Librarian

This is a full-time position located at the State Library in Baton Rouge, LA.

This position functions as a Documents and Reference librarian in the Louisiana Section with responsibilities for maintaining, organizing, and promoting the use of the historical collection of state documents. It also provides in-depth research assistance to state agency officials and employees, institutional and public libraries, and the general public.

The State Library of Louisiana inspires and supports literacy and lifelong learning for all Louisianans through access to information, strengthening communities, supporting exceptional library services, and preserving Louisiana’s heritage.

The State Library of Louisiana, its Board of Commissioners and staff value:

• Equal access to information for all citizens,
• The literary and cultural heritage of Louisiana,
• Intellectual freedom,
• Reading

A master's degree in library science from a college or university accredited by the American Library Association. The official job specifications for this role can be found here.

The Louisiana Collection is a specialized, heavily used collection of Louisiana materials, including books, photographs, maps, microfilm, and a unique and historical collection of state documents. In addition to reference and research responsibilities within the Louisiana Collection, this position includes duties with an emphasis on the organization and management of the historic collection of state documents. This requires collection development and records management skills related to the print collection, as well as electronic documents.

The incumbent participates in the planning and delivery of reference training workshops and webinars. This position assists the Department head with maintenance, processing, and preservation of the collection.

• Perform in-depth and complex research using original source materials, online database searching and personal contact with experts throughout the state to answer requests for information from state officials, state agencies and employees, parish library staff, as well as authors, students, and other researchers and library staff worldwide.
• Require extensive experience and a strong working knowledge of the Collection’s books, periodicals, microform, government documents and specialized databases to perform high‑quality and accurate public service.
• Along with the ability to perform a wide variety of research, this position demands strong interpersonal skills.
• Strong communication skills are needed to deal with researchers and experts in person, by mail, telephone and electronically.
• Work closely with Technical Services to facilitate the retrospective cataloging of older materials into the library’s catalog to improve access to materials.
• Shelve the Louisiana Documents.
• Review cataloging records to ensure accuracy of holdings.
• Work as active liaison with the Recorder of Documents to develop plans for both print and electronic documents.
• Serve as OSL representative to the Documents Advisory Council and attend all meetings.
• Develop special projects to increase access and awareness of this collection.
• Work closely with the Department Head to ensure the long‑term integrity of the collection.
• Make list of withdrawals.
• Check list posted on Bayoudoc and compare to our holdings and get items as needed.
• Louisiana Digital Photograph index.
• Label photographs for processing.
• Purchaser for Departmental supplies.
• Departmental inventory.
• Attend and participate in professional meetings, conferences, and continuing education workshops.
• Promote use of Louisiana materials through publications and journal articles.
• Other assigned duties.
• Develop and carry out reference training workshops in the use of Louisiana resources for library staff from the 68 public library systems, institutional and academic libraries.
• Involves some overnight travel and outreach to state agencies and other interested parties.

Appointment Type: This position is being filled as a probational appointment. Current permanent status employees may be required to accept a probational appointment.

Career Progression: This position is in a Career…