Best & Next Department Manager

The Enoch Pratt Free Library has an opening for the Manager of Best & Next Department at our Central branch.  The Best & Next Department has a large and well-regarded media collection including CDs, DVDs, 16mm film, vinyl, video games, etc. We also have an internal audio-visual (AV) crew who does most of the sound and lighting for our public events, and an adult maker space that is in the process of expanding available services. We are looking for a manager for this department who is both passionate about public service and an expert in relevant fields.

In coordination with the Executive Director of External Affairs and the Central Library, SLRC Management Team, and SLRC Department Managers, the Best & Next Department Manager is responsible for all aspects of the planning, management, and coordination of city and statewide activities as they relate to the Best & Next Department, the Central Workshop, and the Enoch Pratt Free Library’s AV needs.

This is a managerial position under the direction of the Deputy Director of Public Services for the State Library Resource Center (SLRC).

This on-site position will work a flexible schedule, including days, evenings, and Saturdays.  

Department: State Library Resource Center

Location:  400 Cathedral Street Baltimore, MD 21201

Salary: $83,530 to $108,501 per year

Job Type: On-site Full-Time, Benefits Included

Summary of Duties:

The summary of duties below is not exhaustive. Additional duties are dependent upon the needs of the hiring division.

• Demonstrate a global view of Library services in the role of a major urban public library and as the State Library Resource Center of Maryland.
• Carry out the values in the Diversity and Equity statements of the Library with all staff members and customers.
• Monitor and evaluate staff performance as scheduled and create an atmosphere conducive to staff development.
• Maintain knowledge of trends in areas of technology, AV, media, and public library best practices that will impact service.
• Prepare necessary reports, monitor and analyze statistics, respond to trends, participate on Library and statewide committees, manage internal and external communications.
• Work with department staff in evaluating and recommending the acquisition of new and replacement titles and formats for the collection in coordination with the Library’s Collection Management Division and SLRC Management Team.
• Responsible for implementing the Library’s Strategic Plan Initiatives and the State Library Resource Center’s (SLRC) Annual Plan.
• Assure excellent customer service with adherence to the Enoch Pratt Library’s mission.
• Design, implement, and evaluate relevant department programming and outreach to a broad and diverse statewide customer base.
• Provide research, reference, and reader’s advisory assistance on general and specialized subjects for walk-ins, telephone, or electronic customers or referral to the appropriate departments or collections.
• Develop relevant training for local and statewide public library staff.
• Provide AV support for system-wide library events.
• Create new and innovative programming in the workshop/makerspace area.
• Interprets library policies for customers and department staff.
• Represent the library in statewide meetings, conferences, and other venues.
• Participate in the Library’s hiring process, interviewing, and recommending staff for available Library positions.
• Work with the SLRC Office to manage the departmental budget, develop and maintain relationships with vendors, etc., following the procurement policies of the Enoch Pratt Library.
• Participate in continuing education activities as required and in compliance with State Librarians Certification activities.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Masters in Library Science (MLS or MLIS) from an American Library Association (ALA) accredited college or university.
• Public Librarian Certificate, or requirements necessary to apply for a Maryland Public Librarian Certificate, within 90 days of starting employment.
• Four years of planning, programming, and supervisory experience in a public library, museum, or other educational setting.
• Experience in developing programs for information delivery.
• Experience with AV setups that include lighting, sound, and various computing devices.
• Ability to travel throughout Maryland with personal transportation.

• Physical Requirements: Physical exertion such as standing; or recurring activities such as bending, crouching, reaching; pushing loaded book trucks; reaching, bending, crawling under equipment for cable management and troubleshooting; or recurring lifting of moderately heavy items such as boxes of books or journals, or audio-visual equipment.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience working in a union environment.

• Supervisory experience.

• Experience working with 3D printers, vinyl cutters, other analog and digital crafting tools, and relevant software.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Research skills utilizing public library-type tools.
• Appreciation of an array of genres of music, film, and video games.
• Ability to work under pressure and to set priorities.
• Ability to work with others in a cooperative manner within a team environment and with individuals who possess varying degrees of technological aptitude.
• Effective communication, interpersonal, organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent customer service skills with a commitment to equitable customer service.
• Knowledge of the department’s subject areas.
• Commitment to continuing professional development and participation in professional activities.

Position of Trust: Those under final consideration for appointment will be required to authorize the release of and successfully complete a criminal conviction check.

Financial Disclosure: This position is required to complete a Financial Disclosure pursuant to Sections 7-7, 7-8, and 7-9 of the City Ethics Law.

Please Attach Your Resume To Be Considered.

THE ENOCH PRATT FREE LIBRARY IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER