State Librarian of Iowa, Iowa Commission on Libraries, Des Moines IA
Posted July 14, 2014
Are you ready to be a state-wide library leader for America’s Heartland? The Iowa Commission on Libraries and the State Library of Iowa (http://www.statelibraryofiowa.org/) seek an energetic, engaged and enthusiastic professional to lead the Iowa library community as the next State Librarian. This new leader will understand the realities of contemporary libraries–school, academic, special and public–and steadily move toward a future with new programs and services, new staffing models, and new technologies–while evaluating and supporting current relevant programs and services. The successful candidate will be a change agent shaping and communicating a compelling vision for Iowa’s libraries. The State Librarian will work closely and effectively with the Iowa Department of Education as well as with national and regional library organizations.
The State Librarian is appointed by and reports to the Iowa Commission on Libraries. With a dedicated staff (36.5FTE) and a $4.5 million budget (excluding flow-through state aid funding), the State Library of Iowa continues to meet its mission, “…providing leadership for Iowa Libraries and expanding access to information for Iowans.” The State Librarian works within the Department of Education and administers three divisions: the Library Support Network, the State Data Center, and Specialized Library Services. Advocating for all Iowa libraries, the State Library offers a fast-paced, innovative, interesting and rewarding work environment focusing on quality service. The State Library is located in Des Moines, Iowa’s capital, a hub of government action, business activity, arts and cultural affairs–with much of the activity focused on the reinvigorated downtown area. The area also boasts some of the nation’s best schools, superb public services, and friendly, caring neighborhoods. Des Moines is the best of both worlds–a bustling metropolis with a small town atmosphere. For more information on the Iowa State Library and the Des Moines area, see http://www.gossagesager.com/Iowalinks.htm.
Responsibilities. Major responsibilities include providing clear vision and strong leadership for Iowa Library Services and the Iowa library community ensuring that all Iowans have equitable access to high quality library service; directing the three divisions of the State Library; administering state and federal library laws and funding; annual budgeting including seeking alternate funding streams; library advocacy; developing and carrying out strategies to move the Iowa library community forward; ensuring that Iowa libraries can access up-to-date and effective technologies; and successfully interacting with the Iowa library community — staff, trustees, government officials and interested citizens. For the job description, see http://www.gossagesager.com/Iowajobdesc.pdf.
Qualifications. Minimum qualifications include a Master’s Degree in Library Science from an ALA-accredited school and eight years of progressive, professional library experience with five years in library management and demonstrated administrative leadership ability. Desired attributes include Board, personnel and fiscal management experience; strong interpersonal skills; ability to work collaboratively with diverse groups and individuals; team building and decision making skills; initiative, flexibility, and the ability to facilitate change; experience working in a technologically advanced environment; knowledge of library trends and issues; and experience in public library administration. Prior administrative experience with a state library agency or multi-type regional library organization is desirable.
Compensation. The position offers a starting salary range of $97,400-137,000 (placement dependent upon qualifications) and an attractive benefits package.
For further information, contact Bradbury Associates/Gossage Sager Associates, www.gossagesager.com, via email or phone. To start the application process, send an in-depth cover letter and your résumé as Word or pdf attachments to Dan Bradbury, [email protected], or Jobeth Bradbury, [email protected], on or before the closing date of August 10, 2014.