Saturday, October 31, 2009

Town Librarian - Fairfield (CT) Public Library

Find Your Home in Fairfield! The Town of Fairfield (CT) seeks a Town Librarian to build on the Library’s recent successes and lead it to new levels of excellence. Fairfield was ranked #9 as “the Best Place to Live in the US” (and #1 in the northeast) by CNN-Money.com in 2006. The Fairfield Library System serves a community of 58,000, in which 70% of all households have a library card with an approximate annual circulation of one million! Consisting of a Main library (60,000 sq. ft. building fully renovated in 2006, including the addition of an innovative Children’s space and the outstanding Bruce S. Kershner gallery) and the busiest branch in CT at 19,000 sq. ft., the Library is dedicated to its mission of strong public programming and services. The new Town Librarian will work with a committed staff (44 FTEs), an energetic core of volunteers, an established Friends of the Library group, and a $4.1 million budget to deliver quality services. The challenge for the next Town Librarian will be to move forward on the Library's Long Range Plan developed in 2008, including plans to renovate the branch while also leveraging strong community relationships and partnerships to continue the outstanding levels of service and programs. Additional information on the Library, Fairfield, and the surrounding area can be found at http://www.gossagesager.com/Fairfieldlinks.htm

Responsibilities. The Town Librarian of the Fairfield Public Library reports to a six-member Library Board of Trustees, serves as a Town department head (reporting to the First Selectman on administration matters), and works with the Board, staff, First Selectman, and major stakeholders to establish the strategic vision for the Library, aligning the Library’s mission, goals and objectives with the community’s needs and priorities. Overall responsibilities include: developing and maintaining effective internal and external communications; building and leading a diverse team of talented professionals to manage Library operations; planning, evaluation and oversight of the library budget; strengthening current governmental funding sources; working with the Fairfield Friends to develop additional revenue sources; and developing and maintaining partnerships with local, state and regional organizations and agencies.

See http://www.gossagesager.com/FairfieldPublicLibraryjobdesc.doc for the complete job description.

Qualifications. A master’s degree in library science from an ALA accredited program and a minimum of five years of increasingly responsible administrative library experience including a minimum of three years supervisory experience. Essential attributes and skills include: vision, creativity, energy and enthusiasm; superior written and oral communications ability; demonstrated success in effectively promoting library services to the community; political acumen; collaborative and consensus-building skills; and a thorough knowledge of current trends and “best practices” for library service. Proven success working effectively with a policy-making board, unions, and collaboratively with city officials is desirable.

Compensation. A starting salary range of $105,000-$115,000 (with final placement dependent upon experience and qualifications) and an outstanding fringe benefits package.

For further information, contact Gossage Sager Associates/Bradbury Associates via email or call 816-531-2468. Apply via email with a meaningful cover letter and your resume as Word attachments to DanBradbury@gossagesager.com or JobethBradbury@gossagesager.com. The position closes December 13, 2009.

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