Assistant Commissioner for Libraries and State Librarian
Position: Assistant Commissioner for Libraries and State Librarian
New York State Library, Albany, NY
Compensation and benefits: $133,506-$146,927
Description:
The New York State Board of Regents and the Commissioner of Education are seeking an experienced and innovative individual to serve as Assistant Commissioner for Libraries and State Librarian. The incumbent will lead the operations of the New York State Library, a component of the Office of Cultural Education (www.oce.nysed.gov) within the New York State Education Department (www.nysed.gov). The successful candidate will have proven leadership qualities; demonstrate vision and the capacity to execute policy for library services in a rapidly changing information management, electronic and digital environment; be able to operate within a complex and dynamic atmosphere and work collaboratively with diverse, often divergent, interest groups.
The NYS Library provides information and library services through its Research Library and the Division of Library Development. Supervising the Director of the Research Library and the Director of the Division of Library Development, the State Librarian will have oversight responsibility for a $13.4 million operating budget, 180 employees, over 20 million collections items and nearly $100 million in State and federal aid to libraries. The incumbent will recommend legislation for the Board of Regents to present to the State Legislature, regulations to govern the operation of State-aided library programs and policies to move library services to higher levels.
One of the largest research libraries in North America, the NYS Research Library is the only state library which is a member of the Association of Research Libraries. The Library’s holdings include a significant manuscript and rare book collection, as well as holdings in a wide variety of formats, including paper, microform, digital and electronic records. It is also a Federal Depository and Patent Library; has the responsibility for the acquisition, distribution and maintenance of New York State documents; and is a regional library for the blind and visually impaired in New York’s 55 upstate counties.
The Division of Library Development provides leadership and technical assistance to New York’s 73 library systems through a comprehensive program of State aid for public, school, academic and special library services. Staff experts work with librarians, trustees, school administrators, public officials and local leaders to solve problems and find new ways of making library services and resources available to their community. Library Development administers more than $100 million in State and federal aid to New York’s libraries and helps them to take full advantage of federal and private funding programs like E-rate telecommunications discounts and Gates Library Foundation grants.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS: Candidates must possess a Master’s in Library or Information Science from an American Library Association accredited library school and at least 10 years of post-degree professional experience such as a director of a major library system; director of a comprehensive university or research library; or in a management position in a state library agency or large public library. Candidates must have been active nationally, have and be able to communicate a vision for library services for the future and have a collaborative leadership style.
CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT: This position is in the exempt class, and the incumbent will serve at the pleasure of the Commissioner of Education.
Deadline: Not listed
Contact: Qualified candidates should send a resume and letter of interest to:
Ms. Gayle Bowden
Director, Human Resources Management
Box OCE CG-683
NYS Education Department
89 Washington Avenue, Room 528 EB
Albany, NY 12234
Fax (518) 486-5631
E-mail: cgraves2@mail.nysed.gov
An Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer
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