Minnesota Department of Corrections seeks Library Information Resource Services Specialist

Text courtesy of Andrea Smith, Minnesota Department of Corrections

The Minnesota Department of Corrections is hiring a Library Information Resource Services Specialist. This librarian should be mission-driven & passionate about service to work in one of the most exclusive public libraries in the state.

This position will work at the Minnesota Correctional Facility in Stillwater, MN. The salary range is $28.48 - $32.79 /hourly; $46,938 - $68,466 /annually.

This position supports facility goals through the development and implementation of library programs and services in coordination with education, treatment, and correctional programming to promote the personal and cultural development of residents. Specific responsibilities may include but are not limited to:

• Manage and administer the activities of the library such that immediate and long-term client needs are met, services are provided in an atmosphere conducive to library use, and reference services are provided to staff and clientele as to support departmental and facility goals.
• Ensure that residents have adequate access to legal resource materials in accordance with U.S. Supreme Court decisions.
• Ensure comprehensive library services are accessible to all residents. Provide an opportunity for enrichment activities and the availability of additional learning materials.
• Maintain professional competence so that library services continue to meet the needs of the facility and facility residents.

This position has direct contact with individuals who are incarcerated.

The following qualifications are required of all applicants seeking consideration for this position:

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE

• Master's degree in Library Science, Library Media or Information Media or a *related field;
  OR
• Bachelor's degree in Library Science, Library Media or Information Media or a *related field AND a minimum of 6 months professional-level experience as a librarian with job responsibilities in the following areas: 1) perform, plan and/or administer library/information services; 2) use cataloging and circulation software; 3) direct or provide reference services; 4) develop library policy; 5) library acquisitions and collection development; 6) circulation; and 7) budgeting;
  OR
• Bachelor's degree in Library Science, Library Media or Information Media or a *related field AND a minimum of 2 years para-professional or technical library experience with job responsibilities in the following areas: 1) maintain library records and resources; 2) use cataloging and circulation software; 3) assist library users with research and library procedures; 4) recommend, research and record library acquisitions; 5) process inter-library loan requests; and 6) complete documents, forms, and reports to assist Librarians. (Note: General clerical work in a library, such as typing or filing, does not qualify as para-professional or technical library work.)

*Please include information in your resume or the Job Specific Questions area of the Resume Builder program explaining how your degree field is related.

KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS/ABILITIES

• Knowledge of the principles and practices of library/information sciences and library operations sufficient to develop and administer a system of diverse/specialized technical library information services.
• Human relations and interpersonal skills sufficient to provide effective library services to a diverse offender population.

Preferred Qualifications

The following qualifications are strongly desired of applicants seeking consideration for this position:

Master’s degree in Library Science, Library Media or Information Media or a *related field.
Professional-level experience as a librarian.
Experience working in a law library.

Physical Requirements

The selected finalist is required to review and sign a Physical Demands Analysis (PDA) for this position.  For a copy of the PDA, please email Jess Fenlon (Jessica.Fenlon@state.mn.us).

Additional Requirements

The selection process may include screening the top candidate(s) on their criminal history, predatory offender registration, offender associations and/or other applicable background information in accordance with Department of Corrections' policy.

Employment history/reference checks, including incidents of sexual harassment, will also be conducted on the top candidate(s) in accordance with Department of Corrections' policy.  This may include a review of job performance and discipline records.

New employees will be fingerprinted within the first 30 days of employment.

Why Work For Us

Join a team with a national reputation for excellence! The Minnesota Department of Corrections (DOC) is highly regarded nationwide and has provided a model for other corrections systems to follow. Our mission is to transform lives for a safer Minnesota. We offer great State of Minnesota benefits, competitive pay, internal promotional opportunities, free parking, and workout facilities at most locations.

The State of Minnesota offers a comprehensive benefits package including low cost medical and dental insurance, employer paid life insurance, short and long term disability, pre-tax flexible spending accounts, retirement plan, tax-deferred compensation, generous vacation and sick leave, and 11 paid holidays each year.

Our differences make us stronger and leveraging them helps us create a workforce where everyone can thrive. The State of Minnesota is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to embedding diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility at our workplace. We do this by developing strong leaders and advocates, increasing cultural competence and understanding among all employees, and removing institutional barriers and attitudes that prevent employees from advancing as far as their talents will take them. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth and related medical conditions), marital status, familial status, receipt of public assistance, membership or activity in a local human rights commission, disability, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender expression, gender identity, or age.

How to Apply

To learn more and apply, go to the job listing on the Minnesota Careers website and select “Apply for Job” at the top of the page. If you have questions about applying for jobs, contact the job information line at 651-259-3637.