Library Services Manager

The Milwaukee Public Library is seeking dynamic Library Services Managers and Library Services Assistant Managers to lead two vibrant community branches:
Bay View and Zablocki Libraries
. These roles offer a unique opportunity to combine visionary leadership, community engagement, and innovative service in environments that truly matter to the neighborhoods they serve.

The Library Services Manager/ Library Services Assistant Manager-Branches will bring a proven track record of leadership and management, along with an innovative approach to library service. The ideal candidate will possess:

• Visionary Leadership:
  Sees the big picture and anticipates future trends in library services.
• Community Engagement Expertise:
  Excels in fostering meaningful community relationships by understanding diverse community needs.
• Creative Programming
  
  Skills:
  
  Thrives on developing innovative programs that meet the diverse needs of our patrons.
• Inclusivity Champion:
  Demonstrates a commitment to inclusivity, ensuring equitable access to resources for all.
  Change Management:
  Leads with creativity, inspires teams to excel, and navigates change with confidence.

Bay View Branch

Located at 2566 S. Kinnickinnic Avenue, the Bay View Branch is a contemporary, open, and light-filled space. Its bright, welcoming environment supports collaboration, creativity, and strong community connections in one of Milwaukee’s most active neighborhoods.

Zablocki Branch

Located at 3501 W. Oklahoma Avenue, the Zablocki Branch has deep community roots. Originally opened on August 12, 1963, as the Oklahoma Avenue Library, it was renamed in April 1984 to honor Clement J. Zablocki for his strong community advocacy. Today, it stands as a trusted neighborhood anchor with a proud legacy and an exciting future.

The names of eligible candidates who successfully complete the selection process will be placed on the highest-level eligible list for which they qualify. Eligible lists may be used to fill similar vacancies.

Essential Functions:

Operational Oversight and Performance Management:

• Direct the work of and collaborate with branch staff to provide library services to visiting patrons.
• Oversee reference and readers’ advisory services by providing books, audiovisual materials and identification of computerized databases for patrons.
• Develop and direct librarians, library reference assistants and librarian associates who perform reference, bibliographic, community work, programming and collection weeding.
• Counsel staff on the provision of high-quality service, professional development, and library best practices.
• Seek opportunities to develop and enrich library services and set priorities to maintain effective service programs consistent with MPL and City goals.
• Interview, onboard, train, evaluate, organize, schedule, and oversee the work assignments of reference and circulation staff.
• Provide staff training in effective access to library databases.
  Manage performance; issue commendation notices, make effective recommendations for disciplinary action and track and analyze data.

Development of Resources, Community Services and

Education:

• Manage collection in accordance with MPL selection criteria, as applied to the neighborhood served.
• Maintain branch collection profiles to ensure they are useful and desirable to those living in the neighborhood.
• Direct work on replacements, rebinds, choices of duplicate and alternate titles, and inventories.
• Promote the use of MPL services and its collections through displays, book talks, booklists, reviews, blogs and bibliographies.
• Participate in library sponsored TV and radio presentations.
• Write bibliographic articles and contribute to or approve articles about library services.
• Plan and present programs on a variety of subjects of community interest.
• Initiate contacts in the community and work with community organizations on library-connected programs. Form partnerships with neighborhood organizations and businesses for the enrichment of the communities that the library serves.
• Represent the library in community organizations, including speaking at meetings and keeping community leaders aware of library resources and services conducive to civic…