Careers

Would you like to be a part of the team? The Haverford Township Free Library recognizes that only with a dedicated, enthusiastic and creative staff can we provide the materials, services, and programs that our community has come to expect. If this sounds like the kind of team you'd like to join, please review our current openings and check back periodically for updates.

Library Director (Full Time)

Position Overview

The Haverford Township Free Library (HTFL) seeks an energetic, personable, and innovative
individual to lead at an exciting moment in the library’s history with a brand new state-of-the-art
facility; seasoned, dedicated employees; and a demonstrated record of high community engagement.

Reporting to the Board of Trustees, the successful candidate will be able to lead the library, its
programs, its collections, and its staff into the future based on a carefully developed strategic plan and
operational goals.

Located in the heart of Haverford Township, HTFL is prepared to use an expanded and revitalized
facility as a springboard for outstanding programming and partnerships. Among the highest circulation
rates of any library in the Delaware County Library System, HTFL serves a population of 50,431
residents from Havertown, Ardmore, Wynnewood, Drexel Hill, and Bryn Mawr.

The Director will be fully responsible for handling the day-to-day operations of the library including
supervision of staff; collection development; overseeing the facility and contracts; budget preparation
and management; and maintaining positive relationships with patrons, Township officials, County
system colleagues, business partners, donors, and civic leaders. The Director will work in conjunction
with the Township Manager and Construction Managers to finalize the construction of and the move
to the renovated and expanded library, with a planned opening in spring 2025.

Duties and Responsibilities

General Administration

• Oversees and provides for outstanding library services, collections and access for a diverse
  community of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds through the effective use of library
  resources.
• Manages and directs the day-to-day operations of the Library, including all aspects of the
  physical plant to ensure safe, secure and user-friendly facilities.
• Evaluates financial needs and makes recommendations to the Board; prepares and submits
  an annual budget in consultation with Board Treasurer; monitors all revenue and expenditures
  within budget parameters; reviews all financial transactions and required local, state and
  federal reporting, including an annual audit report.
• In collaboration with the Board, seeks new revenue sources and provides active leadership to
  fundraising efforts; identifies and engages with major donor prospects; supports and facilitates
  the work of Friends of the HTFL; identifies and oversees opportunities available through grants
  and contracts.

Planning and Evaluation

• In collaboration with the Board, develops and implements short- and long-range strategic
  planning; offers professional advice on items requiring Board action, with recommendations
  based on thorough study and analysis; executes library policies in accordance with applicable
  laws and best practices.
• In collaboration with professional staff, provides for critical periodic reviews and evaluation of
  current services, collection development and maintenance, technological innovations, and
  space utilization; adjusts for improvement as needed.

Personnel Management

• Recommends, develops, and administers sound personnel policies and practices, including
  reviewing/updating employee policies and the handbook.
• Provides leadership and oversight for professional librarians and staff, including hiring,
  training, and performance assessment.
• Ensures that staff performance appraisal is completed on an annual basis.
• Demonstrates leadership by taking initiative and serves as a model and mentor by
  demonstrating strong professional ethics and commitment to service.
• Models consistent collegial and respectful professional behavior for all staff.

Community Outreach and Public Relations

• Serves as the official representative of the Library and the Library’s chief advocate.
• Represents the Library and speaks before official, civic, and community groups.
• Develops and sustains strong cooperative working relationships with government officials,
  civic, and community groups, including the School District of Haverford Township and other
  educational institutions and business organizations.
• Collaborates with other Library Directors and System Administrators to improve county-wide
  services; represents HTFL at Delaware County Libraries (DCL) meetings, pertinent Township
  meetings, community events, and other venues important for Library advancement and
  outreach.

Professional Development

• Participates in professional development opportunities to enhance skills and maintain an
  awareness of new trends and developments in the library field.
• Ensures professional development and continuing education opportunities for staff.

Role Requirements

Visionary Leadership

The successful candidate will be a strategic thinker, capable of articulating and implementing plans
that build on the library’s strong foundation to advance innovation.

Exceptional Communication Skills

The successful candidate will be able to inspire and connect with patrons, staff, Township officials,
donors, civic leaders, and community partners.

A Personable Presence

The successful candidate will possess high emotional intelligence. They will be skilled at building
strong relationships and collaborating and engaging with others authentically.

Additional Qualifications

• Master’s in Library Science or Master’s in Library and Information Science from an ALAaccredited program.
• Five years of administrative experience in a public library setting.
• Ability to effectively budget and manage resources in a public library setting.
• Thorough knowledge and understanding of principles, practices, and current trends in public
  libraries.
• Strong service and community outreach orientation with evidence of active involvement with
  community organizations.
• Interest and participation in local, regional, and national professional library activities.
• Professional librarian certification from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
• Clearance from all required background checks.
• The ability to work some evenings and weekends in order to represent the Library at meetings
  and functions.

Salary and Benefits
Salary is currently slated within the $85,000 - $95,000 range and will be commensurate with
qualifications and experience. Benefits include vacation and sick leave, health, dental, eye, and
prescription insurance, and TIAA-CREF participation.

About the Library
The Haverford Township Free Library has been the Township’s official public library since 1934,
providing continuing service to the community for more than 80 years. The Library is an independent
non-profit 501(c)(3) organization governed by a seven-member Board of Trustees, four of whom are
appointed by the Township of Haverford Commissioners and three who are elected by members of
the Haverford Township Free Library Association. It is one of 28 libraries in the Delaware County
Library System (DCLS) and follows the laws and regulations of the Pennsylvania Library Code.
The Library’s mission is “to provide the residents of Haverford Township, as well as the public at
large, with exemplary access to the broadest range of resources, programs, and services that
enhance and enrich their lives.” The HTFL is committed to lifelong education and learning, and to
serving patrons of all ages, abilities and backgrounds. The Library’s total collection use of more than
151,500 items (2024) is among the highest of the 28 libraries in Delaware County.
To Apply
Submit a cover letter, resume, and names of three references to Margaret Fox-Tully, President, Board
of Trustees, Haverford Township Free Library via email to Search Committee at
jobs@haverfordlibrary.org. The position will remain open until filled, with a potential starting date at
the earliest opportunity.
The Haverford Township Free Library supports workplace diversity and is an Equal Opportunity
Employer (EOE). All employees are required to obtain a PA Child Abuse History Clearance, PA
Criminal Recordcheck, and Federal Criminal Background Check

Follow this link for a printable pdf

 

Reference Manager (Full Time)

Job Description

The Haverford Township Free Library (HTFL) is located in Haverford Township,
which is the 5th largest township in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania on the
outskirts of Philadelphia. Our friendly and professional staff is dedicated to providing
stellar customer service and informational resources to all people. HTFL is one of the
largest of the 28 Delaware County Libraries (DCL). HTFL is a vital and active leader
within the library community.

Position Description

The Reference Manager is responsible for the leadership, direction, management and administration of
our highly qualified and energetic reference department. This includes, but is not limited to, resource
acquisition, programs, and services to meet the needs of the community in accordance with the Library’s
mission, vision, strategic plan, goals and objectives. This individual is also responsible for implementing,
overseeing, maintaining and evaluating all technology and computer-based activities for the Library. This includes, but is not limited to internal/external informational technology (IT), computers, printers, e-
readers, Rokus, hotspots, makerspace technologies, and website/social media content and hosting. This position requires a schedule which would include day, evening and weekend hours.

Qualifications

• MLIS (Masters in Library & Information Science) from ALA accredited school.

• Experience in library management including collection development and all aspects of a busy
  reference department.

• Exceptional expertise in all areas of electronic and digital materials with the ability to adapt to
  new developments in the digital world with ease.

• Knowledge of current and progressive trends in reference and library services.

• Ability to work well with people of all ages, races, genders, ethnicity, socio-economic status, etc.

• Ability to think creatively and find solutions outside the box with given projects.

• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with all HTFL staff and
  departments.

• Exceptional organizational skills.

• Ability to assume multiple responsibilities with competence.

Primary Responsibilities

Management

• Manages multidisciplinary programs for Information Services in a manner that is consistent with
  the Library’s goals and objectives.

• Supervises reference staff and maintains staff schedules.

• Acts as building supervisor of the Library on required evenings and weekends as well as coverage
  on reference desk shifts.

• Handles sensitive situations professionally and as required by the Library’s policies.

• Assists in creating a welcoming space for all in the library setting.

Collections

• Assumes diverse collection development responsibilities, both print and digital.

• Educates and assists patrons in the selection and use of library materials and technology.

• Prepares reading lists and organizes diverse displays.

Membership, Continuing Education, and Meetings

• Participation in professional library organizations.

• Active membership on multiple library committees.

• Attend HTFL staff and other appropriate DCL reference and/or adult services staff meetings.

• Attend and encourage reference staff to participate in continuing education workshops,

  conferences and webinars.

Reporting

• Ability to deliver concise and professional reports of library services both orally and in written

  format; including writing monthly Reference Manager and statistical reports.

Funding and Special Projects

• Willingness and ability to take on special projects as assigned, including assistance in securing

  funding, grant writing, future capital campaigns and training of personnel.

Additional Duties

• Works at the reference desk to assist staff and library patrons. Answers reference desk phone and

  completes miscellaneous duties as they arise both at the desk and on the floor.

• Provides in-house, telephone and/or remote reference services to the public and member Delaware

  County Libraries.

• Monitors reference e-mail accounts.

• Follows through with bookings/returns of specialized materials.

• Completes Access PA requests and assists with public computers as needed.

• Provides assistance in other departments as directed.

Technological Responsibilities

• Notable understanding of computer technology and use of computers in library services.

• Knowledge of Sierra ILS is a plus, but not required.

• Exceptional expertise with electronic and digital materials is required, and ability to adapt to new

  developments in the digital world.

• Provides training and instruction to library staff and public on the use of online catalog, databases,

  Microsoft programs and use of digital devices/media.

• Lead the library in researching, identifying, evaluating, and adopting emergent technology

  products and solutions which can improve library user’s experience, and/or optimize use of library

  service and resources.

• Develop, coordinate, train and implement use of current and new technologies that facilitate

  Library use and information access for staff and library users.

• Previous experience working in a Makerspace serving all ages.

• Excellent knowledge of Microsoft Office programs especially Word, Excel, PowerPoint & Publisher.

• Takes the lead role in making the Library a technological hub.

• Adopts new and emerging technologies, as well as encourages integration of innovative technology

  throughout the library.

• Operate and troubleshoot a variety of standard office machines.

Other Requirements

• Ability to operate computer equipment and keyboards with ease.

• Able to sit, stand or move for extended periods of time, plus shelving that may require ability to

  stoop and reach in a confined area.

• Ability to move cart of books weighing up to 50 lbs.

• Requires both criminal background and child abuse clearances.

Salary/Benefits:

Salary range for this full-time position is $50,000 - $60,000, depending upon qualifications and experience.
HTFL provides excellent benefits that include health, prescription, dental and vision insurance along with
retirement benefits.

Application Process

To apply, please submit a letter of intent, resume, and the name, title, and contact information of five
professional references to the attention of Julie Schultz at jobs@haverfordlibrary.org by the closing date of
February 27, 2024.

Follow this link for a printable pdf

 

Library Assistant I (Part Time)

Job Description

The Haverford Township Free Library (HTFL) is located in Haverford Township,
which is the 5th largest township in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania on the
outskirts of Philadelphia. Our friendly and professional staff is dedicated to providing
stellar customer service and informational resources to all people. HTFL is one of the
largest of the 28 Delaware County Libraries (DCL). HTFL is a vital and active leader
within the library community.

Position Description

To assist the Library Administration in creating a welcoming, pleasing, creative, vibrant and dynamic
space for individuals of all ages in the library setting. The Library Assistant I works under the direct
supervision of an assigned Department Manager to keep the library running smoothly during daily
operations. Performs a wide variety of general library work to assist all patrons including children,
tween, teen and adults in using the library’s services and facilities, and in the daily operational needs of
the Library including other departments.

Primary Responsibilities

• Helps to establish and maintain a high customer service performance standard

• Provides a welcoming atmosphere to all customers

• Assists in maintaining a neat, organized, safe and secure environment

• Assists customers in use of library services and facilities

• Responds to requests for assistance or refers customers to Reference Librarian

• Pick-up items from HTFL Remote Book Drop locations

• Knowledge of the collections and displays

• Educates and assists children, tween, teen, and adults in the selection and use of library material

  and technology

• Takes responsibility for being fully informed of all library programs, events and specific needs

• Promotes interest in HTFL library use through advocacy, program promotion, outreach to schools

  and other community resources

• Knowledgeable in HTFL Policies and Procedures

• Receives and resolves complaints or refers customer to a Manager, Business Manager and/or

  Library Director

• Works in all library departments including Circulation, Youth Services, Administration and

  Technical Services as required

• Opens and closes the Library and Departments using associated procedures

• Performs full range of circulation desk duties including issuing library cards, checking materials in

  and out, reserving books, collecting fines and fees, answering the phone, DCL van procedures, etc.

• Inspects returned library material for receipts/papers left in books, damage, relabeling, re-
  covering; counts and inspects number and condition of discs/parts prior to check out and check in,

  etc. and follows proper procedure to deal with problem items

• Prepares returned and checked in items for routing to owning library

• Sorts and shelves returned library material

• Assists with planning, organizing, and implementing on-going and special programs for children,

  tween, teen, and adults within and outside the library setting

• Maintains photocopier paper supply, toner, etc.

• Completely knowledgeable about security system-how to engage and disengage alarm and

  accompanying procedures

Additional Duties

• May assist in training new library assistants on computer systems and library policies and

  procedures

• Participates in meetings to discuss ideas for improvement, resolve problems and keep updated on

  library plans and activities

• Maintains the library’s public area in clean and orderly fashion by maintaining displays, table

  surfaces, hand-outs/literature both inside the library and the lobby area, and the cleaning of

  computer monitors/keyboards

• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with Managers and co-workers

  and work effectively as a member of a team

• Meets, communicates, and deals with the public in a calm, pleasant, constructive, and courteous

  manner

• Works with accuracy and maintains customer record confidentiality

• Understanding of computer technology and use of computers and other technologies in library

  services

• Ability to learn and become skilled in the library’s automated computer system

• Knowledge of basic public library services

• Filing with alphabetical and numerical accuracy

• Ability to move and shelve heavy books and other library material

• Carries out instructions furnished in written, oral or schedule form

• Learns library procedures and priorities in a short period of time

• Multi-tasks and work with interruptions

• Enjoys reading and using other library materials and helping others of all ages enjoy the library

• Performs other related duties and provides staff assistance in other departments as directed by

  Department Manager, Library Director, and/or other Managers

Qualifications

• Two years of college preferred; will consider high school diploma or GED and experience

• One-year work experience dealing with the public

• Ability to foster a culture of diversity, equity and inclusion for staff and patrons

• Ability to accept supervision and direction from Supervisor, Library Director, and other

  department managers

• Stellar customer service skills

• Creativity and flexibility

• Computer literate

• Interest in reading

• Requires flexibility in schedule including days, nights, and weekends

• Must have a valid driver’s license

Wages/Salary

$15 /Hour

Application process:

Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. To be considered;
please send a cover letter, resume, and the name, title, and contact information of three professional
references to: Julie Schultz at jobs@haverfordlibrary.org.

Follow this link for a printable pdf