Functions as a fully qualified, professional librarian or archivist, and independently performs a variety of complex professional librarian or archivist duties.

This is the senior or specialist level of the series.  Positions work under general direction and apply senior level knowledge and skills to perform duties, services, and solve complex problems.

Serves on library development projects, committees, and grant cycles;

Performs original descriptive and subject cataloging and classification in accordance with established cataloging rules and reviews cataloging performed by other staff;

Creates and coordinates special projects or initiatives which publicize the role and holdings of the institution; includes conducting tours as well as seeking out and speaking at target audience functions;

Develops and implements policies, procedures, and standards of best practices;

Provides consulting services to improve library service and development of libraries in the state; includes consulting in areas such as administration, organizational development, collection management, information access, equipment, personnel, financial support, and other library issues;

Keeps current with customer interests and needs by identifying interests and study trends;

Plans, implements, leads, and evaluates the development of collections and delivery of services to the public and client agencies;

Provides quality control of arrangement, description, and public records management training for local government agencies;

Provides quality control of collection processing and research and other services;

Serves as local government office’s advisor on archives and records management;

Provides research services and resolves research inquiries; consults finding aids and interprets them for researchers; monitors researchers to assure adherence to collections use and security procedures; guides researchers to other sources for records, publications, and information;

Create content for and maintain websites;

Prepares statistical and administrative reports;

Creates and implements projects to increase digital access to materials;

May supervise, lead, train, and direct the work of lower level staff;, student employees, volunteers, or interns;

Develops training and instructs other staff and patrons.

Knowledge of:  theories, principles and practices of professional library or archives administration and procedures; thorough knowledge of library science, including library techniques and procedures; archival processes and procedures; records management; compilation of data and reports; methods of customer needs assessment; customer relations principles and practices.

Ability to:  plan and coordinate work of an operational unit, project or service team, specialized service, phase of a library or archives program, or consultative service; interact courteously with customers; analyze situations accurately and adopt an effective course of action; compile data, make reports; communicate effectively orally and in writing; work effectively in a team environment.

All librarian positions must meet the provisions of Title 300-12 WACCertification of Librarians and RCW 27.04.055 Qualifications of Librarians-Rules-Fees.

Persons legally authorized to work in the U.S. under federal law, including Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals recipients, are eligible for employment unless prohibited by other state or federal law.

Positions require a Master’s degree in library science from an American Library Association accredited program and certification by the State Librarian authorized through the Office of the Secretary of State; or certification by professional portfolio as authorized through the Office of the Secretary of State and three years experience as a professional librarian.

OR 

Master’s degree involving archives and records management, history or related field and three years’ experience as a professional archivist.

 

New class, replaces 25170 Senior Library Information Specialist; adopted January 1, 2006.
Revise class. General revision; adopted May 10, 2007 effective July 10, 2007.
Revised definition, typical work, knowledge and abilities; legal requirements; desired qualifications; and added distinguishing characteristics; adopted June 13, 2019; effective July 1, 2019.

Revised Legal Requirements; effective June 6, 2024, due to adopted legislative action.