Library Advisor - Riverside County Library System

Description

The Library Advisor is a non-supervisory professional Librarian who serves as a system-wide advisor, implementation leader, and professional resource for the Riverside County Library System (RCLS).

Reporting to the Assistant Executive Director, the Library Advisor works collaboratively with Executive leadership, Branch Managers, Library Management Office staff, and other organizational partners to support consistent, high-quality public library services across RCLS. The position provides professional consultation, coaching, training, and implementation support.

The Library Advisor does not supervise Branch Managers or serve as an intermediary between branches and Executive leadership. 

Instead, the role focuses on strengthening organizational effectiveness by sharing professional expertise, supporting implementation of Executive priorities, promoting best practices, facilitating collaboration, and helping branches successfully navigate organizational initiatives.

The Library Advisor serves as a professional consultant, organizational resource, and implementation partner, not as a supervisory position. Success is measured by strengthening Branch Managers, improving organizational consistency, supporting successful implementation of executive priorities, and promoting operational excellence through collaboration, coaching, and professional expertise.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES 

Support and Consultation

• Provides support to Branch Managers regarding public library operations, programming, collections, customer service, community engagement, and professional library practices.
• Serves as a professional resource by offering guidance, coaching, recommendations, and implementation assistance.
• Advises on operational incidents and recommend appropriate responses; matters requiring executive action are elevated appropriately.

Organizational Implementation

• Supports implementation of executive priorities and organizational initiatives.
• Assist Branch Managers with implementation plans translating organizational priorities into measurable local actions.
• Identifies implementation challenges and collaborates on solutions.
• Participates in cross-functional projects that advance operational excellence.

Professional Development

• Supports orientation and onboarding of new Branch Managers and management staff.
• Identifies training needs and coordinates learning opportunities.
• Assists in facilitating leadership forums, peer-learning sessions, workshops, and collaborative problem-solving.
• Serves as a mentor and professional resource.

Operational Excellence

• Visits branchs to support implementation efforts on behalf of executive Leadership direction, organizational initiatives, operational assessments, and continuous improvement.
• Use LibraryIQ and other approved tools to analyze operational trends and provide recommendations.
• Maintain awareness of current library trends and emerging practices.

Collaboration

• Partners with Collection Management, Literacy Services, Business Operations, Marketing, Facilities, Information Technology, HR, and other departments.
• Encourages Branch Managers to work directly with designated subject-matter experts.
• Supports partnerships, Friends of the Library, programming initiatives, and community engagement.

Organizational Support

• May help to assist in the temporary operational support during leadership vacancies or major organizational initiatives as assigned.
• Routes matters requiring executive involvement through appropriate leadership channels.
• Promotes a collaborative, inclusive, customer-focused culture.

Requirements

• Master's Degree in Library and Information Science (MLIS/MLS) from an ALA-accredited institution or equivalent qualifications.
• Significant public library experience demonstrating expertise in library operations, programming, collections, and customer service.
• Experience supporting organizational initiatives, coaching managers, training staff, leading projects, or implementing operational improvements preferred.
• Strong facilitation, communication, relationship-building, and organizational skills.
• Ability to influence and collaborate without supervisory authority.
• Ability to analyze operational data and translate findings into practical recommendations.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and adapt to changing organizational needs.
• Proficiency with integrated library systems, Microsoft Office, LibraryIQ or comparable reporting tools.
• Valid driver's license and ability to travel regularly throughout Riverside County.