This professional position provides vision and leadership in the Wyoming library community. The position is established in statute and serves as the administrator of the State Library Division of the Department of Administration and Information. The state librarian provides vision and leadership in the Wyoming library community.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: The listed functions are illustrative only and are not intended to describe every function which may be performed in the job level.
- Guide local library agencies participating in any state plan for the expenditure of federal funds and to be responsible for ensuring compliance with policies and methods of administration. Federal funds are made available through the Grants to States program of the Institute of Museum Services (IMLS). The state grant is contingent on maintenance of effort (MOE) and matching funds at the state level.
- State librarian’s role in the extension and development of library services throughout the state. All types of libraries are not only eligible but are encouraged to participate in statewide programs. Four key programs established at the state library are WYLD (integrated library system), statewide electronic resources (databases and eBooks/eAudiobooks), continuing education for library staff, and marketing and communication projects that provide awareness of WSL services, programs, and opportunities.
- The state librarian must have strong inter-personal communication skills and be very comfortable making presentations. The state library is not a regulatory agency. Its success is determined by the ability of the staff to work in a collaborative and collegial environment.
- The state librarian is the primary advocate for Wyoming libraries and must be able to articulate the importance of libraries in a democratic society. The state librarian must work well within the Wyoming Library Association.
- The state librarian must be committed to intellectual freedom and promote the rights of all people to free access to information.
- The state librarian must maintain professional knowledge through reading and participation in conferences at state, regional, and national venues. Ideally, the state librarian should be highly visible in the library community by making regular visits to libraries and listening to challenges, problems, and successes at the local level. This level of understanding is critical when evaluating the usefulness of programs and opportunities promoted by IMLS.
- The state librarian or designee should develop meaningful collaborations at the state level which result in improved services and/or funding for local libraries.
- The state librarian should participate fully in meetings and activities of the Western Council of State Libraries and the Chief Officers of State Library Agencies (COSLA).
Working for the state of Wyoming provides employees with a range of valuable benefits and offers a fulfilling career path. Employees enjoy comprehensive healthcare coverage, including medical, dental, and vision plans, ensuring their well-being and that of their families. Additionally, the state offers multiple retirement plans, which provide financial security and stability for employees once their career in public service comes to an end. The state recognizes the importance of personal time and offers generous paid time off and flexible schedule arrangements, allowing employees to recharge, take care of personal matters, and maintain a healthy work-life integration.
More details at https://ai.wyo.gov/for-job-seekers/benefits
Qualifications
PREFERENCES:
The position is established in statute and requires that the state librarian “shall have completed the required courses in a recognized or accredited library school.” The appropriate degree is at the master’s or doctoral level. The accrediting body for library schools is the American Library Association which maintains the directory of schools.
KNOWLEDGE:
- The ability to make timely decisions.
- The ability to manage dissent.
- Fiscal intelligence.
- Experience in planning.
- Skill in program evaluation.
- Understanding of new technology that can improve service delivery – when it is efficient and cost effective.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
None - See "Preferences"
The Wyoming State Library was first established in 1871 as the Wyoming Territorial Library. By statute, it is the official repository of state government documents and is responsible for the extension and development of library services statewide. The WSL manages the statewide WYLDcat library catalog, the GoWYLD research databases and electronic resources and the Digital Collection Suite of Wyoming historical documents and information. Learn more about the WSL at library.wyo.gov.
Cheyenne, population 65,000, is Wyoming's capital and largest city. It's located in Laramie County in the southeast corner of Wyoming and is the seat of both state and county government. Cheyenne is conveniently located at the intersection of I-25 and I-80, with air service available from Cheyenne or from Denver, only 100 miles away. The city has numerous parks, an extensive Greenway walking/biking path, and a nationally award-winning public library. Also, it's home to Cheyenne Frontier Days, the world's largest outdoor rodeo, held each year during the last full week of July. Safe and friendly, Cheyenne has all the amenities you need with an affordable cost of living, a little more elbow room, and wide open skies and spaces. If you enjoy hiking, hunting, fishing, rock climbing, mountain biking, cross country skiing or other outdoor pursuits, you'll find national forest land and state and national parks in proximity. Wyoming has no state income tax.
Human Resource Contact: Nicki Reitmeyer 307-777-6219, [email protected]