Job: Director of Library Services

8.12.17 –  Director of Library Services
Palau Community College, Republic of Palau

Sarah P’s comments: A former PCC Library Director has asked me to post this position which is always a positive. I am including his helpful comments below. I would add that, having worked in the region (Marshall Islands), Palau is considered a ‘jewel in the crown’ and the diving is fantastic. However, what is really interesting is the opportunity to serve as both an academic and a public librarian. Yes, the salary is low by international standards but, with housing provided and two months off, it is very fair for the region.

David: Although an academic library in name, the PCC Library is also a public library; it supports the public as well as the PCC academic community. People from the community visit the library because it has the largest collection in the country. In addition to college students, the library serves children at the end of their school day and older people who come daily to sit in the air conditioning and read the newspapers. The director position is an opportunity to participate hands-on in all aspects of library work–administration, acquisition and collection development, technical services, and public services.

The school administration does not mettle or micro-manage but appreciates a director who moves the library’s mission and goals forward. However, they are always there for suggestions and support. In Palau, it seems like you often don’t receive how-to information that you could use to navigate a particular situation until after the situation is over–however, rest assured that you’re then well armed for the next time it happens! The library staff is very experienced, with many of them having completed the associate’s degree in library science that is offered at PCC. They keep things sailing smoothly. They particularly look to the director to be the final decision maker, a “policeman” at times with the students, a negotiator on their behalf with the administration when necessary, and a library professional with a vision of the “big picture” and maybe a new approach or two. A major responsibility of the director is to prepare the library section of the accreditation self-study, which is due, I believe, every three years. (PCC is accredited by the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges of the Western Association of Schools and Colleges in the United States.) This report isn’t as difficult as it sounds since there are examples to follow and the necessary statistics are collected regularly by the staff. Library funds are always a challenge; there is an annual grant, and the director is encouraged to creatively pursue other grant possibilities.

The school typically hires a librarian who holds a degree from an ALA-accredited program because this satisfies their accreditation requirements.  Although the salary is low by many standards, it’s about 3 times the average salary in Palau. In addition to the salary, housing is provided, as well as a monthly stipend toward electricity costs, freeing up money for savings or new experiences.

Palau is a great mix of ocean beauty, ancient culture and traditions, and emerging country. Koror is a small community of a few thousand people, a mingling of Palauans, Filipinos, Japanese, Chinese, Koreans, and those of other nationalities. A group of islands in the western Pacific Ocean, Palau has average temperatures between 25 and 30 degrees Celsius (77 and 86 degrees Fahrenheit) year-round. Although touted for its diving (and justifiably so!), Palau’s waters can equally be enjoyed through snorkeling, kayaking, swimming … or picnicking on the shore. Palau is not a beach paradise; most of its shorelines are covered in mangroves. But, there are beaches here and there around the islands.

My greatest dislikes: slow Internet … only two department stores. My greatest likes: friendships formed with locals as well as other expats from places I’d never even been … the amazing sunsets and starry skies.

Salary : $18,730- $33,262 PER ANNUM (depending on qualifications and work experience). Benefits include health and life insurance, 10/2 annual work schedule (10 months on and 2 months paid) off, and paid relocation expenses. Housing provided.

Summary of Description:

Palau Community College seeks an experienced librarian to manage and direct library services.  PCC is located in the Republic of Palau in the Western Pacific region and is an accredited post-secondary vocational and academic institution serving all of Micronesia. PCC Library is an academic library serving the needs of Palau Community College students and supporting distance-learning programs at the bachelors and masters degree level. The Library also serves community patrons of all ages, functions as repository for international documents, and features a Micronesia Pacific special collection. The Library supports the PCC Library & Information Services Associates Degree programs. This position is a unique opportunity for an experienced librarian to share expertise in library services and to serve as a leader in Palau’s library community.

Examples of Duties consist, but are not limited to:

Provide professional library services to the College and its clients, including but not limited to:  Assist individuals and groups in obtaining library materials; maintain and update the library’s circulating and reference collections with general and technical print resources, serial publications, multimedia resources and electronic resources. Manage collection development, including selecting and ordering, and new resources. Supervise and provide assistance in cataloging, indexing, and technical services. Communicate information and market library services to students, faculty, administration and the public. Plan and organize library activities, programs, instruction services, and special events. Prepare the library budget and manage allocated funds. Manage and expand grant programs. Direct and supervise all aspects of library services, staff, and activities. Develop reports and communicate library success and needs as appropriate. Train, supervise and provide support to a team of library technicians, assistants and student workers.  Take an active role in supporting the Library & Information Services degree program and provide input for program activities and planning. Participate in College committees and engage in College functions and activities. Serve as a leader and role model to the local library community through the Palau Association of Libraries and librarian training activities.  Perform other duties as directed by the College.

MINIMUM EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS:

A master’s in library and information science from an ALA-accredited program, or international equivalent; a minimum of two years of experience in an academic or public library, with one year of supervisory experience; must be able to work with a team, as a leader; must have the ability to supervise, motivate, and inspire co-workers; must have strong diplomatic and interpersonal skills.

PREFERRED EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS:

A minimum of five years of experience in an academic or public library, with two years of supervisory experience; working knowledge of library administration, planning, and budget management; demonstrated success in library leadership; teaching and instruction experience preferred; grant writing and grant management experience highly valuable; Web development and computer troubleshooting skills an advantage; knowledge of Pacific cultures and familiarity with Pacific information resources a plus.

General information:

Application forms may be obtained from the Human Resources Office or at the college website:  http://pcc.palau.edu/about/jobs/. Send completed application, resume and transcripts to: P.O. Box 9, Koror, PW 96940 (copies of transcripts will be sufficient during review process, but official transcripts and a recent police clearance will be required prior to any issued or offered contract). For further information, call 680-488-2470 x 227, or visit the HRD office on campus or email hr@palau.edu .