Library Consultant

About the Department

The State Library of Iowa is seeking a dedicated and knowledgeable individual to serve as a District Library Consultant for the Southeast District of the Library Support Network.

This role is essential for supporting public libraries located within the district, ensuring they have the guidance and resources needed to provide exceptional service to their communities. This is a fully remote position that requires regular driving within the district and occasional travel to the State Library offices in Des Moines. The ideal candidate will reside within or nearby the Southeast District and must reside within the state of Iowa. This position reports to the Library Program Director.

Why Us?

The work of the State Library of Iowa is centered on providing support and resources to Iowa libraries and information services to the public. Join a group of professionals dedicated to guiding exemplary library service for Iowa’s 544 public libraries to benefit the communities they serve.

What You'll Do

• Provide Expert Consulting and Support: Offer professional consultation to local library staff and trustees on all facets of library management, including collection management, public services, technology, funding, policies, board relations, personnel management, library buildings, and planning.
• Deliver Training and Continuing Education: Collaborate on and deliver statewide continuing education and training programs through online classes, in-person workshops, roundtables, and user groups.
• Support Statewide Library Programs: Provide guidance and training on key statewide programs such as SILO Locator and Interlibrary Loan, Annual Survey, Endorsement, Standards and Accreditation, Enrich Iowa (Direct State Aid, Open Access, ILL Reimbursement), Bridges, and other State Library online resources.
• Build and Maintain Relationships: Cultivate strong professional relationships with local library staff and boards through site visits, phone, email, and other communication methods, including delivering new library director orientations.
• Administrative and Project Work: Document, track, and monitor the development of libraries within the district and report progress and challenges. Serve on State Library teams (e.g., Continuing Education or Bridges) and work on special projects or initiatives.
• Technology and Travel: Be proficient in setting up and troubleshooting technology for remote and in-person presentations (e.g., online meetings, data projectors, network connections). This position requires occasional overnight travel and periodic work on evenings and weekends.

Key Skills

• Library Management Expertise: Possess deep knowledge of library management principles, current best practices, and library services.
• Communication & Presentation Skills: Exceptional ability to communicate effectively, both in writing and speaking, with the capacity to deliver engaging training and presentations to various groups of people.
• Consulting & Problem Solving: Proven ability to provide effective and professional consulting, helping libraries resolve issues related to governance, fiscal responsibility, and operational challenges.
• Technological Proficiency: Capable of setting up, operating, and troubleshooting various technologies, including laptops, presentation equipment, and remote networking tools.
• Interpersonal Abilities: Strong relationship-building skills to work effectively with local library personnel, trustees, city government, and State Library colleagues.
• Organizational and Reporting Skills: Detailed approach to documenting, tracking, and reporting on library development and progress.
• Flexibility and Adaptability: Willingness to travel and adjust work hours to accommodate evening and weekend commitments.

What’s in it for you?

Competitive compensation and a comprehensive benefits package. For additional information on benefits click here.

Our Benefits at a Glance outlines the benefits for this position.

If you're looking for meaningful work that supports Iowans across the state, we encourage you to apply today!

Minimum Qualifications

Graduation from an accredited college or university with a master's degree in library science and five years of full-time professional experience in a public, school, academic, special library or library system;ORgraduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a bachelor's degree in library science and six years of full-time professional experience in a public, school, academic, special library or library system;ORan equivalent combination of experience and education, substituting one year of the required experience for each year of the required education (30 semester hours or one year) to a maximum substitution of four years. For additional information, please click on this link to view the job description.