Description

The Office of Secretary of State (OSOS) offers some of the most unique and diverse job opportunities in state government. Its critical responsibilities include: ensuring a fair and accurate elections process; connecting Washingtonians through the power of libraries; protecting our important government records; and registering corporations and charities. The Secretary of State also administers vital community programs that inspire giving, document our history, and assist crime survivors in avoiding further abuse. This independent office under the state Constitution operates from facilities in the Olympia area and statewide.

The OSOS is looking for top-performing employees who embody its core values of integrity, service excellence, visionary leadership, collaboration and teamwork. It is committed to both employee growth and work-life balance. The benefits of working in state government also include potential eligibility for the federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness program.

The Washington State Library connects people to the power of libraries. As Washington's oldest cultural institution, the library's unique and rare collections date back to territorial days. Resources include historical print and digital compilations, collections of state newspapers and maps, state and federal government publications, and the Ask-a-Librarian service.

The library benefits local libraries and their patrons through its consulting services, grants, subsidies, training, and programming. Additionally, the Washington State Library provides services to state prison and state hospital libraries. OSOS also operates the Washington Talking Book & Braille Library(WTBBL) in Seattle, a library for people unable to read standard print.

This cataloger position reports to the Catalog Management and Systems Librarian and is responsible for the creation and maintenance of catalog records for library materials, primarily serial publications. This position also assists customers at public service points.

Please note: The first review of applications will be September 8, 2022. It is in the candidate's best interest to apply as soon as possible Interviews for this position will be conducted on an on-going basis. The hiring manager reserves the right to fill the position at any time.

Duties

Provide access to Serial and Monographic Resources:

• 
  Performs original cataloging of library materials, primarily serials in all formats, in accordance with national and local standards using the integrated library system and bibliographic utility. May perform copy cataloging as needed.
• Contributes serial bibliographic records and authority records to the national databases through the PCC CONSER and NACO programs respectively.
• Tracks title, publication pattern, and other changes in serial publications, in coordination with other staff members, and reflects such changes in bibliographic records.
• Develops and streamlines procedures and workflows for making the Library’s electronic resources discoverable and accessible.
• Actively participates in the effort to standardize and maintain holdings data in the catalog.
• Serves as the primary resource person on serial cataloging and serial holdings data, by assisting other WSL staff members, and possibly staff at branch and agency libraries that share the catalog.
• Contributes to improving the quality of bibliographic, holdings, item, and authority data in the catalog, by participating in record upgrades, database cleanups, authority control, and/or other database maintenance activities.

Customer Service:

• Staffs reference service points, including the online chat reference service; determines the best way to answer reference questions by conducting reference interviews; responds to customer requests.
• Conducts research to respond to information requests; utilizes complex reference resource materials, catalogs, indexes, databases, and legal materials to identify and analyze sources to answer questions.
• Assists customers with use of all the collections, including federal and state publications, general and specialized reference, newspapers and periodicals, databases, and the website.
• Assists with service point and pager backup when coverage is needed and retrieves collection materials upon request.

Miscellaneous:

• Serves as the institutional representative to the PCC CONSER program.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• A Master’s degree in library science and from an American Library Association accredited program.
• One year of full-time experience as a professional librarian in a library setting, including recent experience in original cataloging.
• Ability to efficiently use a personal computer and applicable software to successfully perform the essential job functions of the position.

PREFERRED/DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• One year of full-time experience performing full-level original cataloging of library materials, including serials, using OCLC Connexion or WorldShare Record Manager. and integrated library systems, preferably Sierra [Innovative Interfaces, Inc.]
• Working knowledge of RDA, LC-PCC PS, MARC21 bibliographic, holdings, and authority formats, and LCSH.
• Experience with classification systems, e.g. Dewey Decimal Classification.
• Knowledge of AACR2 and LCRI.
• Experience cataloging newspapers and government publications
• Knowledge of CONSER Cataloging Manual.
• Experience creating and editing authority records through NACO.
• General understanding of Linked Data concepts, e.g. RDF, and BIBFRAME.
• Knowledge of open URL linking technologies and/or authentication mechanisms.
• Experience managing electronic resources.
• Experience with OCLC WorldShare Collection Manager.
• Experience with metadata manipulation tools, e.g. MarcEdit and OpenRefine.
• Experience providing reference services.
• Ability to read and effectively communicate, verbally and in writing, using the English language.
• Attention to detail.

Supplemental Information

WORKING CONDITIONS
Requires sitting or standing for long periods of time each day interspersed with periods of physical activity; working in a library/office environment with public contact; willingness and ability to work in adverse conditions (working with moldy or dusty materials or in areas that are cramped and/or somewhat confining.) Occasional in-state and out-of-state travel, primarily for training and development. If driving a vehicle for company purposes, will be required to submit a valid driver’s license to supervisor. Ability to lift up to 40lbs with or without reasonable accommodation. Ability to stand, bend, stoop, kneel, reach, grasp, climb on and off of stepstools, push and pull fully loaded book carts, lift, carry, and crank compact shelving handles

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS/CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

Per Governor Inslee's Proclamation 21-14 (Download PDF reader), employees at the Office of the Secretary of State must be fully vaccinated by their first day of employment. Your vaccine status will be verified by Human Resources prior to your first day of employment. Please contact Human Resources at hr@sos.wa.gov, if you need information on medical or religious accommodations.

HOW TO APPLY
Please attach a resume and a letter of interest describing how your experience and qualifications relate to the position description and the required and preferred/desired qualifications.

The Office of the Secretary of State is an equal opportunity employer (EOE). We do not discriminate on the basis of religion, age, gender, marital status, color, creed, national origin, political affiliation, military status, gender identity, sexual orientation, or any sensory, mental or physical ability. All interested candidates are encouraged to apply. Persons of disability needing assistance in the application process, or those needing the announcement in alternative format, should call (360) 704-5210.