Library Development Specialist 1

Do you want to make a difference for libraries across the state?  The New York State Library in Albany, NY offers a rare opportunity for a Library Development Specialist to join our team. This position allows you to make a real impact by providing services to public and association libraries while serving as state data coordinator.  

The New York State Library’s Division of Library Development provides statewide leadership and advisory services and administers over $100 million in state and federal aid for library services and programs.  The City of Albany offers a vibrant and historic small-city atmosphere with a much lower cost of living than larger metro areas. Enjoy a mix of urban amenities and easy access to beautiful natural surroundings, all within a short drive to cultural hubs like New York City and Boston.

Candidates do not have to be on a civil service list to be eligible for this position. This title is part of the New York Hiring for Emergency Limited Placement Statewide Program (NY HELPS). For the duration of the NY HELPS Program, this title may be filled via a non-competitive appointment, which means no examination is required but all candidates must meet the minimum qualifications of the title for which they apply.  

The position offers an attractive benefits package, including participation in the NYS Retirement System.

Job Specifics:

The Library Development Specialist 1, State Data Coordinator supports the New York State Library’s Division of Library Development by leading statewide library data collection and reporting, overseeing data analysis, and guiding planning and evaluation activities required by the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS). The position also gathers and analyzes statistics from the State Library’s Research Library and prepares annual reports on State Library activities. This role ensures that accurate and meaningful data informs statewide planning, resource allocation, and program improvement. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Lead the annual data collection and reporting process for New York’s public libraries in alignment with IMLS Public Library Survey requirements.
  • Coordinate and submit the biennial State Library Administrative Agency (SLAA) survey to IMLS and ensure compliance with federal reporting standards.
  • Lead the State Library’s coordination of IMLS required planning and evaluation activities, including development, monitoring, and assessment of the LSTA Five Year Plan.
  • Collect, analyze, and maintain quantitative and qualitative data from the State Library’s operations, including usage, collections, services, and service impact.
  • Prepare annual and periodic reports summarizing State Library activities, trends, and progress toward strategic and programmatic goals.
  • Develop and maintain data representations, dashboards, and analytic tools; verify and analyze data to identify trends, relationships, and performance measures that support planning and decision making.
  • Manage the GIS contract to ensure accurate and up to date library service maps.
  • Provide training and technical assistance to public libraries on data reporting requirements, data literacy, and effective use of data.
  • Represent the State Library at meetings, conferences, committees, and professional events related to library data, planning, and evaluation; coordinate advisory groups and support public policy development.
  • Serve as regional liaison to two or more library systems and supervise librarians, education program assistants, administrative staff, interns, and others as assigned.