Job Opportunity: Library Technology Manager

Job Title: Library Technology Manager

FT/PT: Full Time

Status: Exempt 

Benefits: Competitive health benefits package; IMRF participation; optional 457 available; accrued leave with paid holidays, sick time, personal time and 4 weeks of vacation

Schedule: 9 am – 5 pm Monday through Fridays; Person in Charge monthly evening rotation; some telecommuting work and flexibility in hours available 

Salary: Starting $61,113 DOQ

Lake Bluff Public Library is seeking an enthusiastic and customer service-oriented individual to manage the Library’s technology systems. This position will be a key member of the Library’s Management Team responsible for leading and implementing technology services to support staff and patrons. The ideal candidate will have an analytical mind, be self-motivated, enjoy solving problems, and have strong project management skills. We are looking for a technology innovator and leader who can help build the Library’s infrastructure and plan its future. 

Minimum Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree in IT, Computer Networking or related field; OR Associate Degree in IT, Computer Networking, or related field plus two additional years of relevant professional work experience 
  • At least three years of professional experience in network and system administration 

Preferred Qualifications

  • Technical skills in hardware, software, cybersecurity, networking and IT systems management 
  • Knowledge and experience working with Drupal content management system, HTML coding, and Microsoft Office 
  • Capable in analyzing, troubleshooting, and problem-solving technology related issues
  • Strong communication skills across platforms with the ability to communicate technical concepts to non-technical colleagues and patrons
  • Self-motivated and can work and learn independently, while also collaborating effectively with others
  • Experience researching, learning, evaluating, implementing, and teaching new library technologies; strong project management skills
  • Experience with public libraries 

Duties & Responsibilities

These examples do not include all possible tasks in this work and do not limit the assignment of related tasks in any position of this classification. 

1. Manages technology systems and procedures in accordance with the Library's mission statement, long-term plans, policies and procedures. 

  • Responsible for library-wide technology and IT troubleshooting and ticketing management system; communicates with technology vendors (ex. Computer View Inc., Innovative, Impact, etc.)
  • In collaboration with Management Team and staff, oversees the creation, implementation and ongoing maintenance for staff technology training procedures
  • Manages condition of technology equipment in library spaces, including Library issued telecommuting tools for staff; public PCs and catalog stations; staff PC and MacBook; staff and public photo copiers and printers; works with the Management Team to identify maintenance and improvements as needed
  • Oversees the management of the Library’s online public access catalog in collaboration with the Reference and Circulation Manager
  • Researches and participates in IT and technology related professional development and educational opportunities 
  • Performs other duties as assigned
  • Oversees the management of the Library’s Springshare software, which includes LibCal, LibInishgts, LibGuides, and LibWizard; collaborates with Management Team to evaluate and suggest process improvements to customer interface and staff experience 
  • Responsible for managing of the Library’s staff and public software programs, including Microsoft Office, print release software, Wi-Fi, Square Reader, etc.
  • Develops and presents technology and IT related staff training and onboarding for all new employees; manages technology updates for off boarding procedures

 2Supports the use and management of IT related communication channels. 

  • Oversees the content management, design and usability of the library’s website
  • Oversees management of the Library’s digital sign equipment, software, and content 
  • Manages the Library’s phone system, including contracting, staff training, hours updates, name changes, resetting of PIN numbers, etc.
  • Supports the Library Director and Community Engagement and Communications Manager to strategize, plan and develop content for Library’s social media platforms (Facebook, Instagram, YouTube) 
  • Manages the recording and equipment management of Library Board Meetings and Staff Meetings
  • Responsible for updating library hours and sending holiday closure messages across multiple communication channels (website, ILS, LibCal, Google Business, social media, etc.)
  • Manages internal communication platforms (Wordpress blog, Slack, Microsoft Outlook) 
  • Collaborates with Library staff to market and promote the Library’s digital and technology services to the public 

3. Manages customer service in a manner that will attract customers and present a positive library image in the Lake Bluff community.     

  • Responds to patron inquiries and reference requests via phone, email and in-person interactions as needed
  • Assists patrons with personal technology questions as needed/appropriate
  • Provides in-person assistance for downloading digital materials or accessing online resources as needed
  • Promotes the Library, services, collections and programs to community organizations and groups
  • In collaboration with the Community Engagement and Communications Manager, support outreach activities to target populations, groups and organizations when applicable
  • Assists patrons with library technology, such as public computers and laptops, WiFi, printers, copiers, faxing machines, scanners, and the public catalog as needed
  • Responds to emergency situations involving staff, customers, and building and communicates promptly and efficiently with the Library Director

4.  Participates in strategic and operational decisions and implementation in order to achieve library goals.                                

  • In collaboration with the Library Director and team members, establishes short-term and long-term goals and objectives for technology acquisition and management
  • Actively participates in Library Management Team to formulate and evaluate services, policies and procedures
  • In collaboration with the Management Team, manages the statistical data reporting of the library and its services using LibInsights, SenSource Vea door counting software, and other software programs
  • Prepares annual budget proposal for assigned budget lines to support technology and IT needs of the library
  • Acts as Person in Charge of the Library 
  • In collaboration with the Library Director and Management Team, proposes, develops, implements library technologies according to community and staff needs and interests 
  • Proposes and advises Library Director on suggested changes to library policies and procedures
  • Plans and proposes new technology or IT related projects or initiatives that would enhance library operations and services
  • Responsible for managing the Library’s monthly online statistical dashboards; prepares and submits monthly reports to Library Director

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities and Work Environment

Knowledge and ability to use, evaluate and train others in using library technologies 

  • Familiarity with Drupal content management system 
  • Working knowledge of Microsoft Office 
  • Understanding and ability to use HTML coding language 
  • Awareness and understanding of emerging trends in library technologies 
  • Knowledge of library online resources, databases and other electronic resources

Strong leadership skills

  • Demonstrates personal integrity, responsibility and accountability
  • Efficiently carries out library work objectives
  • Ability to work cooperatively with colleagues and teams
  • Knowledge of process and project management
  • Ability to develop and present staff training and learning opportunities 

Ability to effectively make decisions

  • Ability to independently track and prioritize task management with the needs of the Library
  • Acts thoughtfully and decisively
  • Informs decisions with analysis of pertinent facts, data and trends
  • Modifies decision making to adapt to new information or changing conditions

Ability to effectively communicate with internal / external clients. 

  • Clearly communicates mission, objectives and expectations
  • Demonstrates capacity for effective public relations
  • Addresses conflict directly, efficiently, respectfully, and professionally
  • Culture awareness and understanding when working with diverse identities 

Knowledge of and experience with library systems, principles and procedures

  • Ability to effectively work with the general public using strong verbal and written customer service skills in public interactions
  • Knowledge of and skill in using digital resources and library technologies of all types

Work Environment: The work is both active and sedentary. Work may include carrying of lightweight items, such as books and other library materials, or pushing of book carts. 

Location & Schedule: This position requires the majority of work time to be in-person and onsite at Lake Bluff Public Library. This position requires availability some evenings as a member of the Person In Charge rotation. Flexibility to work out of office is offered in accordance to the Library’s Telecommuting Policy.

How to Apply: Submit your cover letter, resume and 3 professional references to Library Director Renee Grassi at rgrassi@lakeblufflibrary.org

Application Deadline: Thursday, June 20 at 5 pm

News category