Yes, that's really common over here too. I don't think that's really what's going on in our case. Instead, it's mostly bureaucracy. The state library system, which is now an agency without teeth in the current economic crisis, says that job descriptions and various other paperwork are needed. They can't enforce it, because they no longer have any significant control over our budget. Our former director had been in her position for so long (30 years) that she felt quite confident in ignoring these policy demands or following them selectively. The new director isn't so familiar with the situation.

If I have potentially serious disagreements with her, it's over policy and/or the scope of our mission, rather than specific job responsibilities. The actual job description is fine. It neither makes me underqualified nor assigns any new responsibilities, really.