Library Administrator

About the role

The Library Administrator administers the daily operation of the Yakama Nation Library, develops and manages strategic planning of annual library activities and events, and ensures the library actively meets educational needs in collaboration with Tribal School staff.

Responsibilities

• Provides day-to-day management, supervision, and oversight of library operations.
• Applies professional library applications, standards, and practices to maintain quality library services.
• Coordinates ongoing education and cross-training for library staff to enhance library science, cultural, historical, conservation, and preservation knowledge.
• Manages patron computer access and internet services, including maintenance of the computer lab and supplies.
• Conducts and/or coordinates public presentations to local schools.
• Manages and provides assorted media resources for patrons, including digital preservation of audio and video materials.
• Plans and coordinates staff training, including reviewing and approving leave requests and verifying timecards.
• Ensures security of library equipment and collections, including establishing internal controls for inventory and procedural operations.
• Evaluates equipment and supply needs, and ensures up-to-date computer technology.
• Networks with other tribal libraries and collaborates with Human Services Department and Yakama Nation Cultural Center programs.
• Ensures library facilities are safe, healthy, and sanitary for patrons, visitors, and staff.
• Screens and catalogs library materials appropriate for patron reading needs and interests using the KOHA system.
• Acquires and expands Plateau cultural materials (recordings, films, videos, publications) for Yakama members and patrons.
• Researches and interacts with tribal communities to gather cultural and traditional materials, ensuring secured use by Yakama members and general patrons.
• Develops and implements events/materials to engage native children with their culture and encourages lifelong learning across all generations.
• Researches, develops, and writes grants to support Cultural Preservation, Digital Literacy, Reading Literacy, and other strategic priorities.
• Provides written information to museums and libraries about Plateau culture, particularly featuring the Yakamas.
• Monitors and ensures culturally sensitive materials are protected pursuant to Tribal Council guidance.
• Establishes protocols with outside agencies, including Memorandum of Understanding, Release of Information, and Letters of Support.
• Utilizes tribal accounting systems (D365 and Yakama Nation Grants & Contracts) to monitor budgets and process financial documents.
• Ensures timely financial reporting to granting agencies.
• Coordinates accessioning of donated publications and materials related to Native American history and culture.
• Establishes and maintains a data collection system for library and patron-related information.

Requirements

• 2 years of relevant experience in library science, including 5+ years in a management role, or an equivalent combination of related education and experience.
• Two years of administrative, management, and supervisory experience.
• Must pass a criminal background check as per Tribal School policy and a pre-employment background check.
• Must possess a valid Washington State Driver’s License with the ability to obtain a Yakama Nation Driving permit.
• Required to pass a pre-employment drug test.
• Enrolled Yakama preference, but all qualified applicants are encouraged to apply.

Preferred Qualifications

• A Master’s Degree in Library Science from an American Library Association accredited institution, or
• A Master’s Degree in Native American studies (e.g., art history, ethnology, museology, or anthropology) and 2 years of practical work experience implementing a collections policy for acquiring, accessioning, cataloging, processing, displaying, and storing materials.
• Experience in care and maintenance of organic paper collections as well as recordings (cassettes, videos, CDs, DVDs).
• Several years of practical on-the-job experience as a library technician performing duties related to library science and the Dewey Decimal System.

Skills

• Pleasing personality and ability to work compatibly with staff and the general public.
• Efficient and courteous customer service.
• Knowledge of cultural philosophy, library standards, and Yakama Nation history, culture, and tribal government structure.
• Knowledge of Yakama members with cultural and traditional knowledge willing to share it for the benefit of the Yakama people.
• Knowledge of private and public institutions/organizations supporting research and dissemination of Plateau cultural information.
• Ability to form partnerships to develop entertaining and cultural education materials.
• Comprehensive written and effective oral communication skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Publisher, PowerPoint), GMetrix, and Coursera.
• Ability to create and design promotional materials (bulletins, flyers, posters, emails, news releases).
• Ability to multi-task several projects simultaneously.
• Ability to work as a team member or leader.
• Ability to travel when necessary.
• Knowledge of purchasing, accounting, travel, and personnel policies.
• Ability to use D365 for library accounts, invoicing, generating purchase orders, and budget reporting.
• Knowledge of standard safety policies, including developing and maintaining disaster and emergency plans.

Pay

Hourly wage: $28.29

Schedule

Regular, full-time, supervisory position.