Salary: $44.36 Hourly
Location : 569 N. Cedar St., Adams, WI
Job Type: Regular Full-time
Job Number: 39-2026
Department: Library
Opening Date: 09/03/2026
Closing Date: 10/9/2026 5:00 PM Central
DescriptionThe Library Director is responsible for the planning, organization, development, and overall supervision of the Adams County Library, a consolidated county library under section 43.57(1) of the Wisconsin Statutes. This individual is appointed by, and reports to, the Library Board according to section 43.58(4) of the Wisconsin Statutes, and exercises considerable independent judgment in decision making within general guidelines as set forth by the Library Board and County Board.
The following duties are illustrative, and the person holding this position may be required to
perform other duties of a similar nature or otherwise related to the position.
Examples of Duties- Coordinates strategic planning and assessment activities for the library in cooperation with the Library Board. Develops and submits the library's policies, long- and short-range goals and objectives to the Library Board for review, approval, and update, and is responsible for implementation as established by the Board. Interprets policy decisions to staff members for implementation.
- Attends all Library Board meetings and acts as a technical advisor to the Library Board.
- Develops and prepares the annual library budget proposal for review by the Library Board, and participates in its presentation to the county finance committee and County Board. Expends funds within established guidelines. Monitors revenues and expenditures to assure sound fiscal control and approves any expenditures by staff.
- Provides professional advice on library issues to Library Board and county government. Schedules and conducts planning or informational meetings or communicates with small committees or individuals as needed.
- Supervises the library's collection development, including the selection and withdrawal of specific items and formats. Organizes access, storage, and control of the collection. Oversees interlibrary loan operations, and the transfer of assets between libraries. Analyzes and reports on circulation patterns and makes recommendations to the Library Board based on trends.
- Initiates and directs the library's planning and use of technology. Oversees technology needs, evaluates emerging technologies and services, and recommends improvements to support library operations and public service.
- Supervises record keeping and acquisition of statistical data needed for library planning and preparation of reports as required for the county, library system, and state.
- Recruits, selects, hires, supervises, evaluates, and terminates library staff, in accordance with County policies. Oversees the staff training program. Recommends improvements in staffing, organization, salaries, and benefits to the Library Board. Plans and organizes work load and staff assignments; reviews work loads and directs changes as needed. Plans and conducts regular staff meetings.
- Maintains state certification and professional qualifications through seminars, workshops, additional college credits, and participation in professional organizations such as the American Library Association (ALA) and the Wisconsin Library Association (WLA).
- Represents the library within the South Central Library System (SCLS) by attending All Directors' meetings, committee meetings, and work groups. Participates in the development of consortium policies, shared services, and annual cost-sharing agreements for system services. Represents the library in professional organizations and serves as spokesperson for the library within the community.
- Plans and directs a public relations program through newspaper articles, radio visitations, parades, programs, school visits, etc., to promote general public awareness of library programs and service.
- Plans and coordinates programs for all ages (or supervises staff who do).
- Prepares grant proposals and administers grants, gifts, and other special funding projects as assigned by the Library Board.
- Prepares annual reports for the Library Board and the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction's public library division. Conducts surveys as required for annual state reports and for funding sources.
- Performs other duties as requested by the Library Board.
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable an individual with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Essential Qualifications - Master of Library Science degree from a university program accredited by the American Library Association (ALA).
- Must be able to acquire and maintain Wisconsin State Library 1 certification within three months of hire date, and must meet renewal requirements during employment.
- Requires broad understanding of basic library principles, procedures, technology, goals, and philosophy of service, as well as administrative and supervisory work.
- Ability to meet, communicate with, and deal effectively with employees, officials, and members of the community both orally and in writing.
- Ability to manage budget and financial information, and to consider the broad picture and be attentive to details.
- Satisfactory completion of background check.
Additional InformationPHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT
- Ability to remain in an office environment for at least 8 hours with a combination of sitting and standing postures.
- Ability to exert physical effort in sedentary to moderate work, and ability to lift at least 40 pounds on an occasional basis.
- Ability to operate standard office equipment such as telephones and computers.
Exposure to blood borne pathogens is considered low for this position.
01
Have you read the complete job description and do you verify that you meet the minimum qualifications listed?
02
Do you have a Masters of Library Science degree from a university program accredited by the American Library Association (ALA)? If so, from which university?
03
Do you currently have your Wisconsin State Library 1 certification? If not, are you able to obtain the certification within 3 months of hire, as required?
04
Do you have any experience working in a County setting?
05
Do you have experience in budgeting? If so, how large of a budget?
06
What is your experience identifying, writing, and managing grants?
07
Please explain how would you motivate the staff, handle performance issues, and resolve team conflicts fairly?
08
Please explain how you have advocated for the library but built/maintained a strong working relationship with county, city, or town officials and members of the community?
09
Please explain your broad understanding of basic library principles, procedures, technology, goals, and the philosophy of service.
10
Have you ever been convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence?
11
Have you ever been convicted of a felony?
12
Will you grant Adams County the authority to do a complete and thorough background check including personal and professional references, education, and employment?
Required Question