Jobs @ MRL

Full-time Head of Adult Services

Massanutten Regional Library (MRL) is seeking a full-time employee to fill the position of Head of Adult Services at the Central Library in Harrisonburg, VA.

The Head of Adult Services plans, organizes, and supervises the activities of the Adult Services department; develops and offers a variety of reading, educational, and cultural programs for adults to encourage library usage and to foster community relations; and assists library patrons in the use of library services, facilities, and equipment. This position currently supervises three Adult Services Librarians, two Library Assistants, work-study students, and volunteers.

This position is a regular full-time non-exempt employee, working under the direction of the Library Director. The regular schedule for this position is 8:30 AM – 5 PM four days per week and one 11:30 AM – 8:00 PM day per week (tentatively Wednesdays) and every fourth Saturday 8:30 AM – 5 PM. The week with a Saturday rotation has Friday off.

Duties and Responsibilities:
Specific duties include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Develops, plans, and conducts a variety of library programs and outreach for adults.
• Partners with community organizations to provide library services to adults.
• Schedules staff and plans workflow to ensure adequate desk coverage.
• Manages the selection, ordering, and weeding of adult library materials consistent with the mission and policies of the library system.
• Assists and instructs patrons in the use of library services and resources. Conducts library tours for adult groups.
• Stays current with trends in adult literature, library services, and issues.
• Attends professional workshops and conferences.
• Communicates with the Library Director regarding the operations in the Adult Services department and prepares regular narrative and statistical reports.
• Serves on the Administrative team.
• Works at a public service desk.
• Promotes and represents the library before outside groups.
• Selects, trains, supervises, and evaluates subordinate personnel. Facilitates regular departmental staff meetings.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in library science from an ALA-accredited post-secondary institution or acceptable equivalent and three to four years of library experience.
• Possession of a certificate issued by the Virginia State Board for Certification of Librarians within (3) three months of the date of appointment to the position.

Knowledge and Skills:

• Knowledge of standard reference resources.
• Thorough knowledge of library materials in several broad subject areas.
• Skills in standard reference and research procedures and thorough knowledge of online search strategies and resources.
• Knowledge of the principles and experience in the practices of public library functions.
• Knowledge of the principles of library management, including collection development, planning, coordination, personnel management, and budgeting.
• Knowledge of basic computer functions; aptitude for learning, maintaining, and explaining the operations of the SirsiDynix circulation/cataloging system and the operation of the library's public Internet service.
• Working skill in the use of library facilities and resources; basic skill in cataloging and preparing bibliographies.
• Ability to select appropriate reading materials for patrons of varying reading skill levels and interests.
• Ability to instruct and train non-professional library staff in library methods and procedures.
• Ability to communicate effectively, orally and in writing.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others.
• Ability to interpret library resources and services to the public and to the general community.
• Ability to supervise and direct information desk volunteers and work-study students.

The physical demands for this position include the ability to operate a wide variety of office/technology equipment, the ability to lift up to 50 pounds occasionally, and to push/pull loaded library carts frequently. 

Salary:

The anticipated starting salary range is $50,500 – 60,500, depending on qualifications.

About MRL:

Massanutten Regional Library operates as a private nonprofit regional library system. We have seven library branches that serve the City of Harrisonburg and Page and Rockingham Counties.

To apply:

Applications are available here. Completed applications, plus a cover letter and resume, may be mailed to Tammy Mongold at 174 S. Main Street, Harrisonburg, VA 22801, or e-mailed to jobs@mrlib.org. The position is open until 11/16/2026. The anticipated start date for this position is December 2026.

About MRL:

Founded in 1928, Massanutten Regional Library is a seven-branch system that serves over 160,000 residents in Harrisonburg, Page County, and Rockingham County. As a 501(c)(3), nonprofit organization, MRL is funded in partnership with these localities and through the generosity of our patrons. Click here to learn more!