Library Advisor - Riverside County, CA

About the role

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

Key responsibilities

• Support and consultation: Provide support to Branch Managers regarding public library operations, programming, collections, customer service, community engagement, and professional library practices; act as a professional resource offering guidance, coaching, recommendations, and implementation assistance; advise on operational incidents and elevate matters requiring executive action.
• Organizational implementation: Support implementation of executive priorities and organizational initiatives; assist Branch Managers with implementation plans that translate organizational priorities into measurable local actions; identify implementation challenges and collaborate on solutions; participate in cross‑functional projects that advance operational excellence.
• Professional development: Support orientation and onboarding of new Branch Managers and management staff; identify training needs and coordinate learning opportunities; facilitate leadership forums, peer‑learning sessions, workshops, and collaborative problem‑solving; serve as a mentor and professional resource.
• Operational excellence: Visit branches to support implementation efforts on behalf of executive leadership, conduct operational assessments, and drive 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: Partner with Collection Management, Literacy Services, Business Operations, Marketing, Facilities, Information Technology, HR, and other departments; encourage Branch Managers to work directly with designated subject‑matter experts; support partnerships, Friends of the Library, programming initiatives, and community engagement.
• Organizational support: Provide temporary operational support during leadership vacancies or major initiatives as assigned; route matters requiring executive involvement through appropriate leadership channels; promote a collaborative, inclusive, customer‑focused culture.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution (required).
• Master’s degree in Library and Information Science (MLIS/MLS), public administration, organizational leadership, education, business administration, or a related field (preferred); significant relevant experience may be considered in lieu of an advanced degree.
• 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.