Position Opening

["Wilhelm, Diane" <wilhelmd@xxxxxxxxxx>]

Suburban Library System (located in metropolitan Chicago) is seeking an innovative, dynamic professional to administer the SWAN consortium (System-Wide Automated Network) utilizing  III's  Millennium turnkey system. This consortium currently has 78 member libraries of a multi-type makeup. 

The position requires an MLS/ALA degree, an extensive knowledge of library automation and telecommunications and the ability to work well with others.  The search team will be looking for an individual with outstanding communication and customer relations skills.  Extensive experience in finance and budgeting, skills in the negotiation of contracts as well as short and long term planning are also necessary.

A minimum of eight years of experience is mandatory with four of those years in library automation management and four years in an administrative position. Salary begins at $79,770. For further information regarding SWAN see <http://www.sls.lib.il.us/swan/index.html>

Please submit cover letter, resume and three professional references to Janet Hayes, Suburban Library System, 125 Tower Drive, Burr Ridge, IL 60527 or to hayesj@xxxxxxxxxx.

Full position description listed below:

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SWAN SERVICES DIRECTOR 
POSITION DESCRIPTION   


DEFINITION:

Position responsible for the administration, development and evaluation of SWAN Services including computer operations, consulting, technical support, training, and data entry for member libraries. Administers up to thirty.

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES:

Under the administration of the Executive Director, administers, coordinates and evaluates SWAN services.  Negotiates all contracts for SWAN services.  Prepares for consideration and administers the Computer Fund budget as approved by the SLS Board.  Provides advice and counsel on SWAN related problems and questions, primarily to library directors and governing boards.  Participates in planning for and implementing system-wide technological developments.  Works with the Information Technology Services Director in integrating SWAN with SLS Internet Services.  Works with the Library Services Consultant in administering the Reciprocal Borrowing program for member libraries.  Represents Suburban Library System in regional, state and national forums in the area of library technology and telecommunications.  Frequently requires extended hours of work and travel.  Participates in regularly scheduled SLS management meetings.  Serves as co-chair of the SWAN Administrators' Council.  With the co-chair, conducts the Quarterly SWAN Administrators' Meetings.

EXAMPLES OF WORK:  

Responsible for long-range planning, growth and development of SWAN.  Advises librarians and boards of SLS libraries.  Approves all Computer Fund expenditures.  Prepares the monthly charges that will be billed to the SWAN members.  Orders equipment, arranges financing and monitors accounts payable and receivable related to SWAN.  Plans, negotiates and monitors contracts with vendors for services.  Responsible for maintaining SWAN related statistics and member profiles.  Attends conferences and workshops to maintain current awareness of emerging technologies and software enhancements.  Participates in presenting technology based continuing education programs.  

NECESSARY KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES:

Extensive knowledge of library automation and telecommunications services and standards.  Knowledge of library administrative practices.  Demonstrated skills in budgeting, vendor negotiations, and planning.  Ability to plan and coordinate the work of others.  Ability to work effectively with staff, administrators, library boards and vendors.  Ability to evaluate situations, meet people easily and exercise tact, courtesy and good judgment.  Ability to analyze data in order to define a problem or need.  Ability to effectively communicate both orally and in writing.  Demonstrated ability to work in a team environment.  Confident attitude about working with technology.  Must have access to a vehicle for use on SLS business in performance of position requirements or hold a valid driver's license.

QUALIFICATIONS FOR APPOINTMENT:

-	MLS from an ALA accredited graduate school
-	Eight years library work experience which includes four years administrative experience and four years library automation management experience