Description

Under the general direction of the Board of Trustees of the Bulverde Area Rural Library District and in collaboration with its members, the Library Director is responsible for planning, directing, managing, and overseeing all library activities and operations in alignment with the District’s Strategic Plan. This role includes supervising all library staff, with day-to-day oversight delegated to designated managers as appropriate.

In January 2000, a special election established the Bulverde Area Rural Library District (BARLD), serving 200 square mile boundary in the Bulverde/Spring Branch
area of western Comal County with a service population of approximately 43,000 people. Funded by a 1⁄2% sales tax in accordance with Texas Local Government Code 326, the Library District does not receive property taxes, relying instead on sales tax revenue generated within its boundaries. Governance is provided by a five-member elected Board of Trustees. The District is not attached to or supported by a city or county.

There is currently one library in the District, the Mammen Family Public Library, 131 Bulverde Crossing, Bulverde, TX 78163.

Responsibilities of the Library Director
Comprehensive Library Management
Assume full responsibility for managing all library services and activities, including children’s,teen, and adult services; programming; collection development; technical services; circulation; and all related library technologies.

Strategic Leadership
Develop, implement, and oversee library goals, objectives, policies, and priorities for all services. Recommend policies and procedures to the Board of Trustees and administer approved policies effectively.

Staff Development and Oversight
Foster a customer-focused environment where staff and volunteers provide proactive, friendly service. Manage the recruitment, selection, training, motivation, supervision, and evaluation of library personnel. Assess workloads and internal relationships, provide ongoing training, address performance deficiencies, and implement disciplinary or termination procedures as necessary.

Technology Administration
Develop, maintain, and enhance the library’s technology infrastructure, including online systems, databases, circulation hardware/software, and patron lending devices.

Program and Service Planning
Research, plan, and coordinate diverse library services and programs aligned with the Strategic and Technology plans. Recommend and implement revisions to these plans as needed.

Board Support and Communication
Serve as the primary information resource for the Board of Trustees. Facilitate communication, provide orientation and ongoing training for Board members, and support their work by preparing budgets, agendas, minutes, management reports, and other materials.

Financial Oversight
Manage library expenses within budgetary limits, administer payroll and benefits, and securely maintain personnel records.

Facility Management
Ensure the library facility is safe, secure, and welcoming for patrons and staff, addressing any maintenance needs promptly.

Community Engagement
Represent the library to external stakeholders, including elected officials, government entities, local schools, and community organizations. Build and maintain strong community partnerships and foster positive relationships with volunteers and support groups.

Public Relations and Promotion
Oversee a coordinated public relations program, including creating promotional materials, managing library displays, updating the library website, and planning community activities.

Professional Development and Representation
Stay current with trends and innovations in library science through participation in workshops, conferences, and educational offerings (minimum 10 continuing education hours annually). Represent the library at regional, state, and national levels and collaborate with other area libraries on cooperative initiatives.

Other Duties
Perform additional duties as assigned by the Board of Trustees.

Governance and Reporting
The Library Director reports directly to the President of the Board of Trustees. Board members are prohibited from directing or requesting the appointment or removal of library staff or issuing orders to staff members, either publicly or privately.

Requirements

Required Qualifications

• American Library Association Accredited MLS or MLIS degree
• Five years of increasingly responsible library experience, preferably in a public library, including a minimum of five years of senior administrative and supervisory responsibilities
• Strong computer skills
• Experience with operations, services and activities of a comprehensive library services program
• Management skills to analyze programs, policies and operational needs
• Experience with the principles and practices of library science, business management, program development, and administration
• Principles and practices of public library budget preparation and administration
• Principles of leadership, teamwork, supervision, training and performance evaluation
• Pertinent Federal, State and local laws, codes and regulations
• Computer technology and its application to libraries

Preferred Qualifications

• Proven ability to collaborate effectively with the Board of Trustees and diverse stakeholders.
• Demonstrated expertise in planning, organizing, directing, and coordinating work across various staff levels.
• Strong proficiency in staff recruitment, supervision, training, evaluation, and development.
• Skilled in delegating authority and responsibilities effectively.
• Leadership experience in overseeing library operations, services, and strategic initiatives.
• Proven ability to establish and achieve goals, objectives, and procedures that support library growth.