Library Services Supervisor - Reference

The Library Services Supervisor - Reference position will be an open and continuous recruitment process until the position is filled. The first screening deadline is 11:59 p.m. on Thursday, November 6, 2025.

Class specifications are intended to present a descriptive list of the range of duties performed by employees in the class. Specifications are not intended to reflect all duties performed within the job.        

JOB OBJECTIVES

To supervise, train, assign, evaluate and participate in the work of adult, children and teen librarians and volunteers responsible for providing assistance, education and information to patrons on library use, promoting and publicizing library services, and planning library programming; to oversee and participate in all work activities; to ensure work quality and adherence to established policies and procedures; and to perform a variety of technical tasks relative to assigned area of responsibility.  

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

Receives general direction from the Library Director.   

Exercises direct supervision over adult, children and teen librarians, on-call employees, student workers, interns and volunteers.

The following tasks are typical for positions in this classification. Any single position may not perform all of these tasks and/or may perform similar related tasks not listed here.

1. Plan, prioritize, supervise and participate in the work of adult, children and teen program staff, on-call employees working at an information desk, student workers, interns and volunteers responsible for the reference, programming, outreach and publicity services of the library. 
2. Assign work and evaluate work performance of supervised employees and volunteers. 
3. Participate in the recruitment and selection of new adult, children and teen service employees; make hiring recommendations.
4. Train new and existing employees; work with employees to correct deficiencies; implement disciplinary procedures.
5. Establish schedules and methods for providing library services; identify resource needs; review needs with appropriate management staff; allocate resources accordingly.
6. Receive time sheets and other personnel information; review information for accuracy and completeness; assist in preparing payroll information; maintain confidentiality. 
7. Participate in budget preparation and implementation; prepare cost estimates for budget recommendations; submit justifications for requests; monitor and control expenditures.
8. Participate in the development of policies and procedures; monitor work activities to ensure compliance with established policies and procedures; make recommendations for changes and improvements to existing standards and procedures.
9. Recommend and assist in the implementation of goals and objectives; implement approved policies and procedures; prepare analytical and statistical reports on operations and activities.
10. Act as liaison for the Library with other divisions, departments and outside agencies; negotiate and resolve sensitive and controversial issues.
11. Serve as Library contact for automated computer systems related to areas of responsibility; assist in systems development and implementation; work with City’s IT department to install and troubleshoot hardware and software.
12. Perform professional library functions within the adult, children and teen services sections of the library; provide the public with information on services, policies and procedures; provide assistance to library patrons of all ages in locating various materials; explain use of automated catalog systems, indexes and databases; recommend materials to patrons using standard bibliographic sources; locate materials on shelf.
13. Instruct patrons on how to access library e-content, including personal computers, tablets and other devices; troubleshoot patron complaints and problems related to e-content.
14. Provide coverage at a public information desk; determine patrons’ needs through the reference interview process; identify appropriate sources for obtaining books and other materials that the library does not own; suggest resources from the library’s collection or from other libraries.
15. Research, evaluate and recommend the purchase of materials for the adult services sections collections, including Library of Things (LOT) materials; maintain awareness of trends in book publishing through reading appropriate library and related journals.  Supervise purchasing of children and teen collections; monitor and adjust budgets accordingly.
16. Evaluate and recommend items for withdrawal from the adult services sections’ collections; analyze subject areas on a regular basis to ensure adequacy and currency of materials.
17. May serve as Library representative on the Citywide Communications Team; maintain the Library portion of the City Editorial Calendar; investigate and recommend process improvements regarding communications procedures and technology platforms (in conjunction with IT); manage and provide content for the Library e-newsletter communications to subscribers.
18. Receive patrons ILL requests, research availability and submit request on patron behalf.
19. Acts as person in charge with reference to facility and maintenance related problems as needed; determine space requirements, move and arrange items, equipment, shelving and tabling as necessary.
20. Attend and participate in professional group meetings; stay abreast of new trends and innovations in the field of library science and technology services; facilitate training opportunities for supervised staff.
21. Contribute to a positive work environment.
22. Maintain regular, predictable attendance and punctuality.
23. Perform other directly related duties consistent with the role and function of the classification.

QUALIFICATIONS

Knowledge of:

Operations, services and activities of a public library.

Principles of supervision, training and performance evaluation.

Operational characteristics of computer systems used in library services.

Computerized cataloging, bibliographical and circulation systems and databases.

Principles and practices of budget preparation and administration.

Modern office equipment including computers and supporting word processing and spreadsheet applications.

Principles and practices of record keeping.

Pertinent Federal, State, and local laws, codes and regulations.

New and emerging technologies used in library services and of interest to patrons.

Operational characteristics of computer systems and devices used in library services.

Ability to:

Supervise, organize and review the work of assigned staff.

Select, supervise, train and evaluate staff.

Interpret and apply administrative and departmental policies and procedures.

Perform research using various reference materials.

Operate computerized cataloging, bibliographical, acquisition and circulation data systems.

Organize and coordinate programs relating to library services.

Assist library patrons in response to complex library questions.

Troubleshoot minor problems on personal computers, laptops, and devices.

Assist patrons in accessing library e-content.

Prepare clear and concise administrative reports.

Operate a variety of office equipment including a computer and associated programs and applications.

Respond to requests and inquiries from the general public.

Understand and carry out oral and written instructions.

Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.

Establish and maintain effective relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Any combination of education and experience that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying.  A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:

Education:
Master’s degree in Library or Information Science from an accredited college or university.

Experience:

Four years of increasingly responsible library experience, including two years of PIC experience and/or extensive experience lead role in a library environment.

Physical Demands and Working Conditions:
The physical demands herein are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential job functions.

Environment: Incumbents work in a public library environment with exposure to computer screens. Incumbents in this position have extensive interactions with the general public.
Mobility: Incumbents require sufficient mobility to work in a public library setting and operate office equipment; to walk, stand or sit for prolonged periods of time. Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter and retrieve data using a computer keyboard or calculator and to operate office equipment.
Vision, Hearing and Communication: Vision sufficient to read small printed documents, computer screens and other documents. Hearing and speech sufficient to communicate in person and over the telephone.

To Apply: 
Submit completed City application online by the posted deadline and include a letter of interest, and include why you are applying for this position and what strengths you feel you would bring to the position.

Selection Process

Appropriate documentation verifying veteran status, including DD-214 or DD-215 plus the City of Forest Grove's Veterans Preference Form, must be submitted if claiming veteran's preference. Applications will be screened through an evaluation of skills, experience and work history. Please note that the Education and Experience sections of the application must be filled out completely and truthfully. Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of the required application. Incomplete applications may be disqualified from the selection process. Selected candidates will be invited to participate in an interview process.

Position Status: 
This position is exempt from the provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act and is unrepresented.

Please be sure to include in your application a valid email address you check frequently (including spam and junk folders), as candidates may be notified via email.

Salary : $83,208 - $106,200