Systems Librarian

Description The Office of Secretary of State (OSOS) offers some of the most unique and diverse job opportunities in state government.
Its critical responsibilities include ensuring a fair and accurate elections process; connecting Washingtonians through the power of libraries; protecting our important government records; and registering corporations and charities.
The Secretary of State also administers vital community programs that inspire giving, document our history, and assist crime survivors in avoiding further abuse.
This independent office under the state Constitution operates from facilities in the Olympia area and statewide.
The OSOS is looking for top-performing employees who embody its core values of integrity, service excellence, visionary leadership, collaboration and teamwork.
It is committed to both employee growth and work-life balance.
The benefits of working in state government also include potential eligibility for the federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness program.
The Washington State Library connects people to the power of libraries.
As Washington's oldest cultural institution, the library's unique and rare collections date back to territorial days.
Resources include historical print and digital compilations, collections of state newspapers and maps, state and federal government publications, and the Ask-a-Librarian service.
The library benefits local libraries and their patrons through its consulting services, grants, subsidies, training, and programming.
Additionally, the Washington State Library provides services to state prison and state hospital libraries.
OSOS also operates the Washington Talking Book & Braille Library (WTBBL) in Seattle, a library for people unable to read standard print.
Systems Librarian - Library & Archives Professional 4 Permanant, Full-Time This position reports to the Central Library Services Manager and is responsible for ensuring the shared integrated library system and other related systems provide reliable and efficient access to library collections and resources.
The position also supports staff users of such systems at the Washington State Library (WSL) and several other state agency libraries (a.
k.
a.
consortium libraries), is responsible for the creation of catalog records for the Washington State Library’s (WSL) collection materials and plays an active role in ensuring the quality of library catalog data and supervises the cataloging and acquisition teams.
Please note: Interviews for this position will be conducted on an on-going basis.
It is in the candidate's best interest to apply as soon as possible.
The hiring manager reserves the right to fill the position at any time.
Duties System Administration and Database Management Tasks include: Administers and provides staff with support for the integrated library system (ILS), which is used by the WSL and consortium libraries, and other resource discovery systems.
Ensures the ILS is configured to meet the business needs of the WSL and consortium libraries.
Performs regular system maintenance tasks.
Develops, maintains, and promotes local best practices for the use of and data management in the shared ILS in collaboration with relevant constituents.
Notifies and trains staff at the WSL and consortium libraries on system functions and its new features.
Compiles statistical data and reports from the ILS regularly and on-demand to support collection management activities and evidence-based decision making.
Works collaboratively with the WSL and consortium libraries staff to achieve efficiencies in system use and workflows of library operations.
Performs assessments of the data quality in the ILS to identify issues with the data and system settings and implements appropriate corrective actions.
Develops processes for and leads database maintenance activities that ensure the integrity of the library catalog.
Performs and delegates authority control, batch processing, and other data cleanup tasks.
Provides the WSL and consortium libraries staff with consultation support for data cleanup projects.
Manages contracts related to the ILS and relevant services.
Designs, develops, and implements strategies and solutions that integrate existing tools with new technologies and approaches to improve user experience and maximize the discovery of library resources.
Cataloging and Acquisitions Supervision & Coordination Tasks include: Supervises original catalogers and acquisitions staff and is responsible for their hiring and training.
Evaluates staff performance, recommends promotion, and assesses training needs.
Plans, leads, directs, and evaluates work.
Coordinates cataloging and acquisitions activities and workflows.
Leads the development, implementation, and maintenance of cataloging and acquisitions guidelines and procedures.
Ensures all the staff members that use the ILS cataloging and acquisitions functions are properly trained.
Manages the use of various cataloging-related software programs and tools, e.
g.
, upgrading, maintaining user accounts.
Performs original and complex copy cataloging of library materials in accordance with national and local standards using the integrated library system and bibliographic utility.
Contributes authority and serial bibliographic records to the national databases through the PCC NACO and CONSER programs respectively.
Participates in the training of other original catalogers at the WSL, and the review of bibliographic and authority records created by them.
Backs up daily acquisitions' tasks.
Customer Service and Research Tasks include: Staffs the reference service points (desk and online chat) during regularly scheduled shifts and provides backup coverage; determines best way to answer reference questions by conducting thorough reference interviews; responds to requests received via phone, email, and in person.
Conducts research to respond to information requests; utilizes complex resource materials, catalogs, indexes, databases, and legal materials to identify and analyze sources to answer questions Assists customers with use of all the collections, including federal and state publications, general and specialized reference, newspapers and periodicals, databases, and the website Provides backup pager coverage and retrieves collection materials upon request.
Performs basic circulation functions – library card registration, item check in, and item checkout – assists customers with placing holds, and answers circulation-related questions while staffing the circulation/reference desk.
Miscellaneous Tasks include: Other duties as assigned.
Qualifications Required Qualifications: A master’s degree in library science and from an American Library Association accredited program Five years of experience as a professional librarian One year of experience as a lead worker or supervisor performing the following tasks: interviewing, hiring, training, assigning, and directing work and evaluating staff or volunteers.
Ability to efficiently use a personal computer and applicable hardware and software to successfully perform the essential job functions of the position.
Preferred/Desired Qualifications: Two years of experience supporting integrated library system (ILS) and/or discovery platforms.
Experience with Innovative Interfaces Inc.
(III) Sierra is highly desirable.
Experience determining and configuring back-end functionality in an ILS, e.
g.
, configuring loan rules, load tables, and code sets.
Familiarity with networking concepts such as security certificates, domain name systems, port numbers.
Basic competency in UNIX, SQL queries, XML/XSLT, Python, and/or Perl.
Knowledge of current and emerging models and tools used by libraries for resource discovery.
Experience leading the selection, implementation, and integration of library systems/applications or features.
Experience working in a consortium environment with a shared library services platform.
General knowledge of library workflows such as circulation, cataloging, acquisitions, and interlibrary loan.
Strong background in cataloging and knowledge of relevant standards (e.
g.
, MARC21, RDA/AACR2, Dublin Core, EAD), concepts/processes (e.
g.
, authority control), and tools (e.
g.
, OCLC Connexion, MarcEdit).
Familiarity with emerging trends in and standards for linked data, such as BIBFRAME, RDF, and SKOS.
Experience developing and documenting best practices, guidelines, and processes in the areas of cataloging, database maintenance, and acquisitions.
Demonstrated ability to learn and adopt new technology and tools.
Demonstrated skill in analysis and creative problem-solving, with the ability to interpret and apply policies and procedures, formulate reasonable options, and recommend solutions.
Demonstrated ability to work with people with varying levels of computer skills and make technology understandable.
Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.
One year of experience as a professional librarian, providing reference services.
Supplemental Information WORKING CONDITIONS This position requires sitting for long periods of time, working in a library/office environment with some public contact.
The incumbent must be willing and have the ability to work in adverse conditions (working with moldy or dusty materials or in areas that are cramped and/or somewhat confining) and lift up to 40 lbs.
with or without reasonable accommodation.
The core business hours are Monday - Friday from 8 AM-5 PM.
The incumbent must be willing and able to travel and stay overnight; occasional in-state and out of state travel may be required for training and professional conference attendance.
If driving a vehicle for company purposes, will be required to submit a valid driver license to supervisor.
The incumbent for this position will work with both internal and external customers by phone, email, and in person.
Special Requirements/Conditions of Employment: Certification by state librarian authorized through the Office of the Secretary of State – this qualification is not mandatory for application but is mandatory for employment Willingness to sign a confidentiality statement How to Apply Required: To be considered for this position you must attach the following: Letter of interest describing how your experience and qualifications relate to the duties and qualifications of the position.
Current resume Three Professional references.
Personal references will not be considered.
You must complete the supplemental questions at the end of this application.
Incomplete responses such as "see resume" will not be considered.
All veterans must include a copy of your DD214 to receive preference in the hiring process.
You must black out your social security number before attaching it to your application.
The Office of the Secretary of State is an equal opportunity employer (EOE).
We do not discriminate on the basis of religion, age, sex, marital status, race, color, creed, national origin, political affiliation, military status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any real or perceived sensory, mental or physical ability.
All interested candidates are encouraged to apply.
Persons of disability needing assistance in the application process, or those needing this announcement in alternative format, should call (360) 704-5210.