Library Director

E.G. Fisher Public Library

Athens, TN

Applications for this exciting opportunity will be accepted through October 25, 2023. Athens, Tennessee is located in McMinn County midway between Chattanooga and Knoxville. 

Regular hours are 40 hours per week and may include evenings and weekends. 

The McMinn County Library Board seeks an energetic library director to manage and oversee the daily operation of the E.G. Fisher Public Library. The Director oversees a staff of 11, collection of 90,000 items, and annual budget of $400,000. 

As one of four independent libraries in McMinn County, E.G. Fisher Public Library is a 14,000 square ft. facility which started in its new location in 1997. The library is a vital part of community life with a service population of 35,000 (Level 4 Library). The library’s campus also includes an amphitheater and Wetlands Park which are managed in partnership with the City of Athens. 

The successful applicant will have a 4 year college degree with a minimum of two years’ experience in an automated library environment. The Director must be capable of creating a vision for the library and bringing that vision into reality. The Director must be detail oriented and be comfortable with technology. 

Required Qualifications and Experience 

            - Bachelor’s Degree from a recognized institution of higher education

            - Minimum two years of experience in an automated library environment 

            - Clear communication skills with staff and public 

            - Working knowledge of library management systems 

            - Working knowledge of Microsoft Office 

            - Willingness to learn and to teach 

            - Must be able to lift and carry 35 pounds 

            - Must possess a current driver’s license 

Preferred Qualifications and Experience 

     - Master of Library Science (MLS) from an ALA accredited program or equivalent Masters in a library related field. 

     - Two years supervisory experience. 

Responsibilities

            - Maintain a positive and productive working relationship with the Library Board along with various agencies and community groups, including the Friends of                             Fisher Public Library, and government officials of both McMinn County and City of Athens.

     - Oversee daily operations, equipment, and maintenance of the library. 

     - Perform administrative tasks including supervising employees and volunteers

     - Place material orders and oversee the processing, cataloging, and maintenance of materials 

     - Promote the services and programs of the library to the public and elected officials

     - Prepare a yearly budget under the supervision of the Library Board 

     - Maintain accounts receivable and payable in correspondence with the Library Board 

     - Actively develop and engage in both fundraising and friend raising initiatives 

     - Seek grant funding opportunities for the library 

     - Prepare yearly data collection reports 

     - Administer policies approved by the Library Board in compliance with state and federal law. 

     - Complete a minimum of 25 hours of continuing education each year 

     - Be willing to enroll, if needed, in the Tennessee State Library and Archives Public Library Management Institute 

     - Serve as administrative staff to the Library Board 

     - Other duties as required. 

Benefits and Compensation 

Salary offered is commensurate with experience and qualifications and is negotiable from $45,000. Benefit package includes health insurance, participation in the Tennessee Consolidated Retirement System, paid vacation and sick leave. 

Send a cover letter, current resume, and names and contact information of three references by midnight October 25, 2023 to [log in to unmask]

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___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Liz Thigpen Schreck | Director

Ocoee River Regional Library

State E-Rate Coordinator for Public Libraries

Office of Tennessee Secretary of State Tre Hargett

718 George Street, NW,  Athens, TN 37303

P. (423) 745-5194 – office;   (423) 649-1583 – direct

Regional Toll Free – (855) 692-8186

Fax (423) 649-1501

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