Library Development Consultant – South Carolina State Library – Columbia, SC

Position: Library Development Consultant

This is professional library work with responsibility for planning, coordinating, and serving as a consultant for public library systems in the state or providing specialized services throughout the state directly to public library systems. The candidate will provide consultative services to administrators, staff, library boards of trustees, state, city and county officials, civic leaders and groups, and other interested groups. The candidate will need to utilize professional knowledge and judgment in solving complex problems. Duties are performed in accordance with professional library practices and techniques, and in conformance with governmental directives. Internal and external contacts are made to provide and exchange information, coordinate activities, and provide assistance and guidance. He or She will help to administer a statewide education and training program and assist with statewide projects implemented through the Library Development department. Extensive travel is required.

Examples of work that may be performed include:
• Serves as a consultant and provides continuing education to administrators, staff, library boards of trustees, state, city and county officials, civic leaders, internal agency staff, and other interested groups.
• Provides evaluations for library systems and recommends measures for organization and administrative improvement. May makes recommendations for the enhancement or provision of services and facilities.
• Plans and confers with librarians and community groups in developing programs to encourage reading and use of library materials and facilities by all ages. May directly conduct programs.
• Provides advice and support in the area of working with and utilizing volunteer groups to library administrators, staff, trustees, library organizations, and public officials.

To perform the job successfully, an individual should demonstrate the following competencies:

Leadership
• Exhibit confidence in self and others; Inspire and motivate others to perform well; effectively influence actions and opinions of others; Accept feedback from others; Give appropriate recognition to others. Display a high level of effort and commitment to performing work; operates effectively within the organizational structure; demonstrates trustworthiness and responsible behavior.

Professional Knowledge/Consulting
• Thorough knowledge and understanding of issues, practices, policies, standards, and trends related to Library Science and Information Resources.
• Commitment to excellent customer service by anticipating the needs of internal and external customers and partners, and assists them in meeting those needs; assesses and analyzes trends in customers’ needs and services issues.
• 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, often in overlapping program areas. Use equipment and materials properly; ensure work responsibilities are covered.
• Design and conduct workshops and training for others including public library trustees, Directors, and staff of libraries across the state. Develop and modify instructional materials on an annual basis.
• Possess excellent technical skills including but not limited to hardware, software, web applications, photography/film equipment, and social media.
• Design and implement new programs; evaluate existing programs. Plan, develop, and implement statewide projects and programs for the different library communities of interest.
• Monitor, assess, and seek out external funding sources as needed for programs and projects that support library programs and services. May assist in writing grant applications and managing parts of grant funded projects. Working knowledge of funding sources and Federal Library Services Technology Act (LSTA) Grant Program.

Communication and Interpersonal Skills
• Strong commitment to internal and external confidentiality. Speaks clearly and persuasively in positive or negative situations; Superior listening skills and emotional control; strong understanding of effective feedback techniques; Exhibit objectivity and openness to others’ views; Able to build morale and group commitments to goals and objectives; Serve as a role model and coaches others in building strong working relationships. Demonstrates ability to establish and maintain effective verbal and written communications with management, peers, staff, and library customers. Communicate information about major and/or complex situations to internal and external audiences; Enhance collaboration among individuals and groups and builds consensus.
• Excellent writing and presentation skills; Able to present numerical data effectively, and read/interpret written and numerical information. Prepares more complex reports, advises others in report preparation and presentation.
• Balances team and individual responsibilities; Conducts collaborative efforts with other agencies and organizations. Serves on special task forces, study committees or other designated groups.

Full-time
How to Apply
http://www.jobs.sc.gov
Contact Info Leesa Benggio
Contact Phone: 803-734-8668
Contact Email: lbenggio@statelibrary.sc.gov

SC State Library
1430 Senate Street
Columbia, SC 29201
Website: http://statelibrary.sc.gov