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Library Director Job Description

What does a Library Director do?

A Library Director is responsible for the management and administration of a library. They oversee the library staff and ensure that the library is operating efficiently and effectively. Library Directors are responsible for developing and implementing library policies, managing the library budget, and overseeing the library’s collections. They also work to develop and promote library services and programs, and may also represent the library in the local community. A Library Director must have excellent communication and management skills, as well as a strong knowledge of library science and technology.

Our Library Director job description includes the Library Director responsibilities, duties, skills, education, qualifications, and experience.

Library Director Example


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If you need an example job description for a Library Director download the one below, alternatively we have many other Education job description samples and a job description library with over 3000 job descriptions templates that you can download for free.

What does a Library Director do?

The Library Director is responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of the library, including staff, resources, and services to library patrons. They must ensure that the library is providing quality service to its patrons, and that the library’s collections and services are in line with the mission of the library. The Library Director is responsible for developing and implementing policies and procedures, overseeing staff training and development, and ensuring that the library is compliant with all applicable laws and regulations. The Library Director must also develop and maintain relationships with other library professionals, local and regional organizations, and other stakeholders. Additionally, the Library Director must have excellent communication and interpersonal skills to manage staff, interact with visitors, and promote library services.

Library Director Role Purpose

The purpose of the role of Library Director is to provide leadership, direction and management in the delivery of library services. This includes overseeing the strategic planning, budgeting, staffing, and operations of the library, as well as developing and maintaining collections, services and programs to meet the needs of library users. The Library Director is also responsible for creating and maintaining relationships with library stakeholders and the wider community.

Library Director Role

The Library Director is responsible for the overall management and operation of the library, ensuring it meets the needs of its users. This includes planning and delivering services, budgeting, personnel management, marketing, and community outreach. The Library Director is also responsible for developing and maintaining collections and other library resources.

Library Director Duties

  • Leading the library service and developing its strategy
  • Managing the library budget and resources
  • Recruiting, managing, training and motivating staff
  • Developing and promoting library services
  • Organising and delivering outreach activities
  • Developing and maintaining strong relationships with stakeholders
  • Ensuring the library is compliant with relevant legislation and regulations

Library Director Requirements

  • Organisational and leadership skills
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
  • Knowledge of current library trends and technologies

Library Director Skills

  • Leadership
  • Strategic Planning
  • Organizational Skills
  • Knowledge of Library Services
  • Budgetary Planning

Library Director Personal Traits

  • Excellent communication skills
  • Strong leadership ability
  • High level of organisational skills
  • Excellent problem solving and decision making ability
  • A passion for literacy and the library service

How to write a Library Director Job Advert

Use our job advert template to write a job advert for posting on job sites and job boards. Our job advertising templates are carefully created to help you reach your audience and beat the competition to the best talent.

A job description informs the reader about a job, whereas a job advert’s main objective is to sell the job opportunity to attract as many suitable applicants possible. A job advert maybe the first touch-point a candidate has with your company so it is important to create a great impression.

Job Advertisements should enticing, so considering using short, exciting language which get the reader’s attention.

How to write a Library Director Job Description

To write a job description, we recommend starting with a job description template from our job description library, which contains examples for 800+ positions and professions. Our job description examples include a job summary with duties and responsibilities and skills and requirements, which can be personalised for your job vacancy.

Job Description Advice - Guidance on How to Personalise a Library Director Job Specification

The hiring process and recruiting new employees to fill your key roles requires a degree of personalisation if you are to attract the best employees in a competitive employment market. The right person for a crucial role or more senior roles will likely have other employers targeting them. As your job description will be the first point of contact, you need to nail your pitch and provide the best possible service.

Job Description Tips - Help on formatting a Library Director Job Specification

When creating your bespoke description and advert, you should cover and promote these points:

Job title: This should accurately reflect the role and include keywords that top talent might be using to search for jobs.

Job duties: The day to day duties, such as administrative tasks, which vary depending on the company and inform the candidate if they can complete the role.

Technical skills: These are the hard skills required through training, such as proficiency with Microsoft Office.

Soft skills: These include the interpersonal skills and general abilities the right candidates will possess. For example, the competency to prioritise multiple tasks, handle customer queries and customer complaints, work alone, or build a good relationship with coworkers.

The company's culture: Highlighting your company culture and values ensures employees thrive and find outstanding job satisfaction. Candidates that are not the right fit won’t waste their time completing the application process, meaning you can focus on qualified individuals and hire in a more timely manner.

Career progression: Including the career path will entice candidates looking for career growth. 

Training and development programs: Smaller companies may need employees with previous experience or provide educational assistance over internal training offered by larger organisations with more significant resources. 

Employee benefits: Compensation and benefits often fail to appear in job ads and while you may want to hold your cards close to your chest, failing to include them is a mistake. Consider answering common questions, such as working hours and paid leave. Researching the average salary for the role in these early stages will ensure you don’t waste your interviewer’s and the candidate’s time.

Skill gaps: Your company may need to bring in new skills beyond those required to complete the key role and duties. Thinking on an organisational level can be beneficial when contemplating skills diversity.

Legal requirements: Ensure your job advert and description does not ask for inappropriate or discriminatory personal details, such as age, marital status, or religion.

How to Hire a Library Director

Once you have selected your Job Description download it or convert it to a Job Advert. From here you can post/advertise your job across our network of job boards. If you wish to use the job description for a CV Template click through for advice and Convert to a CV

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