Masters In Library Information Science Jobs in Olympia, WA

Salary : $52,872.00 - $71,136.00 Annually
Location : Thurston County - Other, WA
Job Type: Full Time - Permanent
Job Number: 26 LIB LAP2 0723-WCC
Department: Office of the Secretary of State
Division: Washington State Library
Opening Date: 09/03/2026
Closing Date: 9/17/2026 5:00 PM Pacific
Salary Information: The high end of the salary range, Step M is typically a longevity step
Description
The Office of Secretary of State (OSOS) offers some of the most unique and diverse job opportunities in state government. Its critical responsibilities include ensuring a fair and accurate elections process; connecting Washingtonians through the power of libraries; protecting our important government records; and registering corporations and charities. The Secretary of State also administers vital community programs that inspire giving, document our history, and assist crime survivors in avoiding further abuse. This independent office under the state Constitution operates from facilities in the Olympia area and statewide.
The OSOS is looking for top-performing employees who embody its core values of integrity, service excellence, visionary leadership, collaboration and teamwork. It is committed to both employee growth and work-life balance. The benefits of working in state government also include potential eligibility for the federal program.
The connects people to the power of libraries. As Washington's oldest cultural institution, the library's unique and rare collections date back to territorial days. Resources include historical print and digital compilations, collections of state newspapers and maps, state and federal government publications, and the Ask-a-Librarian service.
Branch Librarian - Library & Archives Professional 2
Permanent, Full-Time
Under the supervision of a Branch Library Services Institutional Librarian, this incumbent is responsible for the planning, implementation, supervision, and evaluation of library and information services to the incarcerated individuals of the Washington Corrections Center. This includes responsibility for budget tracking, collection development and maintenance, and reference/information services.
Duties
Supervises branch staff in day-to-day library operations and in the delivery of all phases of library and information services
Tasks include:

• Supervises branch staff in the provision of basic reference and information service and provides professional level reference service as needed
• Oversees all phases of the interlibrary loan process
• Oversees the management of the automated circulation system
• Oversees the hiring, training, and supervision of incarcerated library clerks

Participates in branch library program and assists other branches
Tasks include:

• Provides coverage for other branch libraries
• In conjunction with their supervisor and the Branch Library Services Program Manager plans, implements, monitors, and evaluates services, policies, and procedures for Institutional Library Services
• Ensures interagency cooperation by participating in partner agency institution meetings and by meeting regularly with the institution liaison
• Acts as program wide resource for troubleshooting and/or problem solving for ongoing or special projects
• Provides technical support or subject expertise to accomplish program goals.
• Works with ILS staff on projects for other branches, such as planning, implementing, and evaluating major changes in a branch
• Assist other branches with reference or other tasks as needed
• Attends office sponsored training activities and events

Provides programs and activities to supplement general library services.
Tasks include:

• Plans, implements, and evaluates programs to support reentry.
• Plans, implements, and evaluates programs such as book discussions.
• Develops and participates in ILS-wide programs such as Poetry Month and other observances.
• Provides programs from Humanities Washington and other outside groups.
• Provides library skill training in conjunction with institution education department.
• Develops community partnerships to enhance services to patrons.

Performs collection management duties
Tasks include:

• Assesses, evaluates, and maintains collections through periodic weeding and inventory
• Reviews and selects all formats of library materials to meet the full range of library/information needs of the customers of the branch library
• Confers with institution staff and contract staff regarding their clients' information needs and keeps them informed when the library is able to meet those needs

Qualifications
Required Qualifications:

• Master's degree in library science from an American Library Association accredited program.
• Within the past 10 years, one year of professional experience in a library providing adult/young adult public services.
• Ability to efficiently use a personal computer and applicable software to successfully perform the essential job functions of the position.

Preferred/Desired Qualifications:

• Experience providing adult/young adult reference and reader's advisory services.
• Collection management experience, including selection, weeding, and record maintenance.

PLEASE READ: If you have gotten this far and are thinking you do not qualify, consider again. Studies have shown that members of historically marginalized and underrepresented communities, specifically women and people of color, are less likely to apply to jobs unless they clearly meet every single qualification.
At the Office of the Secretary of State, we are dedicated to building a diverse and authentic work force with a foundation of belonging. If you are excited about this role and have relevant experience and skills, but question whether your experience aligns perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we encourage you to apply regardless. You may just be the ideal candidate this office needs.
Supplemental Information
WORKING CONDITIONS
The position entails extended periods of sitting and standing, predominantly in a library or office setting where frequent interaction with the public is expected. The role demands flexibility, as it involves working under adverse conditions and adhering to standard business hours from Monday to Friday, 8am to 5pm, with the possibility of evening and weekend assignments. Ability and willingness to travel and stay overnight. Duties of this position require periodic overnight travel throughout Washington State and occasional nationwide travel; Variation in working hours is anticipated during travel. Primary customers are incarcerated individuals in an adult correctional facility; works with both internal and external customers in person and by phone and email.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS/CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

• Certification by State Librarian authorized through the Office of the Secretary of State - this qualification is not mandatory for application but is mandatory for employment
• Successful completion of DOC CORE training must be completed within the first 9 months of employment
• Willingness and ability to work within the constraints of institutions and work effectively with incarcerated individuals
• Must pass a criminal history background check
• This position is in a bargaining unit represented by the Washington Federation of State Employees (WFSE) and is subject to the terms of the Collective Bargaining Agreement between the State of Washington, The Office of the Secretary of State, and the WFSE.

How to Apply:

• To be considered for this position you must attach the following:
  • Letter of interest describing how your experience and qualifications relate to the duties and qualifications of the position.
  • Current Resume
  • Three Professional references. Personal references will not be considered.
• You must complete the supplemental questions at the end of this application. Incomplete responses such as "see resume" will not be considered.
• All veterans must include a copy of your DD214 to receive preference in the hiring process. You must black out your social security number before attaching it to your application.

The Office of the Secretary of State is an equal opportunity employer (EOE). We do not discriminate on the basis of religion, age, gender, marital status, color, creed, national origin, political affiliation, military status, gender identity, sexual orientation, or any sensory, mental or physical ability. All interested candidates are encouraged to apply. Persons of disability needing assistance in the application process, or those needing the announcement in alternative format, should email
More than Just a Paycheck!
Employee benefits are not just about the kind of services you get, they are also about how much you may have to pay out of pocket. Washington State offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation.
We understand that your life revolves around more than just your career. Like everyone, your first priority is ensuring that you and your family will maintain health and financial security. That's why choice is a key component of our benefits package. We have a selection of health and retirement plans, paid leave, staff training and other compensation benefits that you can mix and match to meet your current and future needs.
Read about our benefits:
The following information describes typical benefits available for full-time employees who are expected to work more than six months. Actual benefits may vary by appointment type or be prorated for other than full-time work (e.g. part-time); view the job posting for benefits details for job types other than full-time.
Note: If the position offers benefits which differ from the following, the job posting should include the specific benefits.
Insurance Benefits
Employees and their families are covered by medical (including vision), dental and basic life insurance. There are multiple medical plans with affordable monthly premiums that offer coverage throughout the state.
Staff are eligible to enroll each year in a medical flexible spending account which enables them to use tax-deferred dollars toward their health care expenses. Employees are also covered by basic life and long-term disability insurance, with the option to purchase additional coverage amounts.
To view premium rates, coverage choice in your area and how to enroll, please visit the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) website. The Washington Wellness program from the Health Care Authority works with PEBB to support our workplace wellness programs.
Dependent care assistance allows the employee to save pre-tax dollars for a child or elder care expenses.
Other insurance coverage for auto, boat, home, and renter insurance is available through payroll deduction.
The Washington State Employee Assistance Program promotes the health and well-being of employees.
Retirement and Deferred Compensation
State Employees are members of the Washington Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS). New employees have the option of two employer contributed retirement programs. For additional information, check out the Department of Retirement Systems' web site.
Employees also have the ability to participate in the Deferred Compensation Program (DCP). This is a supplemental retirement savings program (similar to an IRA) that allows you control over the amount of pre-tax salary dollars you defer as well as the flexibility to choose between multiple investment options.
Social Security
All state employees are covered by the federal Social Security and Medicare systems. The state and the employee pay an equal amount into the system.
Public Service Loan Forgiveness
If you are employed by a government or not-for-profit organization, and meet the qualifying criteria, you may be eligible to receive student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.
Holidays
Full-time and part-time employees are entitled to paid holidays and one paid personal holiday per calendar year.
Note: Employees who are members of certain Unions may be entitled to additional personal leave day(s), please refer to position specific Collective Bargaining Agreements for more information.
Full-time employees who work full monthly schedules qualify for holiday compensation if they are employed before the holiday and are in pay status for at least 80 nonovertime hours during the month of the holiday; or for the entire work shift preceding the holiday.
Part-time employees who are in pay status during the month of the holiday qualify for the holiday on a pro-rata basis. Compensation for holidays (including personal holiday) will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status in the month to that required for full-time employment, excluding all holiday hours. Pay status includes hours worked and time on paid leave.
Sick Leave
Full-time employees earn eight hours of sick leave per month. Overtime eligible employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month, earn a monthly proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Overtime exempt employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month do not earn a monthly accrual of sick leave.
Sick leave accruals for part-time employees will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.
Vacation (Annu