branches, 4 rural branches, a bookmobile, a van service to the homebound and a van service to child development centers. The Rapides Parish Library is a public library system located in central Louisiana and serves a population of approximately 132,374. It has combined holdings of over 344,000 items and an annual budget exceeding $5,500,000. Circulation for 2012 was more than 778,000. RPL has a staff of 93. The library’s automation system is from Innovative Interfaces and its facilities are non-smoking.
QUALIFICATIONS: Undergraduate degree from accredited university and graduate degree in Library and/or Information Science from an ALA-accredited university; at least five years of previous documented experience as a Library Director, or equivalent, managing personnel at the exempt level. Must have certification by the Louisiana Board of Library Examiners or be able to attain certification within the first year of employment. A criminal background check and a drug screening are part of the pre-hire process.
KNOWLEDGE, ABILITIES AND SKILLS include but are not limited to: 1) professional library principles and practices; (2) public library functions, facilities, and operations; (3) patron needs and library services to meet those needs; (4) standard library automated system modules. Demonstrated ability to: (1) administer library system operations and projects; (2) establish and maintain effective working relationships with trustees, administrators, supervisors and employees; parish officials and departments, communities, organizations and the public; (3) communicate effectively, orally and in writing, with groups and individuals.
GENERAL DUTIES:
• Administration of Rapides Parish library system including planning, organization and operations.
• Acts as secretary of the nine (9) member Library Board of Control responsible for implementation of Board policies and decisions.
• Plays a leading role in tax elections, and other funding initiatives; recommends a detailed annual budget to the Board and assists Board committees.
• Develops long-range objectives and plans; initiates implementation of Board-adopted goals; is heavily involved in capital programs (including land acquisition, construction and renovation).
• Exercises supervision, oversight and guidance for the following:
Types, levels, and standards of library services and programs offered; automation and technical services, public relations, and promotion. Decisions concerning library personnel (including hiring, employment, and
discipline). Interpretation and application of policy; resolution of inquiries and/or complaints. Ongoing review of projects, policies, studies, reports and library data. Maintenance and security of facilities, systems, and grounds. Other necessary duties as required.
BENEFITS: Medical, dental and life insurance are provided to employees with the library paying 74% of employee’s and dependents’ medical insurance premiums; excellent retirement system with Parochial Employees Retirement System of LA. Employees are afforded 20 days vacation/year, 12 paid holidays/year, and 15 days sick leave/year. Good library support for continuing education and attendance at conferences.
CENTRAL LOUISIANA:
Rapides Parish is an urban/rural mixture, anchored by the Alexandria/Pineville metro area (62,000 population of the 131,000 parish (county) total. Farms, lakes, small towns
and forests share the outlying portions. The parish is in the state’s center, served by a network of highways, including Interstate 49 and the Alexandria International Airport. A few large manufacturers and the state and federal governments supply many jobs, along with agriculture.
TO APPLY: Send letter of application and resume outlining qualifications as well as assessment of knowledge, abilities and skills as they relate to basic qualifications and salary requirement. Include the names and contact information for three professional references. Only candidates submitting all information required to meet minimum qualifications will be considered. Send to:
Carolyn Colwell Human Resource Administrator Rapides Parish Library
cfcolwell@rpl.org
QUESTIONS: If you have questions regarding the application process or the position, contact:
Carolyn Colwell, Human Resource Administrator E-mail: cfcolwell@rpl.org Phone: 318-445-6436, Ext. 1006
The Rapides Parish Library is an Equal Opportunity Employer and values diversity at all levels of its workforce.
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