JOB POSTING - ADULT SERVICES COORDINATOR

The Dowagiac District Library is seeking an organized and enthusiastic self-starter to run our Adult Services department.  The coordinator manages interlibrary loan requests between the Library and State of Michigan ILL system.  Works at the front desk, helping patrons with a variety of library-related tasks. Promotes Library services, programs, and events via social media accounts and the library’s website.  Under the supervision of the Library Director, the Adult Services Coordinator develops programs, collections, and services for adults.

Hours: 40 hours/wk including one evening a week and rotating Saturdays (1-2 per month).

Salary: annual salary starting at $35,000.

Benefits: 80% Blue Cross health/dental/vision insurance, MERS defined benefit retirement, vacation, personal time, and paid holidays. Paid memberships in the ALA and/or MLA.

Duties and Responsibilities:

 ·         Processing incoming and outgoing items from Michigan eLibrary (MeL) interlibrary loan deliveries.

·         Adding events to the library's social media and website; creates flyers for advertising; submits press releases on programs to local media outlets.

·         Collection development duties (purchasing fiction titles).

·         Helping patrons find materials, including finding and downloading eBooks; answering reference questions, including using the MeL databases. Helping them make copies and scans, send faxes.

·         Calling patrons as items arrive, tracking requests not currently available, and entering requests for purchase as needed.

·         Creating book displays at the library and promoting them online.

·         Adult programming duties as time allows (e.g. cookbook club).

·         Helping patrons with computer problems, as time allows.

·         Opening and closing duties depending on length of shifts.

·         Plans, organizes, and executes current library programs; creates new programs for adults.

·         Assists the Youth Services Coordinator with design and implementation of the annual Summer Reading Program.

·         Remains current in resources, services and technologies in the information field.

·         May serve as person in charge.

·         Performs other duties as assigned by the Director.

 Required Qualifications:

 ·         Minimum of Associate’s degree; Bachelor’s degree preferred.

·         Knowledge of philosophy and techniques of public library service.

·         Experience with tablets, laptops, and other current technologies.

·         Excellent oral and written communication skills.

·         Knowledge of Canva online graphic design.

·         Self-motivated and creative with strong organizational skills.

·         Supervisory experience (library-related or otherwise).

To Apply: Please email cover letter and resume to Sue Watson, Interim Library Director at librarydirector@dowagiacdl.org.

Deadline for Applications: Interviews will be ongoing and continue until the position is filled; priority will be given to applicants who apply by September 25, 2026.

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JOB POSTING - LIBRARY DIRECTOR

Located in rural Southwest Michigan, the Dowagiac District Library is a Class IV library serving the City of Dowagiac and surrounding township communities. The seven-member Board of Trustees is seeking a director who can ensure that the library and its staff continue to provide excellent customer service, while keeping abreast of current issues related to the library field. The building had a comprehensive renovation and expansion in 2021, thus providing an excellent opportunity for continued and additional collection development and programming. A perpetual millage, along with investments, provides the library with stable sources of revenue. The Director is the chief administrator for the management of the library and reports to the Board. The principal duties and responsibilities of the position include, but are not limited to, the following general areas:

 Responsibilities:

·         Oversee the day-to-day administration of the library, within the framework of the adopted policies and budget

·         Recommends and drafts policies for Board consideration, implements policies and decisions approved by the Board

·         Drafts an annual budget and presents it to the Board for approval, administers the budget, and submits monthly updates to Board

·         Interviews and hires library personnel and provides appropriate job descriptions and evaluations for all staff; encourages continuing education opportunities; supervises and maintains staff scheduling and personnel files

·         Serves as primary spokesperson in communicating library policies and procedures to the staff, patrons, and general public

·         Promotes utilization and support of the library and publicizes library services

·         Serves as a liaison for the Board with outside groups, organizations, boards, and friends organizations; represents the library at professional meetings and community functions

·         Manages the library system’s development activities aimed at securing gifts, endowments, bequests, and grants

·         Maintains a safe and organized library environment for patrons and staff

·         Manages operations for payroll, taxation, accounting systems using third party agencies as appropriate

·         Manages library investment portfolio based upon direction/counsel of Board; reports to and consults with the Board regard to changes, planning, and investment strategies

·         In conjunction with Board direction and consultation, pursues all available opportunities for funding sources including grants, endowment funds and special programs.

·         Participates in materials selection and collection development programs

·         Provides direction and input regarding library programs, displays, exhibits,  library pathfinders, and bibliographies

·         Participates in providing customer services throughout the library including evening and weekend rotation duty

·         Other duties as needed and/or assigned by the Board

Desired Qualifications:

·         Master’s degree from an ALA accredited program in library science (MLA) or information science (MLIS)

·         Public library experience in a supervisory role preferred but not necessary to apply

·         Ability to analyze, evaluate and articulate library needs and services

·         Demonstrates ability to recruit, train, motivate, and supervise employees

·         Strong personal leadership skills and the ability to maintain effective working relationships with community leaders, public officials, leaders of educational and civic organizations, and patrons of all ages and abilities 

Compensation:

Starting at $58,000-$62,000 depending on experience and educational qualifications, 80% Blue Cross health/dental/vision insurance, MERS defined benefit retirement, life insurance, and paid time off.

 To Apply: please send a cover letter, resume, and three professional references to: Kathryn Hayes, Library Director Search Committee, kathrynseyah@aol.com.