General Statement of Duties and Responsibilities: Provides information and advisory assistance to public library trustees, librarians, municipal officials, Friends organizations, and other interested individuals on matters relating to the administration, maintenance, and development of public library services in Massachusetts. Responsible for the operation of the Agency’s Professional Library. Responsible for the provision of library reference services to agency staff and the library community. Assists in coordination and implementation of the Agency’s LSTA program as needed. This is a hybrid position with the home base at the MBLC Office in Boston. Supervision Received: Reports to the Head of Library Advisory and Development, who provides general supervision, assigns work, provides guidance on policies and procedures, and reviews performance for effectiveness and compliance with the State’s Employee Performance Review System. Direct Reporting Staff: n/a Detailed Statement of Duties and Responsibilities: * Advises and responds to inquiries from public library directors, library trustees, Friends of Library organizations, library foundations, municipal officials, and others regarding the application of state and federal laws and regulations that relate to the administration and maintenance of public libraries in Massachusetts. * Provides information to librarians, library directors, library trustees, Friends organizations, library foundations, municipal officials, and private citizens regarding, but not limited to: o Governance and board operations for Friends of the Library groups o Policy development o Library funding o Roles and responsibilities of trustees, library directors, and Friends o Library foundations and fundraising activities o Library personnel issues o Using volunteers o Activities of professional associations * Develops and conducts continuing education programs for library directors, staff, trustees, and Friends organizations in coordination with the Massachusetts Library System, the Massachusetts Library Trustees Association, and Massachusetts Friends of Libraries. * Serves as agency liaison to the Massachusetts Library Trustee Association and Massachusetts Friends of Libraries, assists in the planning of MLTA and MFOL conferences and meetings. * Provides reference and referral services to Agency staff, librarians, trustees, Friends, and other interested individuals through the resources of the MBLC Professional and Reference Library. * Works with Communications Director to create content and assist with fact-checking and proofreading. * Organizes and maintains the Agency’s Professional Library including: o The selection of materials o Cataloging o Circulation o Interlibrary loan services * Performs related duties such as attending meetings, workshops, and conferences to exchange information; reading professional literature to keep informed of current trends in the public library field, etc.; participation in Agency projects as assigned. * Performs other duties as assigned by the Head of the Library Advisory and Development Unit. Qualifications Required at Hire: * Ability to exercise proper judgement in providing information to librarians, trustees, and municipal officials. * Ability to communicate effectively, orally and in writing to the library community, municipal officials, private citizens, etc. * Ability to understand and explain laws, rules, regulations, policies, procedures, etc. * Knowledge of the principals and practices of librarianship, public library operations, and library systems and their programs and services. * Ability to analyze complex problems, to determine the applicability of professional knowledge, to draw conclusions, and to make appropriate recommendations. * Ability to exercise discretion in handling confidential information. * Computer and online proficiency plus skill in Microsoft Office suite is essential. * Ability to work effectively in groups and establish liaisons with other organizations. * Ability to collect and analyze information, interpret survey data, design and construct research projects, and make appropriate recommendations. Qualifications Acquired on Job: * Ability to communicate information related to the services and programs of the Board of Library Commissioners. * Knowledge of MBLC goals, objectives, policies, and procedures. * Knowledge of state law, regulations, and legal opinions relating to public libraries in Massachusetts. * An understanding of state and local government practices and procedures. * Knowledge of public library services and structure in Massachusetts. The goals of the MBLC are to: · maintain and strengthen the Commonwealth's free public libraries, · provide statewide and regional programs for the improvement of library services provided by libraries of all types, · support resource sharing, online access, and the utilization of technology by libraries, and · provide specialized library services to blind and physically handicapped residents. First consideration will be given to those applicants that apply within the first 14 days. Minimum Entrance Requirements: Required work experience: at least four years of full-time or equivalent part-time professional experience in a public library. Substitutions: * A Bachelor’s degree in librarianship may be substituted for two years of the required experience on the basis of two years of education for one year of experience. * A Master’s or higher degree in librarianship may be substituted for three years of the required experience on the basis of two years for one year of experience. education towards such a degree will be prorated on the basis of the proportion of the requirements actually met. NOTE: Educational substitutions will only be permitted for a maximum of 3 years of the required experience. Preferred Entrance Requirements: A Master’s degree in library science from an American Library Association accredited graduate library program and a minimum of one year of experience in a public library in an administrative role. *License and/or Certification Requirements: Requires a valid driver’s license and access to a motor vehicle for work-related travel. Comprehensive Benefits: When you embark on a career with the Commonwealth, you are offered an outstanding suite of employee benefits that add to the overall value of your compensation package. We take pride in providing a work experience that supports you, your loved ones, and your future. Want the specifics? Explore our Employee Benefits and Rewards! An Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer. Females, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply. The Commonwealth is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, national origin, veteran status, or any other basis covered by appropriate law. Research suggests that qualified women, Black, Indigenous, and Persons of Color (BIPOC) may self-select out of opportunities if they don't meet 100% of the job requirements. We encourage individuals who believe they have the skills necessary to thrive to apply for this role. *Job: Education *Organization: Board Of Library Commissioners *Title: *Library Advisory Specialist Location: Massachusetts-Boston-90 Canal Street Requisition ID: 240000JM