Job Description
The Washington State Library (WSL) is a division of the Office of the Secretary of State. Within WSL are four major programs: 1) Central Library Services; 2) Institutional Branches and Olympia Area Branches; 3) Library Development; and 4) the Washington Talking Book and Braille Library.
Library Development is a workgroup providing services to all types of libraries within Washington State. This position reports directly to the Washington State Librarian and maintains expertise in a broad range of technology disciplines and related federal/state programs and their application to the library constituencies served.
This position works within the library development program and is responsible for supporting public libraries to provide the residents within their service area appropriate technology based services including broadband supported Internet.
DUTIES:
Oversees technology policy, planning, and implementation activities
- Provides vision, leadership, and expertise in the development and implementation of broadband connectivity solutions for libraries throughout the State
- Builds customer-focused technological delivery environments including identifying capital and other expense requirements to support ongoing and planned IT functions
- Provides consultation to Washington State Library management on a wide range of technology issues affecting service delivery to libraries
- Monitors proposed or pending changes in federal programs, laws, rules, and regulations for potential impact on technology programs; recommends appropriate response and/or action
- Provides project management for technology projects for libraries statewide
- Develops and administers contracts
- Plans, manages and administers public library participation in the K-20 Education network
- Develops cost allocations to individual K-20 connected libraries
- Tracks and monitors K-20 related expenses
- Monitors network traffic to individual external sites
- Provides technical support to K-20 libraries including help desk and other support activities
- Oversees the use of grant funds from external sources for technology application in Washington State libraries
Coordinates activities for Universal Service Discount (E-Rate) program for public libraries in Washington State
- Provides expert consultation to Washington public libraries regarding program rules, guidelines, and timelines to ensure successful filing of discount applications
- Monitors revision to the E-rate program driven by federal law, administrative regulation, and judicial decisions
- Advises the State Librarian and division staff on the effect of existing and/or pending federal or state legislation and its effects on libraries; files E-rate applications and related forms for the division and external customers
Provides server and network administration services for libraries statewide
- Leads, manages and provides expertise in developing, implementing, and maintaining systems serving internal and external customers of the Washington State Library
- Conducts capacity planning to determine program needs; analyzes and assesses industry direction
- Develops and implements project plans and designs systems
- Sets and maintains project schedules
- Oversees budget
- Oversees the daily operations of systems such as servers, firewalls, network connectivity and databases serving customers of libraries
- Identifies and resolves operational problems for systems
- Defines and implements backup and recovery procedures
Serves as the division lead IT consultant
- Provides consultation to libraries statewide on a wide range of technical subjects and issues such as network design, desktop security, and server administration
- Provides both on site and remote technical assistance to external customers on networks and computer technology systems
- Manages an ITS3 who provides a variety of technology services to the Washington library community
Required Qualifications
- Total of five years of information technology experience such as: consulting analyzing, designing, programming, installing and/or maintaining computer software applications, hardware, or network infrastructure equipment; directing projects; providing customer or technical support in information technology disciplines;
- Bachelor's or Master's degree in Information Technology related field
- At least 3 years of experience must be working on complex and multi-functional computing systems and at least 1 of those years must have been the designated expert of at least one discipline
Desired Qualifications
- Master of Library Science degree (degree names may vary) including 9 semester or 15 quarter hours of computer science courses
- Be conversant with the technology commonly used in libraries and have a broad knowledge of the library technology industry
- A thorough understanding with a minimum of two years working with broadband and other forms of connectivity in the public sector. Application to the field of libraries and rural connectivity is preferred
- Be familiar with the federal policies and regulations governing E-Rate as it applies to libraries. Have an understanding of the Children's Internet Protection Act (CIPA) and how it is applied to libraries
- Demonstrated knowledge of project management
methodologies and quality assurance principles in IT - Experience with vendor negotiation, contract monitoring and ability to build strong relationships with vendors
- 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
Special Condition of Employment
- Must possess a valid Washington State driver license
- Must be able to pass a criminal background check
HR Info
Resume and cover letter required