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Public Library Senior Consultant

Colorado State Library

Denver

Application Deadline

Apply By Apr 1st, 2022

Wages

$67,000.00 to $73,000.00 per Year   Calculate

Location

Denver, CO

Hours

Not Specified

MLS

Preferred

Minimum Education

Master's Degree

Library Experience

Required

Supervisory Experience

Required

Type of Library

Other

This job is more than 3 weeks old or the application deadline has passed.

Job Description

Provides knowledge, skills, and resources for Colorado public libraries in the areas of strategic planning, governance, legal, policy, procedures, and library standards. Serves as liaison to public library directors, boards, and others regarding management and governance issues related to management and governance. Facilitates and supports effective library partnerships by providing leadership, meeting facilitation, and relevant resources. It also participates in the development of new grant programs and refinement of existing programs. Collaborates and partners with colleagues within Library Development and other units within the Colorado State Library and with others on programs and initiatives. Works independently on a diverse scope of existing and new initiatives, analysis of data, and evaluation of factors. Demonstrates good judgment in selecting methods and techniques for obtaining solutions. Receives little instruction on day-to-day Work is reviewed for fulfillment of program objectives and conformance with departmental policy and practice. In regular contact with internal department and external public library administration and staff, board of trustees, and, occasionally, the public. 

Benefits & Additional Compensation Info

50% Strategic Leadership Consult with, provide resources to, and train public library directors, boards, and others regarding public library administration and management. Inform, advise, and educate public library administration, management, boards, and others regarding Colorado statutes or and standards as they pertain to public libraries and to the establishment and sustainability of public libraries. Review and revise Colorado Public Library Standards and Guidelines. Develop and maintain relationships with library boards and Friends of the Library boards for Colorado public libraries; provide in-person or virtual orientation workshops for library boards and Friends boards upon request. Establish strategic partnerships, innovative statewide initiatives and projects that improve the capacity of Colorado public libraries to meet community needs, aspirations, and encourage community engagement. Serve as the point of contact at the State Library for questions regarding intellectual freedom, and ADA. Plan, organize, and deliver an annual State Library orientation for new public library directors. Facilitate collaboration among Colorado libraries and staff to intentionally strengthen public library sustainability, diversity, and innovation. 

25% Professional Engagement Maintains active memberships in associations that are involved with library administration, management, advocacy, marketing, and leadership development is encouraged. Keeps well informed on library trends and issues through informal self-directed learning, formal continuing education opportunities, and by attending regional, state, and national meetings and conferences. Serves as an in-house expert on library management and governance issues, aids other consultants in developing responses for public library staff and others. Listens and shares in an intentional way through site visits to all assigned libraries, regular contact through phone calls and emails. Develops, promotes, maintains, and evaluates programs, services, training, tools, online presence, and resources that address library management and governance topics and issues. Provides direct support to libraries in need by answering phone calls and emails promptly and in person; provides library management consultation when requested. Listens and shares in an intentional way through site visits and regular contact with assigned libraries. 

15% Resource Management Demonstrates and interprets a thorough knowledge of libraries in consulting work and communications, at regional and national conferences, and in committee work. Identifies tools and technologies that will improve service to Colorado communities of interest; conducts research and assessment, then implements appropriate choices following established fiscal and departmental procedures; promotes and delivers training and evaluates impact. Evaluates programs and services regularly; streamlines processes and procedures for greater efficiency and effectiveness; identifies unmet needs. 

10% Teamwork Participates as a library development team member to establish and accomplish units and unit goals and objectives. Attends seminars, conferences, job-related training, and other staff development programs, and serves on committees and task forces; shares new knowledge with library development team through emails, meetings, and in-house training opportunities. Participates actively in LSTA statewide projects and special projects; participates in the development of new grant programs and the refinement of existing programs; and consults with public library staff to aid with the grant application process. 

Additional Info & Requirements

Five years of public library administration or 7 public library upper management experience, preferred.

Knowledge of: 
issues, practices, policies, standards, and trends related to Library Science and Information resources, services, and programs provided to library users, including access to library data, collections, and information (electronic and physical), reference and research services, and digital services the use of current library systems, technologies and tools used to organize, manage, and provide access to print and digital information.  

Skills in: 
project planning, management, and evaluation, written and oral communication, meeting management and presentation, the use of Microsoft Office applications, with proficiency in Word, Excel, and Outlook 
 

Ability to: 
plan, develop, and implement statewide projects and programs for various library communities of interest, monitor, assess, and seek out external funding sources for programs and projects that support library programs and services; assist in writing grant applications and managing parts of grant funded projects; develop and maintain professional working relationships in complex and/or difficult situations to achieve work goals; serve as expert resource in working with internal and external organizations; plan and develop long-term, strategic partnerships; establish and maintain effective collaborations and relationships with other libraries in the state; serve as a role model and coach others in building strong working relationships; establish and maintain effective verbal and written communications with administration, management, peers, staff, and library customers; communicate information about major and/or complex situations to internal and external audiences; serve as a technical resource in developing responses to external audiences 
prepare complex reports, advise others in report preparation and presentation; apply full knowledge of the Federal Library Services Technology Act (LSTA) Grant Program; identifies training needs; develops and modifies instructional materials; designs and conducts workshops and training for others including public library boards and staff of libraries across the state 
evaluates library instruction using appropriate assessment techniques; advise and negotiate with clients to address dynamic and difficult issues which require an in-depth understanding of the program/organizational culture, issues, and work relationships; guide and coach others in evaluating and resolving complex operational issues; coach and lead others in providing effective, responsive, timely consultation services; enhance collaboration among individuals and groups and build consensus 
 

The Community

Library Development uses data driven and research-based practices to provide exceptional statewide programs, services and resources for public, k-12, academic and special library communities in Colorado as a unit of the Colorado State Library within the Colorado Department of Education. Library Development lives into CSL values of access, education, integrity, and service by practicing curiosity, connection, and reflection within a collaborative and flexible team.

Posted Mar 7, 2022