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State Librarian, Rhode Island State Library, Providence, RI

Posted September 2, 2016

DEPARTMENT: SECRETARY OF STATE
DIVISION: State Library
OPENING DATE: 08/30/16
CLOSING DATE: 09/12/16 11:59 PM
SALARY: $35.26 – $39.92 Hourly; $64,176.00 – $72,649.00 Annually
PAY GRADE: 08630A
JOB TYPE: Non-Union (99)
JOB NUMBER: 2121-10000- 00047

CLASS DEFINITION:

The State Librarian is a leader in making the Department of State a modern gateway that connects Rhode Islanders and their government. The State Librarian is responsible for managing the operations of the State Library, including two fulltime librarians, in a way that enables the Department of State to achieve its mission: to engage and empower all Rhode Islanders by making government more accessible and transparent, encouraging civic pride, enhancing commerce and ensuring that elections are fair, fast, and accurate. The Rhode Island General Laws assign various statutory duties to the State Librarian, including the maintenance and supervision of the State’s legislative reference bureau and Publications Clearinghouse, and management of grants to the State’s historical societies. The successful candidate will be a hard working individual who is dedicated to connecting Rhode Islanders with accurate, timely, and responsive information about their government in a professional, non-partisan way. The State Librarian must have a passion for excellence and innovation, a desire to implement emerging technologies and virtual services, and enthusiasm for collaboration and fostering strong relationships with the State Library's partners and constituents.

The primary duty of this position is the performance of office work directly related to the general operations of the State Library at the Department of State. The State Librarian reports to the Director of State Archives, Library & Public Information and has considerable latitude for the exercise of discretion and independent judgment with respect to matters involving library administration.

ILLUSTRATIVE EXAMPLES OF WORK PERFORMED:

Administrative: Performs office work directly related to the general operations of the State Library.

  • Maintains and supervises the legislative reference bureau established under Section 29-1- 10 of the Rhode Island General Laws.
  • Responsible for acquiring and maintaining state, federal and reference materials for the use of government officials and the public.
  • Collects and distributes state documents to Rhode Island public and academic libraries under the authority of Chapter 29-7 of the Rhode Island General Laws.
  • Provides reference and referral services to government agencies and the public.
  • Preserves and provides access to historical information of the State of Rhode Island. Conducts, promotes, encourages and assists with research about Rhode Island history, government, and culture. Works collaboratively with colleagues, including the Department’s Education and Public Programs Coordinator, to plan, coordinate and oversee outreach activities.
  • Supervises staff in the State Library and directs daily operations: plans, assigns work to, supervises, and evaluates the work of State Library staff.
  • Supports initiatives of the Division of State Library, Archives & Public Information and the Department of State. Participates in strategic planning and budget processes. Determines program budgetary and purchasing needs, and prepares justifications.
  • Participates in, and provides support for state government boards, commissions, and committees. Attends professional conferences and represents the State Library at public and professional presentations.
  • Manages and administers grants to the Rhode Island and Newport Historical Societies, as required under Chapter 29-2 of the Rhode Island General Laws.
  • Identifies and actively pursues grant opportunities, writes grant applications and administers grant awards.
  • Maintains up-to- date webpages and actively uses other available electronic communication tools to inform and educate stakeholders and interested parties about the State Library.
  • Performs other Department of State tasks and duties as necessary.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS FOR APPOINTMENT:

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Master’s Degree in Library Science from an American Library Association-accredited school; and experience gained through supervising programs and staff, and through a minimum of three years of employment as a librarian; or any combination of education and experience that shall be substantially equivalent to the previously described education and experience.

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION:

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

  • Knowledge of the philosophy and techniques of library service.
  • Knowledge of library materials, resources and standards, including MARC, RDA, AACR2.
  • Knowledge of computers, the internet, and commercially available library software.
  • Knowledge of OCLC procedures: Cataloging, ILL.
  • Knowledge of government information sources.
  • Strong customer relations skills and desire to meet and serve the needs of State Library users. Skill to train and manage staff, interns and volunteers: to motivate, develop and direct people as they work.
  • Ability to multi-task and work in a dynamic, time-restricted environment. Ability to work under pressure with good humor.
  • Ability to communicate clearly and effectively, both in writing and verbally, with the public, supervisors, colleagues, subordinates, and volunteers. The individual must be an inclusive collaborator and able to prioritize workloads.
  • Ability to think analytically and to develop new or revised systems, procedures, and work flow.
  • Ability to make administrative decisions, interpret policies, and supervise staff.
  • Ability to work with wide range of library technology.
  • Ability to lift and carry heavy boxes weighing on average 30-40 pounds.

Interested candidates should submit their cover letter and resume to Director of Finance & Personnel, Colleen Halloran-Villandry, through www.Apply.RI.gov.

AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES Acr (ADA) PROVISIONS:

  • Reasonable Accommodations: If an applicant is unable to perform any essential job functions because of his/her disability but can achieve the required results by means of a REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION, then the individual shall not be considered unqualified for the position.
  • Medical Information: Any medical exams required for this position will be performed after a conditional offer of employment has been made in accordance with the Rules/Regulations of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

CRIMINAL CONVICTIONS: Note: All interviewees will be required to complete a Criminal Record Supplemental Questionnaire (CS-14B) at the time of the first interview or anytime thereafter. Conviction is not necessarily a bar to employment. Each case is considered on its individual merits. Per RIGL5 28-5- 6(4), “CONVICTION means, for purposes of this chapter only, any verdict or finding of guilt after a criminal trial or any plea of guilty or nolo contendere to a criminal charge.”

APPLICATIONS MAY BE FILED ONLINE AT: Position #2121-10000- 00047 http://www.applv.ri.qov

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