This is supervisory and administrative library work directing a regional library program for the provision of services to visually impaired, physically handicapped, and reading disabled patrons. The employee in this class manages a state funded library function entailing direct mail library services to eligible patrons using braille, large print, and recorded reading materials. Supervision of a moderate size staff of librarians, clerical workers, store personnel and technical employees, interaction with governmental and private funding resource agencies, and consultation with library administrators regarding the development and implementation of service programs are significant aspects of the work.

The employee reports to the Director of the Free Library.

• Plans, develops, and implements a program of library service to all eligible blind and physically handicapped persons residing in eastern Pennsylvania and of braille service to such persons in a three state area: confers with other library administrators, the Director, and subordinate librarian staff on program development and implementation; revises nature and scope of services offered in view of national guidelines and state standards.
• Manages, through subordinate supervisors, the operations of a library for the blind and physically handicapped; reviews and revises operational procedures and policies to better accomplish program goals and objectives; supervises, through a subordinate librarian, acquisition, collection development, cataloging, book selection, and reader service activities; supervises the periodic weeding of damaged or obsolete material and the repair of useful damaged items; supervises a field service operation for the delivery, pick up, and repair of record and tape machines; directs through a subordinate supervisor the receiving, storing, shipping, and mailing of books and magazines; supervises the operation of a turn-key mini-computer used to implement a computerized circulation system; confers with software vendors and contracted systems personnel to establish and maintain updated system operations, coordinates the activities of a large volunteer service force including braille transcriber who produce braille volumes, tape volunteers who voice tape books and magazines, and technicians who repair record machines and tape players.
• Negotiates contracts with state agencies for funding of the library program; prepares agency budget statements for approval by state legislature; prepares city budget statements and justification for budget presentation; reviews and negotiates contracts with the Library of Congress for the acquisition of books, magazines, equipment, promotional material, and catalogs; writes specifications for and negotiates service contracts for such items as leasing of building space and maintenance of computer equipment; researches, develops, and implements grant proposals for special projects funded by foundations, corporations, and governmental agencies.
• Maintains liaison with library administrators and volunteer agencies for the blind on a regional and state level; discusses the needs of blind readers and other persons prevented by illness or disability from reading in a normal manner; recommends the revision or adoption of programs and services to be supported by state and federal funds.
• Promotes the continued and expanded use of available services by appropriate institutions and agencies; visits schools, hospitals, convalescent homes and other sources of potential patrons; explains to administrators and health professionals the library's program for the blind and physically handicapped; requests agency cooperation in providing book depositories or mail service for use by eligible persons; supervises the development and distribution of publicity materials relevant to services offered.
• Attends meetings and conferences pertaining to library administration; serves on boards and committees of agencies and bodies serving the blind.
• Prepares activity and progress reports.
• Performs related work as required.

KNOWLEDGE OF:

• principles, practices, and techniques of library organization and management, particularly as they apply to the area of blind and handicapped services.
• the principles and practices of library science including acquisitions, cataloging, and maintenance of library materials.
• effective methods of promotion of library services and programs in the community.
• public and private funding available for library services for the blind and physically handicapped.
• the methods of preparation of budget requests and requests for grants.
• modern concepts of building planning, library design, space utilization, and evaluation of equipment need for the utilization of library materials by blind and handicapped persons.
• methods and practices for development and training of staff in providing specialized library services.
• the utilization of mini-computer systems to address library applications.
• supervisory methods and techniques.

ABILITY TO:

• analyze and evaluate library services for the blind and physically handicapped and to make recommendations to provide library programs to meet public needs.
• present ideas effectively, both orally and in writing.
• establish and maintain effective working relationships with administrative personnel, associates, and recipients of library service.

• Possession of a fifth year degree from an accredited school of library science.

• Five years of librarian experience providing reference and reader's advisory service, which has included at least one year providing library services for the blind and physically handicapped and at least two years in a supervisory capacity in a large public library.

PHYSICAL AND MEDICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Ability to physically perform the duties and to work in the environmental conditions required of a position in this class.

PAY RANGE: EP24
Class Established: 8/1966
Latest Spec. Revision: 9/1988

CN/vp/mt