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 and operations. Consultants are keenly interested in achieving excellence for all South Carolina libraries. 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 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 acts as a liaison between the State Library and selected 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 will conduct a range of tasks with responsibilities which may include:
- Consulting with libraries on a variety of topics which may include library finance, library statistics, standards, staff recruitment and hiring, and other operational and administrative concerns
- Writing and distributing information about library trends, statistics and finance, including printed pieces and website/libguide content
- Generating the public library development content of South Carolina State Library annual reports
- Writing and distributing information about library trends, statistics and finance, including printed pieces and website/libguide content
- Conducting or coordinating needs assessment activities for the agency; assisting public libraries to conduct needs assessment locally
Special projects may include:
- Updating a statewide Return on Investment report and calculator for public libraries and creating information pieces and website content about ROI
- Coordinating a public library salary comparison resulting in a report with recommendations for public libraries
- Updating/revising statewide library standards as part of a team comprised of agency and public library staff
Skills and Knowledge
- A masters' degree in library science from an American Library Association accredited college or university
- Minimum of 10 years professional library experience
- Ability to plan and conduct instructional events and presentations in area of expertise
- Strong writing skills (writing sample is required – see additional comments)
- Experience with field work/consulting preferred
- Starting salary range $48,000-55,000 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 www.careers.sc.gov
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. No physically demanding requirements, but ability to retrieve library materials is essential. Limited 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. Also include a sample of your professional writing of at least two pages, on any topic related to public library interests. Reference and background check will be conducted.
