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Location and Position Information Section:
STATE LIBRARIAN OF LOUISIANA. The Board of Commissioners of the State Library of Louisiana, an agency in the Louisiana Department of Culture, Recreation and Tourism, is accepting applications for the position of State Librarian. This position serves as the chief librarian and chief executive officer of the State Library of Louisiana as well as the director of library development and service throughout the state. The State Librarian is also the executive secretary of the Board of Commissioners of the State Library of Louisiana and serves as the assistant secretary of the Office of the State Library.

This position is located at the State Library of Louisiana in Baton Rouge. The term of office of the State Librarian is five years, subject to removal for cause. The appointment of the State Librarian is subject to Senate confirmation. Salary is commensurate with experience.

To apply for this vacancy, click on the “Apply” link above and complete an electronic application, which can be used for this vacancy as well as future job opportunities. Applicants are responsible for checking the status of their application to determine where they are in the recruitment process. Further status message information is located under the Information section of the Current Job Opportunities page.

Qualifying Documents
A resume and a cover letter with three references must be submitted with your application. These documents may be submitted as a PDF attachment to your on-line application or submitted via email, fax, or hand delivery to Human Resources, Department of Culture, Recreation, & Tourism, or mailed via USPS postmarked on or before July 31, 2023 (contact information listed below).

Qualifications Section:

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: La. R.S. 25:7 requires the following minimum qualifications: “(H)e or she shall be of good moral character and shall be a trained and experienced librarian holding a degree from some standard college or university. In addition, he must have completed the required course in a recognized or accredited school of library science and have had at least five years' experience as an administrative librarian or director of some state or public library serving a populated area of not less than fifty thousand inhabitants.”

CANDIDATES MUST BE knowledgeable in the field of library science, library technology, public finance, public administration, and human resource management. Candidates must be knowledgeable about and interested in the governmental process at all levels – local, state, and federal.

CANDIDATES MUST HAVE the ability to work in harmony with professional colleagues, staff, and governmental officials and to communicate effectively.

Examples of Work Section:

The Board of Commissioners of the State Library of Louisiana (SLOL) seeks an innovative and experienced candidate for the position of State Librarian with excellent analytical skills and an ability to handle complex decision making; excellent oral and written communication skills; and someone who is a visionary leader. The successful candidate will exhibit an ability for follow-through and ownership of responsibilities; a high level of discretion and diplomacy, and have excellent skills at team building.

The State Librarian reports directly to the Lieutenant Governor and the Secretary of the Department of Culture, Recreation, and Tourism (DCRT). This position is responsible for management of policy, process, and oversight for programs within the State Library of Louisiana.

The State Librarian ensures that the statutory purpose of the agency is met; creates policies, plans, and procedures for the office; and develops and implements a long range plan and a 5-year strategic plan as required by law.

This position is part of the DCRT Executive Management Team and will work collaboratively with other management level staff in DCRT.

The State Librarian represents both the State Library and the Lieutenant Governor regarding programs and services for all State Library stakeholders at functions and in the media, as requested. Keeps the Lieutenant Governor informed on political issues relating to library service and funding at the local and federal levels, as well as opportunities to raise awareness of library services.

The State Librarian is responsible for direct supervision of five management level staff and approximately 50 staff under them. This position establishes statewide programs to benefit all 67 parish library systems that include 340 branches and 25 bookmobiles statewide, and through the parish libraries, the 4.66 million citizens of Louisiana.

This position provides guidance to officials of federal, state, and local agencies, legislators, professional organizations, the LSU School of Information Science, and interested groups on matters relating to library services and development in Louisiana. Plays an active role in the Louisiana Library Association, American Library Association, and Public Library Association. Serves as an active member of COSLA (Council on State Library Agencies). Serves on state boards and commissions in an ex-officio capacity and/or as dictated by law and/or policy.

This position monitors federal and state legislation that affects libraries and works with legislative staff to help draft legislation. The State Librarian also prepares and presents information as needed relative to State Library legislative issues, including testifying before legislative bodies as requested by the Lieutenant Governor.

The State Librarian travels to parishes to speak at public library openings and events on behalf of the Lieutenant Governor and the State Library. Along with State Library staff, this position serves in an advisory role providing guidance for public library directors, trustees, and local governing authorities. This position, in collaboration with State Library staff, provides assessments of public library services as requested, and meets with boards and staff for on-site continuing education training.

The State Librarian will seek out public/private partnerships for funding of library programs and initiatives, including the Louisiana Book Festival, which is the largest festival in DCRT that is run by DCRT staff. This position seeks out grant opportunities to supplement State Library and public library initiatives, and also seeks out partnerships with all types of libraries (school, special, academic, public, and governmental).