The Florida Department of State is expanding its efforts to modernize how information is accessed and shared across the state’s library network. The Division of Library and Information Services, specifically within the Bureau of Library Development, is seeking a Resource Sharing Consultant to bridge the gap between traditional archival methods and the evolving needs of the digital age.
This role is not merely administrative; it is a strategic position designed to oversee the movement of information and the preservation of history. By managing resource sharing services, the consultant will ensure that libraries—regardless of their size or location—can provide patrons with the materials they require through collaborative networks and standardized interlibrary loan systems.
The position focuses heavily on the “Digital Initiative,” a push to integrate modern digitization standards into the state’s infrastructure. This includes the administration of the Florida Department of State’s library services, ensuring that the Florida Statewide Digital Repository remains a viable, accessible tool for researchers, historians, and the general public.
Bridging the Gap Between Analog and Digital Archives
At its core, the Resource Sharing Consultant serves as a technical advisor for library staff. The role requires a sophisticated understanding of how to onboard new libraries into sharing networks and how to maintain those connections through consistent customer service and training. This means moving beyond simple book lending to managing complex digital assets and ensuring they are preserved for future generations.
A significant portion of the mandate involves staying current with the rapidly shifting landscape of digital preservation. The consultant must navigate the intricacies of open access, copyright law, and digitization best practices. This expertise is critical when managing the Florida Statewide Digital Repository, where the goal is to create a seamless digital ecosystem that adheres to national and international standards.
Beyond the technical implementation, the role involves a high degree of financial and administrative oversight. From managing invoicing and shipping fees to overseeing contracts and grants, the consultant ensures that the operational side of resource sharing is as efficient as the technical side.
Technical Requirements and Software Proficiency
Given the specialized nature of modern librarianship, the state is looking for a candidate who is fluent in the “tech stack” of information science. This isn’t just about basic office software, though advanced Excel skills are required; it is about the specific tools that allow libraries to talk to one another.
The ideal candidate will have experience with a variety of Integrated Library Systems (ILS) and interlibrary loan management software. The ability to navigate these platforms is essential for maintaining the flow of resources across the state.
| Category | Example Software/Systems |
|---|---|
| Interlibrary Loan | OCLC WorldShare, SHAREit, EZBorrow, ILLiad, Clio |
| Integrated Library Systems | SirsiDynix Symphony, Innovative, Ex Libris Alma, Koha, Evergreen |
| Digital Repositories | Islandora, DSpace, Omeka, ContentDM |
Funding the Future: Grants and Strategic Planning
The scope of the Resource Sharing Consultant extends into the realm of federal funding and long-term strategy. A primary responsibility is the drafting of federal grant applications and the subsequent reporting required to maintain that funding. This financial stewardship is tied directly to the Division’s LSTA (Library Services and Technology Act) Five-Year Plan, a roadmap that dictates how the state will evolve its library services over half a decade.
This strategic alignment means the consultant will frequently interact with a diverse group of stakeholders. They will provide consulting services not just to library staff, but to public library administrators, governing officials, library board members, and the citizens who utilize these services. The goal is to ensure that the Bureau of Library Development’s activities—ranging from continuing education to public surveys—remain consistent with the broader values and objectives of the Division.
Since the role involves adult education, the consultant is expected to plan and conduct training sessions that empower library staff to adopt new technologies. This requires a blend of pedagogical skill and technical expertise, ensuring that the transition to new digital tools is smooth and sustainable across various jurisdictions.
Candidate Qualifications and Application Standards
The Department of State has set clear benchmarks for eligibility. To qualify for the Resource Sharing Consultant position, applicants must possess either a Master’s degree or six years of direct professional experience. This baseline is supplemented by a requirement for proven experience in customer service and administrative financial management, such as fee management or invoicing.
While the minimums provide the entry point, the state has outlined specific preferences that would make a candidate more competitive. A Master’s degree in library/information science, archives, history, museum studies, or education is highly preferred. Three years of professional experience in a related field—such as public history or museum curation—is viewed as a significant asset.
Applicants are cautioned that the vetting process is rigorous. A special note in the job posting emphasizes that responses to qualifying questions must be clearly supported by the applicant’s documented employment history. Vague claims of experience are unlikely to pass the initial screening; the state requires a direct trail of evidence linking past roles to the required skills.
For those interested in the intersection of information science and public service, this role represents a chance to shape the digital infrastructure of Florida’s intellectual resources. Detailed information and the application portal can be found through the People First Florida official career site.
The next phase for the Bureau of Library Development involves the continued rollout of the Digital Initiative and the alignment of resource sharing activities with the current LSTA Five-Year Plan. Updates on these initiatives are typically released through the Department of State’s official news and events channels.
Do you have experience with the digital repository tools mentioned? We invite you to share your thoughts or questions in the comments below.
