SENIOR LIBRARIAN

About the Role

This is a supervisory position at the Onalaska and French Island locations of the La Crosse County Library. The employee is selected by and responsible to the Library Director, working closely with municipal officials regarding library facilities, grounds, and furnishings. They directly supervise and schedule staff and pages, provide circulation and reference services, and assist in programming. The role involves implementing policies, making recommendations, and ensuring excellent customer service.

Responsibilities

• Oversee day-to-day public library services at assigned locations.
• Communicate with the Director on service-impacting issues.
• Assist in hiring, training, scheduling, managing, mentoring, evaluating, and disciplining employees.
• Serve as a liaison to the municipality for facility maintenance and building needs.
• Make budget requests for facility needs and staffing.
• Analyze and recommend acquisitions for the assigned collection.
• Oversee supply inventory tasks.
• Implement library promotions and publicity efforts.
• Develop and deliver programs for all ages.
• Maintain technical skills to assist patrons with library software, internet resources, and databases.
• Troubleshoot equipment and network issues.
• Recruit and coordinate volunteers.
• Serve as a liaison to the Friends of the Library and direct their activities.
• Represent the library with community groups and organizations.
• Participate in training and educational sessions.
• Track and prepare statistics for state reporting.

Qualifications

• Preference for a Master of Library Science Degree or Master of Library Information Services.
• Consideration for a four-year related degree with substantial library experience.
• Minimum of four years of library-related work experience in a direct customer service environment.
• Preference for previous library management experience.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Availability to work evenings and occasional weekends.

Skills

• Working knowledge of library methods, procedures, and customer service.
• Flexibility in handling unexpected or difficult situations.
• Familiarity with facility management, service contracts, and maintenance work requests.
• Effective communication with staff and patrons.
• Ability to supervise, motivate, and discipline employees.
• Proficiency in computer programs, internet, library databases, and assisting patrons with technology.
• Accuracy in handling money and computer tasks.

Benefits

• Wisconsin Retirement System (WRS), a respected pension program.
• Countywide insurance plans with access to local, no-cost care options.
• Two dedicated banks of vacation and sick time, accruing from day one.
• Ability to bank up to 2× annual vacation accrual and up to 150 sick days as a full-time employee.

Leadership Functions

• Act with integrity, build trust, and demonstrate respect and honesty.
• Drive for results by setting clear goals and improving processes.
• Develop talent and foster a collaborative, growth-oriented environment.
• Lead with vision, strategy, and adaptability.
• Build and maintain effective relationships with stakeholders.
• Cultivate community engagement and provide excellent service.
• Demonstrate emotional intelligence in challenging situations.

Physical Demands: Move 40-pound boxes, sit at desks, use computers and office equipment, stand, reach, bend, and move freely. Tasks may involve exposure to blood/body fluids.

Work Environment: Public service role requiring courtesy, cooperation, and respect in all interactions.