Position Title: Adult Services Manager
Department: Adult Services
Reports to: Library Director
Date: June 4, 2026
The adult services manager serves as the department head for the adult services department and manages library services for adults including collections, reference, and bibliographic instruction. In cooperation with the community engagement manager the adult services manager plans and participates in programming for adults. The adult services manager is a member of the library’s management team and works with the director and other department heads to formulate general library policies and procedures. This professional employee works independently within the guidelines provided by the director. Duties include but are not limited to the following:
PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES
Collection Development
Selects and acquires all materials for adults including print, periodicals, audiovisual, and digital in accordance with the library’s materials selection policy;
Analyzes collections and weeds materials using accepted guidelines;
Manages the budget for adult materials and tracks gift funds; 
Coordinates displays of library materials to promote collection use;
Serves as contact for Maine Shared Collections Cooperative and manages library’s MSCC commitments;
Programming
Analyzes community needs to develop new programs and services;
In cooperation with the community engagement manager, develops, promotes, and attends library programs for adults;
Facilitates library’s book group(s);
Assists with managing online program calendar;
Contributes to the library's newsletter;
Works with community groups to improve and promote library and community services for adults;
Oversees Home Delivery service that is managed by the reference librarian;
Reference
Assists the public in the use of all library collections;
Provides individual and group instruction in the use of the library's print, non-print and digital resources;
Provides information and training to staff in the use of new and existing resources;
Produces bibliographic aides such as reading lists, bibliographies, and resource guides;
Coordinates and develops local databases and directories;
Manages the community bulletin board and pamphlet area;
Places interlibrary loan requests;
Supervises and assists with the use of public computers and printers as well as printing from mobile devices;
Promotes the use of new technologies by identifying appropriate services, equipment, and products for acquisition;
Promotes appropriate behavior and conduct of those using the library;
Assists at the circulation desk as needed;
Assists with opening and closing procedures throughout the library;
Supervisory Responsibilities
Supervises, trains, and evaluates the reference librarian;
Manages the schedule for the reference desk including scheduling the reference librarian, other librarians, and substitutes as needed;
Recruits and interviews candidates for reference librarian and makes hiring recommendations to the director;
Contributes to annual statistical report of library usage;
Connects town’s social services navigator with patrons needing appropriate resources;
Serves as librarian-in-charge, as assigned, in the absence of the director and assistant director;
ACCOUNTABILITY
The adult services manager reports to the library director. Direction may also be given by other management staff including the assistant director or the librarian-in-charge. The library director is responsible for hiring and firing. Performance reviews are conducted by the library director.
QUALIFICATIONS
An MLS from an ALA-accredited program (or equivalent) is required as are reference and instructional experience in a public library setting; experience in public library collection development; a strong knowledge of print and electronic information resources; a commitment to bibliographic instruction and information literacy; demonstrated ability in the use of a variety of computer applications; excellent oral and written communication skills; and a strong commitment to customer service. The employee is expected to be motivated, to exercise initiative, and exercise independent judgment with a minimum of supervision.
Computer skills are essential as the position requires using integrated library systems, internet applications, Microsoft Office, databases, and other computer applications. Familiarity with and ability to troubleshoot mobile devices is highly desirable.
Exceptional skill in working with patrons of all ages backgrounds, and abilities particularly adults, but also including children, teens, and parents is essential as is the ability to balance multifaceted job responsibilities in a busy and public environment.
PROFESSIONAL ACTIVITIES
The adult services manager is expected to be aware of changes and developments in adult services and in the profession through professional memberships, professional reading, attendance at conferences, workshops, and through continuing education.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS AND WORKING CONDITIONS
Physical demands herein are representative of those that must be met by the employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable an individual with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk and hear. The employee is also regularly required to stand; walk; sit; reach with arms and hands; climb or balance; and stoop, kneel or crouch. Employee must occasionally lift and/or move objects of up to 50lbs and transport loaded book carts.
Specific vision abilities required by job include close vision, color vision and ability to focus.
Employee will frequently use keyboard and computer monitor in performance of job requirements.
WORK SCHEDULE
The adult services manager works a combination of weekdays, evening(s) and weekend hours as needed by the employer for a minimum of 40 hours per week. Flexibility in scheduling is desired to cover vacation or sick time.
WAGE AND BENEFITS
Wage grade and step are determined by the library director at the time of hire. Benefits are available with this position. Please refer to the Handbook for Administrative, Professional, and Part-Time Staff for details. This position is a professional, salaried, exempt position paid on the basis of work performed rather than hours worked and is not eligible for overtime pay.
Salary range starts at $60,320 ($29.00/hour). Salary will be determined by level of experience and education. A generous benefits package includes: paid vacation, personal, and sick time; medical (100% of employee’s premium currently covered), dental, life, and disability insurance; and a 401k money purchase retirement plan (6% match) with optional 457 deferred compensation plan (4% match).
Next Steps
The anticipated start date is late July, 2026. Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. All candidates will be contacted once a hiring decision has been made. Please submit a resume, cover letter, application, and the names of three professional references to:
Chip Schrader, Director
Scarborough Public Library
48 Gorham Road
Scarborough, ME 04074
207-396-6266 (phone) 207-883-9728 (fax)
rschrader@scarboroughlibrary.org