JOB TITLE: LIBRARY DEVELOPMENT ADVISOR

JOB CODE: 25310

DEFINITION: This is professional library work advising public, college, university, and institutional libraries of methods to improve and extend library operations, services, and programs in the commonwealth.

An employee in this job provides professional advisory services to local public, district, and regional library centers, institutional libraries, and college and university libraries regarding services, programs, funding, governance, management methods, staff development, collection development, facilities, technology, policies, and community engagement methods that can be utilized to improve library services. Work involves conducting conferences, workshops, and field visits to provide information on new developments in library services. Work includes administering library grants or subsidy programs and implementing programs in the areas of certification, continuing education, professional development, and training for library personnel. Work also includes maintaining frequent contact with library or institutional staff members, library trustees, library advocacy groups, and officials to encourage the adoption of improved services or techniques. Work is reviewed by a higher-level professional for adherence to program standards and objectives.

EXAMPLES OF WORK: (NOTE: The examples of work are representative of the work, but every position classified to this job may not perform all examples of work listed. Conversely, this is not an all-inclusive list of work examples.)

• Interprets and communicates provisions of the Library Code, federal library law and rules, and regulations in the Pennsylvania Code and guidelines to librarians, library boards of trustees, local government officials, and interested citizens.

• Advises library personnel and boards on accepted practices in library management, organization, material and resource selection, technology, and other library matters.

• Works with libraries to encourage and develop cooperative service programs, such as resource sharing and inter-library loan.

• Advises on organizational development for libraries, library systems, and consortia.

• Assists libraries in preparing cooperative agreements and contractual arrangements to facilitate improved patron services.

• Works with district library center and local library staff to negotiate services to local libraries in accordance with library standards in the Library Code and Pennsylvania Code, and within the budgetary constraints of state aid to district library centers.

• Advises library staff on the development of library services for patients, inmates, and personnel in residential facilities.

• Advises academic and institutional library personnel on library management, resources, technology, and related matters.

• Assists public libraries in the development of plans for the use of state financial aid.

• Assists public libraries in the completion of state annual financial and statistical reports.

• Participates in planning and conducting workshops and conferences for library personnel, trustees, and officials.

• Administers state subsidy and grant programs for library operations and services.

• Administers Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) federal library grant program.

• Provides advice to and monitoring of library grantees.

• Collects and analyzes library statistics.

• Advises librarians, trustees, officials, and others about library development programs.

• Assists in the development of standards for library operations and services by providing feedback concerning field operations to Bureau of Library Development supervisors and managers.

• Performs related work as required.

ENTRY LEVEL KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Knowledge of the principles and practices of library science.

• Knowledge of the principles and practices of library development and administration.

• Knowledge of library technology.

• Knowledge of the use and functionality of Microsoft Office Suite software.

• Ability to analyze library issues and make recommendations for solutions.

• Ability to interpret, analyze, and present written materials.

• Ability to communicate effectively orally.

• Ability to communicate effectively in writing.

• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.

MINIMUM EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING: (NOTE: Based on the Entry Level Knowledges, Skills, and Abilities)

• One year of experience as a Librarian 2 or Rare Books Librarian (commonwealth titles);

or

• Three years of professional library experience, and a master’s degree in library science, library services, or a closely related field;

or

• Four years of professional library experience;

or

• An equivalent combination of experience and training that includes two years of professional library experience.