Principal Librarian - Digital Services

The City of Irvine seeks an experienced and visionary leader to take a key role in the planning and development of Irvine's new, locally operated and world class public library system. The Principal Librarian* - Digital Services will utilize superior technical knowledge to support the City Librarian in overseeing library operations, manage library information systems and software, and build an innovative and engaged team.

If you are a collaborative leader who desires to join a team committed to improving and expanding innovative services within the City of Irvine, the Principal Librarian - Digital Services could be an excellent opportunity for you!

Your Impact

• Plan, organize, and manage the delivery of library services, including library technology and cataloging, ensuring alignment with community needs and departmental objectives.

• Oversee the implementation and management of the Integrated Library System (ILS) and other library operations systems and software, ensuring that technology supports library operations and improves user experience; oversee the implementation and management of public-facing library technology.

• Supervise and evaluate technical, professional, and administrative staff, providing guidance, training, and performance evaluations to enhance team effectiveness.

• Investigate service delivery challenges and implement effective solutions to enhance program efficiency and user satisfaction.

• Develop and administer the division's operating budget, monitoring expenses and revenues while identifying and securing additional funding sources such as grants.

• Negotiate and monitor contracts for services and equipment, ensuring compliance with City standards and evaluating contractor performance.

• Serve as a liaison between the library and community groups, responding to public inquiries and fostering community engagement in library programs and services.

• Coordinate division activities with other City departments and external agencies, participating in interdepartmental committees to ensure seamless service delivery.

• Find additional information in the Community Services Superintendent job description.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in library and information science, public administration, or related field.

• Six years of progressively responsible experience in library management or community services, preferably including supervisory and administrative roles.

• Any combination of education and experience that provides equivalent knowledge, skills, and abilities.

• May require possession of or ability to obtain a valid California driver license.

Best Fit

• A proactive leader who thrives in a collaborative environment and can counsel, mediate, motivate and train staff to achieve shared goals.

• A technical professional with proficiency in library management systems and technology applications that enhance service delivery.

• An analytical thinker who can assess complex situations, identify challenges, and develop innovative solutions to enhance library services.

• A bridge-builder committed to engaging with the community, understanding its needs, and fostering strong partnerships with local organizations.

• An individual with strong budget management and financial analysis skills, experienced in grant writing and fundraising.

• An excellent communicator possessing both written and verbal communications skills with the ability to present information effectively to diverse audiences.

• Master's degree in Library and Information Science from an American Library Association-accredited program is highly desirable.

*The Principal Librarian is a working title for the Community Services Superintendent classification.

Your Team Irvine is recognized as one of America's Best Places to Live, according to Money Magazine. The City of Irvine features an array of entertainment and recreational opportunities including exceptional parks, open space preservations, sport complexes, and master-planned communities.

Library Services will become a new division within the Community Services Department. To deliver programming and services along with award-winning events and experiences, the department is organized into six divisions: Community Parks and Outreach; Athletics, Aquatics, Arts, Great Park Operations & Attractions; Human Services; Events, Reservations and Program Services; Library Services; and the Irvine Animal Care Center. The department also includes a Business Services section that assists with budget and contract management.

The Process The selection process will include an examination and a background investigation prior to appointment. This recruitment may establish an eligibility list to fill future positions in similar and/or lower classifications within the organization. Equal Opportunity Employer The City of Irvine is an Equal Opportunity Employer and provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities. We encourage you to inform Human Resources at least two business days prior to the first phase of the selection process if you have a disability that may require an accommodation.