State Librarian
We are hiring for a State Librarian!
The State Librarian serves as the chief executive of the state library agency, the Delaware Division of Libraries, which sits within the Department of State. The State Librarian provides strategic leadership for library development statewide. This role shapes policy, administers federal and state library funding, and champions literacy and lifelong learning for all Delawareans.
The Division of Libraries manages the statewide Delaware Library Network for public libraries, the Delaware Library Catalog/Consortium, a multitype library catalog, and more for public, school, academic, and special libraries.
Details:
Job Title: State Librarian
Classification: Executive/Appointed
Department and Location: Department of State, Archives Building, Dover, DE
Direct Supervisor: Secretary of State
Interested in Applying?
With the Subject: State Librarian, submit a cover letter, resume, and three professional references to DOS_Secretary@delaware.gov
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership
- Develop and execute a statewide vision for library services aligned with evolving trends, community needs, and Delaware’s goals
- Advise key stakeholders and leadership on library policy and legislation, information access, and digital equity
- Represent the state in national library organizations and federal grant programs
Agency Administration
- Oversee agency budget, personnel, and operations
- Direct administration of the Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) and other federal/state grant programs
Statewide Services
- Evolve the seamless connected library services with diplomacy and systems thinking, process management, and continuous improvement in alignment with Delaware’s goals
- Support public, academic, school, and special libraries through training, and technical assistance
- Lead initiatives in emerging technologies, literacy, and lifelong learning
Stakeholder Engagement
- Advocate for library funding and legislation before the state legislature
- Build statewide partnerships for libraries with educational institutions, government agencies, and community organizations
- Engage diverse communities to ensure library services reflect the state’s demographics
Qualifications
Required
- Master’s degree in Library and Information Science (MLIS) from an ALA-accredited program
- Minimum 7–10 years of progressively responsible library leadership experience, including executive-level management
- Demonstrated expertise in library policy, strategic planning, and public administration
- Strong record of advocacy, coalition-building, and legislative engagement
Preferred
- Experience administering federal grants (LSTA, E-Rate, or similar)
- Knowledge of state government operations and legislative processes
- Familiarity with current issues in intellectual freedom, digital equity, data privacy, and emerging library technologies
Competencies
- Visionary leadership, systems thinking, and change management
- Political acumen and stakeholder diplomacy
- Fiscal management and grant administration
- Clear, persuasive communication—written and oral
- Commitment to intellectual freedom, equity, and inclusion
Compensation
- Salary budgeted as a line item in the annual operating appropriation bill. Comprehensive benefits including retirement plan, health insurance, and paid leave. [SBO – State Agency Employees (Including DOE)]
How to Apply
- Submit a cover letter, resume, and three professional references to DOS_Secretary@delaware.gov with the subject line: State Librarian.
For More Information
The Delaware Division of Libraries – libraries.delaware.gov
Delaware Libraries portal – delawarelibraries.org
