Librarian and Information Services Manager - Cascade Region

Job Number: 2026-00185

About the Role

The Librarian and Information Services Manager (Librarian Services Manager) will advance the King County Library System (KCLS) mission, vision, and values by supervising, mentoring, and supporting librarian staff across all specialties. This regional position works closely with the Regional Management Team to provide strategic support, subject‑matter expertise, and ensure high‑quality service delivery in libraries, the community, and online. The manager guides staff activities, implements policies, procedures, programs, and projects, and champions Intellectual Freedom while responding to community needs.

Responsibilities

• Hire, train, mentor, evaluate, coach, and discipline assigned employees across the region.
• Coordinate staff activities and functions, communicating and implementing policies, procedures, programs, and projects.
• Advocate for staff and patron needs at regional and system levels.
• Contribute to regional management as a member of the Region Management Team.
• Foster a cooperative work environment and participate in goal setting and strategic planning.
• Develop and implement goals and plans for regional programs, services, events, and collections.
• Coordinate with system service coordinators for service delivery.
• Manage and approve payroll time entries and leave requests.
• Work with the Region Management Team on direct reports’ schedules to support library operations.
• Track and monitor assigned budgets and produce reports.
• Promote, educate, and support principles of Intellectual Freedom with staff and patrons; resolve related concerns or refer appropriately.
• Resolve staff and patron incidents, problems, concerns, and conflicts.
• Ensure adherence to the Code of Conduct or refer as needed.
• May oversee safe and efficient operations in an assigned facility.
• Participate in staff meetings, committee work, and training.
• Engage with the community and special population groups.
• Initiate, participate in, and collaborate on library profession activities beyond KCLS.
• Maintain professional expertise to provide relevant public service.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Core Competencies

• Customer Focus – delivering high‑quality, value‑added services and fostering equitable, meaningful connections.
• Valuing Diversity – managing relationships inclusively, respecting and encouraging diverse perspectives.
• Ethics, Values, and Judgment – exercising best judgment, trustworthiness, and defending intellectual freedom and patron confidentiality.
• Professional & Technical Knowledge – maintaining proficiency in relevant skills and staying current with developments.
• Coaching and Counseling – facilitating development of others through feedback, guidance, and encouragement.
• Managerial Courage – providing direct, actionable feedback and addressing difficult situations promptly.
• Vision and Strategic Thinking – aligning work with organizational vision, mission, and values while employing breakthrough strategies.
• Building Effective Teams – creating cohesive teams, supporting morale, and fostering a healthy work environment.
• Accountability – holding self and others responsible for outcomes and monitoring progress.

Qualifications

• Master of Library Science degree from an ALA‑accredited school of Librarianship.
• Washington State certification as a Librarian.
• Three to five years of certified librarian experience, with at least three years in a supervisory capacity (or equivalent combination of education, training, and experience).
• Demonstrated strong mentoring and/or training experience.

Special Requirements

• Valid Washington State Librarian’s Certificate.
• Valid Washington State driver’s license.
• Physical demands: frequent hand use and typing, frequent sitting, occasional standing and walking, frequent reaching to chest level, occasional bending, lifting/carrying up to 35 lb, occasional pushing/pulling of light carts.
• Work environment: indoor library settings and community locations; varied schedule including evenings and weekends; travel between libraries within the region; exposure to behavioral issues and frequent interruptions requiring maximum flexibility.

Schedule

The position involves a varied schedule that may include evenings and weekends, with periodic changes. Travel between libraries within the Cascade region is required based on business needs.