Branch Librarian (Prison Libraries)

The Office of Secretary of State (OSOS) offers some of the most unique and diverse job opportunities in state government. Its critical responsibilities include: ensuring a fair and accurate elections process; connecting Washingtonians through the power of libraries; protecting our important government records; and registering corporations and charities. The Secretary of State also administers vital community programs that inspire giving, document our history, and assist crime survivors in avoiding further abuse. This independent office under the state Constitution operates from facilities in the Olympia area and statewide.
The OSOS is looking for top-performing employees who embody its core values of integrity, service excellence, visionary leadership, collaboration and teamwork. It is committed to both employee growth and work-life balance. The benefits of working in state government also include potential eligibility for the federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness program.
The Washington State Library connects people to the power of libraries. As Washington's oldest cultural institution, the library's unique and rare collections date back to territorial days. Resources include historical print and digital compilations, collections of state newspapers and maps, state and federal government publications, and the Ask-a-Librarian service.
The library benefits local libraries and their patrons through its consulting services, grants, subsidies, training, and programming. Additionally, the Washington State Library provides services to state prison and state hospital libraries. OSOS also operates the Washington Talking Book & Braille Library(WTBBL) in Seattle, a library for people unable to read standard print.

• Library & Archival Professional 1: $3,616 - $4,855
• Library & Archival Professional 2: $3,792 - $5,102

Maintains day-to-day library services and operations

• Establishes guidelines for appropriate behavior of incarcerated library customers
• Enforces institutional and library rules
• Organizes, implements, and maintains all phases of interlibrary loan process
• Manages automated circulation system, registering new patrons, creating holding records, entering bibliographic information, preparing and customizing reports, database clean-up and inventory
• Hires, trains, supervises, coaches, and organizes the daily work of incarcerated library clerks
• Compiles periodic statistical and narrative reports
• Plans, monitors, and evaluates service delivery
• Orders and maintains library and office supplies
• Performs duties such as serials, materials processing, outreach, and other ongoing library services

• Selects formats of library materials to meet the full range of library/information needs of the customers of the branch library
• Assesses, evaluates, and maintains collections through periodic weeding and inventory
• Uses online tools to create orders
• Confers with institution staff and contract staff regarding their clients' information needs and keeps them informed when the library is able to meet those needs

• Works with colleagues on projects for other branches, such as planning, implementing, and evaluating major changes
• Provides technical support or subject expertise to accomplish program goals
• Attends office sponsored training activities and events
• Provides coverage for other branch libraries
• Acts as a resource for troubleshooting and/or problem solving for ongoing or special projects
• May assist other staff with reference, interlibrary loan or other tasks to ease workloads

• Selects material to fill information requests and assists incarcerated individuals with bibliographic tools

Required Qualifications:
At the Library & Archival Professional 1 level:

• Master's degree in library science from an American Library Association accredited program
• Current Washington driver's license or have requested and obtained an appropriate accommodation

• Within the past 10 years, one year of professional experience in a library providing adult/young adult public services
• Ability to efficiently use a personal computer and applicable software to successfully perform the essential job functions of the position
• Current Washington driver's license or have requested and obtained an appropriate accommodation
• Master's degree in library science from an American Library Association accredited program

• Collection management experience, including selection, weeding, and record maintenance
• At the Professional 1 level, one year experience in a library providing adult/young adult public services. At the Professional 2 level, two years experience in a library providing adult/young adult public services.
• Experience providing adult/young adult reference and reader's advisory services

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS/CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

• If in a Department of Corrections institution, successful completion of DOC CORE training must be completed within the first 9 months of employment
• Must pass a criminal history background check
• Willingness and ability to work within the constraints of institutions and work effectively with customers (incarcerated individuals or psychiatric patients)
• Certification by State Librarian authorized through the Office of the Secretary of State - this qualification is not mandatory for application but is mandatory for employment