Library consultants at the South Carolina State Library work independently and as part of the Library Development team to encourage best practices in public library management, programs, and operations. Consultants conduct site visits to libraries to observe, assess, advise, and train on a broad range of library practices and procedures. Each consultant serves as a resource for public libraries and for the South Carolina State Library, and contributes significantly to the overall work of the agency.
The consultant identifies barriers to access and recommends resources, collections, equipment, and facility improvements to address particular library problems. The consultant may act as a liaison with state and national forums, and local agencies and institutions. The consultant assesses the need for improvement in public library staff awareness and skills, and works with the Library Development team to identify, create, and directly provide training and other learning opportunities.
The general library consultant responsibilities include:
- Provide consultation and guidance on a variety of topics which may include library finance, statistics, standards, staff recruitment and hiring, operations, and administration of the library
- Make recommendations regarding services, programming, and equipment for the service population
- Recommend resources for improvement and innovation; may be required to develop expertise and ability to train others in the use of these resources
- Recommend and lead special projects such as small grant programs, educational events, and other projects as needed to improve library services
- Conduct training in a variety of formats: one on one, group settings, and online
- Compose and distribute information related to libraries in online and print format
- Create content for the South Carolina State Library annual report and libguides
- Conduct needs assessment activities to assist public libraries in addressing local community
- Actively support agency goals and promote library development in the state
Minimum Requirements:
- A masters' degree in library science from an American Library Association accredited college or university and appropriate professional library experience
Preferred Qualifications:
- Five (5) years professional library experience
- Five (5) years of experience with outreach, planning programs, and providing services to diverse populations
- Ability to communicate effectively (oral and written)
- Ability to plan and conduct instructional events and presentations on a variety of topics
- Must be familiar with public library audiences, services, facilities, general trends and current issues, especially in small rural communities
- Must have an awareness of age-related, cultural, social, racial, ethnic, and economic conditions that may impede access to library resources and services
- Must be able to create program interest by using various social media platforms
- Requires independent judgement in potentially complex or sensitive situations
Additional Comments
As an EEO/Affirmative Action Employer all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age (over 40), sex, including pregnancy and childbirth (or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status.
The State Library actively promotes professional development and learning opportunities for staff. Work takes place in an office environment. Overnight travel required.
- Supplemental questions are considered part of your official application. Any misrepresentation will result in your disqualification from consideration for employment.
- Please complete the state application to include all current and previous work/salary history and education. A resume will not be accepted nor reviewed in lieu of a completed state application to determine if an applicant has met the qualifications for the position.
- Please include a cover letter, resume, and three professional references, and a sample of your professional writing of at least two pages, on any topic related to public libraries. Reference and background check will be conducted.
- Starting salary range $40,759 - $55,000 depending on experience.
- Benefits Include: vacation (15 days per year); sick leave (15 days per year); holidays (13 days per year), standard benefits package and South Carolina State Retirement System.
All applications must be submitted online at
If you have any questions concerning this job posting, please email Deborah Pack, Human Resources Director at dpack@statelibrary.sc.gov.
