Library Manager – AR

Job Details

JOB DESCRIPTION

Post Title: Library Manager

Grade: ME9 (SO1 equivalent)
Department: Community & Housing / Library, Heritage & Adult Education Service
Responsible to: Library Service Manager
Responsible for: Library staff, volunteers, and security staff at designated library site(s)
Location: Based at any library within the service (may be required to work across multiple sites)

Job Purpose

To lead and manage the day-to-day operations of a library service point, ensuring the delivery of a high-quality, customer-focused service that meets agreed standards and performance targets.

The post holder will be responsible for managing staff, volunteers, resources, and the library building, while ensuring compliance with health and safety, safeguarding, and council policies.

The role also requires driving service improvement, supporting digital inclusion, and working with local communities and stakeholders to enhance the library’s impact.

Key Responsibilities

  1. Leadership and Staff Management
  • Manage, lead, and motivate library staff and volunteers to deliver excellent customer service
  • Undertake supervision, 1:1s, appraisals, and performance management
  • Manage rotas, staffing levels, and day-to-day deployment of staff and volunteers
  • Provide training, coaching, and development opportunities for staff and volunteers
  • Address performance issues and ensure consistent service standards are met
  1. Service Delivery and Customer Experience
  • Ensure the library provides a welcoming, accessible, and high-quality service to all users
  • Maintain consistently high standards of customer care
  • Deal with customer feedback, complaints, and service issues at a local level
  • Promote digital services and support customers in using technology and online resources
  1. Operational and Building Management
  • Be responsible for the safe and effective running of the library building(s)
  • Ensure compliance with health & safety, safeguarding, and council procedures
  • Act as key holder and respond to emergencies as required
  • Liaise with Facilities Management to ensure maintenance issues are resolved promptly
  • Maintain accurate records relating to staff, services, and building operations
  1. Performance Management and Service Improvement
  • Set and monitor team objectives and service targets
  • Track performance and implement corrective actions where necessary
  • Contribute to service planning and continuous improvement initiatives
  • Analyse data and use findings to improve local service delivery
  • Support and implement new ways of working and service innovations
  1. Community Engagement and Partnerships
  • Develop strong relationships with local communities and stakeholders
  • Support and promote local and national library campaigns and initiatives
  • Work collaboratively with partner organisations, schools, and community groups
  • Help extend the reach of library services through engagement and outreach activities
  1. Budget and Resources
  • Monitor assigned budgets and support income generation targets where applicable
  • Ensure resources are used efficiently and in line with council policies
  • Contribute to cost-effective service delivery
  1. Communication and Reporting
  • Ensure effective communication within the library team and across the service
  • Cascade information from senior management to staff and volunteers
  • Report on performance, issues, and achievements within required timescales
  • Represent local service needs and feedback to management

Person Specification

Experience

  • Minimum 2 years’ experience working within a library service
  • Minimum 2 years’ experience managing staff, including supervision and performance management
  • Experience of rota management, staff development, and training delivery
  • Experience working in a customer-focused environment

Knowledge

  • Understanding of public library services and their role in the community
  • Awareness of how libraries support council priorities and community needs
  • Understanding of performance management and service improvement frameworks
  • Knowledge of health & safety and operational compliance in a public setting

Skills and Abilities

  • Strong leadership and people management skills
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
  • Ability to manage competing priorities in a busy environment
  • Strong organisational and planning skills
  • Ability to analyse data and use it to improve services
  • High level of IT competence and ability to use multiple systems
  • Ability to motivate teams and drive performance improvement
  • Customer-focused approach with strong problem-solving skills

Personal Attributes

  • Proactive and solution-focused
  • Committed to continuous improvement
  • Able to work independently and take responsibility for decisions
  • Flexible and adaptable to service needs
  • Strong commitment to public service and community engagement

Summary

The Library Manager is responsible for leading a library service point, managing staff and operations, ensuring high-quality customer service, maintaining building safety and compliance, and driving continuous improvement in line with council priorities and community needs.