Librarian 1

Full Job Description

Only applicants who meet the Minimum Qualification Requirements and meet all selective requirements (listed below) will be placed on the eligible list.

About Us:Join our vibrant team at the Department of Administrative Services (DAS), State Historical Society of Iowa (SHSI) Library and Archives office.

We are currently seeking a dedicated Librarian 1 to play a key role in the preservation and education of Iowa's history.

At SHSI, we are committed to maintaining and sharing our state's rich historical collections, and we need your expertise to help us achieve this mission.

Key Responsibilities:

Public Access and Reference Services:
As a Librarian 1, you will ensure the delivery of outstanding customer service at the reference desk and maintain a strong physical presence within the Iowa History Research Center. Your responsibilities include:

• Developing, recommending, and implementing historical library programs and outreach activities to better serve our patrons and increase collections usage.
• Keeping all stakeholders informed of bureau programs and resources.
• Responding promptly to patron and staff reference or information requests via various channels.
• Assisting patrons and staff with catalog and online resources, instructing them in historical and genealogical research.
• Contributing to the re-curation of the Museum exhibit and organizational marketing communications.

Collection Management and Maintenance:
You will assist with the assessment, organization, cataloging, and description of collections at the State Historical Society. Responsibilities include:

• Identifying preservation needs and performing basic stabilization work on collections.
• Overseeing the refiling of library materials and maintaining stacks management.
• Assisting with accessioning and cataloging library materials according to standards.

Research Center Operations:
Your duties will involve opening and closing the facility, ensuring security, and training volunteer, intern, and temporary staff. Additionally, you will:

• Collaborate with bureau staff to develop and maintain work policies and procedures.
• Gather and report monthly Research Center and historical library collection statistics.
• Ensure the Research Center remains presentable and collaborate with relevant staff to address condition issues.
• Coordinate activities of temporary staff, volunteers, and interns as required.

Desired Skills and Knowledge:

• Customer Service Excellence: Demonstrate a commitment to exceptional customer service and satisfaction.
• Critical Thinking: Utilize logical reasoning to address collection management challenges effectively.
• Effective Communication: Clearly convey information verbally and in writing to facilitate smooth communication.
• Time Management: Efficiently manage tasks to meet deadlines consistently.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Previous experience in reference or professional librarian roles, particularly with special collections or government records.
• Familiarity with historical collecting and/or collection plans implementation.
• Experience with online public access catalogs and providing genealogical reference support.
• Proficiency in using customer relationship management systems and interlibrary loan programs.
• Experience in volunteer coordination and familiarity with database management and office software.

Benefits:

At the State of Iowa, we are committed to your well-being. As a valued team member, you'll enjoy a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Paid Time Off: Enjoy vacation, paid holidays, and sick leave with no limits on sick leave accrual.
• Great Benefits: Excellent Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance Options.
• Retirement Plan: IPERS Retirement package and an option for a deferred compensation plan.
• Flexibility: Flexible Spending Accounts (medical and dependent care).
• Life Insurance: Free Life Insurance.
• Support: Employee Assistance Programs and Employee Discount Programs.

To learn more about the benefits of working with the State of Iowa, visit our benefits webpage.

Join us!

Apply now to be a part of preserving Iowa's history and serving our community!

Your expertise and passion for libraries and historical preservation will make a significant impact on our organization and the patrons we serve.

Join us in our mission to safeguard Iowa's heritage for future generations. Don't miss this opportunity to contribute to something truly meaningful.

Submit your application today and become a valued member of our dynamic team!

Explore the Distinctive Culture of DAS: Why Choose Us?

Are you ready to uncover the unique qualities that make the Department of Administrative Services (DAS) an exceptional workplace?

Dive into our recruitment page to explore what sets DAS apart, join our Talent Network for the latest job opportunities, discover the outstanding benefits offered by the state, and receive personalized support to navigate the State's hiring process.

We're excited to welcome you aboard and see how your talents can contribute to the success of our team!

E-Verify and Right to Work

The State of Iowa participates in E-Verify, a federal program that helps employers confirm the employment eligibility of all newly hired employees.

Within the required timeframe, new hires will be verified through the E-Verify system to ensure authorization to work in the United States.

The State of Iowa also complies with the federal Right to Work laws, which protect employees’ rights to work without being required to join a labor organization.

For more information, please visit www.e-verify.gov.

Requirements

358 Library Science
6 months experience, 12 semester hours, or a combination of both in the interdisciplinary or multidisciplinary field that applies the practices, perspectives, and tools of management, information technology, education, and other areas to libraries; the collection, organization, preservation, and dissemination of information resources; and the political economy of information.

Qualifications

A Master's degree in Library Science from an accredited school of Library Science;
an undergraduate degree from an accredited four year college or university and one year of full-time professional librarian or archives experience (i.e., similar to work indicated in this description).

For additional information, please click on this link to view the job description.

Additional Information

• Proficient in library science and archives methodology.
• Knowledgeable in cataloging, classification, and indexing practices.
• Skilled in reference and research methods, including bibliography compilation.
• Capable of understanding and implementing selection and acquisition procedures for library or archives materials.
• Able to anticipate and meet patrons' needs effectively.
• Excellent communication skills, both oral and written, with patrons and colleagues.
• Demonstrates initiative, commitment, and attention to detail.
• Adheres to ethical standards, follows policies, and cooperates with supervisors.
• Promotes teamwork, cooperation, and group identity.
• Effective in communicating with visitors, maintaining a polite and helpful demeanor.
• Capable of working independently and collaboratively within a team environment.