Head Librarian/CEO

Located in Southwestern Ontario, West Perth is a thriving, caring community that offers diverse opportunities to live, work, and play. With a population of 9,000, the community features a strong agriculture sector with significant contributions from other sectors including manufacturing, retail, and services. The fully serviced community of Mitchell is the main population center of West Perth and there are opportunities for rural living in nearby hamlets and villages.

The West Perth Public Library (WPPL) is an accredited, fully-accessible, thoroughly modern small library. In partnership with four other libraries in the Perth County Information Network (PCIN), WPPL shares and optimizes collections using Horizon and Collection HQ, operates an inter-library courier van, and harmonizes programs, services and staff training. Patrons have rapid access to the entire 150,000-item collection of the partner libraries.

The WPPL Board and West Perth are seeking qualified applicants for the position of Head Librarian/CEO. This position will commence in January 2026 to fill a vacancy. The Head Librarian/CEO recommends and implements programs, services and policies, helps welcome and guide library patrons, manages staff, joins the West Perth CAO’s Senior Leadership Team, and participates in regular PCIN management meetings.

Responsibilities

• Delivery of Library services and programs in accordance with WPPL Board policies and procedures

• Supervises Library personnel and contractual service providers

• Develops the Library collection in a variety of formats

• Liaises with Library patrons, including parents, seniors, and CNIB clients, and promotion of the Library in the community

• Prepares the annual Library budget under the supervision of the WPPL Board for submission to West Perth Council

• Collaborates with the West Perth Treasurer and CAO to administer the budget and monitor spending. The Treasurer for the Municipality is appointed as the Treasurer under the Public Libraries Act

• Remains informed of new funding opportunities, develops grant applications and proposals

• Human resources functions are undertaken in consultation with the West Perth CAO and the WPPL Board as appropriate

• Manages and schedules staff and volunteers and provides opportunities for staff development, hires, disciplines and dismisses staff

• Oversees the maintenance of Library building and equipment with the support of the West Perth Director of Community Services

• As Secretary of Library Board, prepares correspondence for Library, statistical reports, and liaises with the Friends of the Library group

• Advises the Library Board on Library operations and regulatory compliance

• Conducts periodic surveys of Library patrons and the public

• Manages the Library social media accounts

• Maintains Library accreditation under the Ontario Public Library Guidelines

• Advises the Library Board on regulatory compliance

• Other duties as assigned by the Library Board and the West Perth CAO