| Katherine Elchert |
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Consulting Librarian, Northern Waters Library Service (NWLS)
Location: Headquartered in Ashland, Wisconsin
Salary Range: $64,000 – $74,000 (depending on qualifications and experience)
Application Deadline: April 26, 2026
Position Summary: NWLS is seeking a collaborative, thoughtful, and service-oriented professional to join our team as our Consulting Librarian. This position plays a key role in supporting member libraries through continuing education, certification support, and responsive consulting services.
The ideal candidate brings a strong understanding of public library operations, a passion for supporting others, and the ability to build trusted relationships across a wide range of communities and library environments.
Key Responsibilities:
- Oversees professional development opportunities for NWLS member libraries and collaborates with other library systems and the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction (DPI) on statewide continuing education initiatives.
- Works directly with public library directors to monitor and support Public Librarian Certification requirements and ensure certifications remain current.
- Provides consulting to member library staff and volunteers on a wide range of library service, governance, and operational issues.
- Provides professional, responsive, and courteous administrative support, training, and consulting services to NWLS member libraries and system staff.
- Maintain regular and proactive in-person presence at member libraries throughout the eight-county service area.
- Travel to member libraries, meetings, workshops, and conferences, including occasional evening, weekend, and overnight commitments.
Qualifications/Requirements:
- Bachelor’s Degree plus three years of progressively responsible library experience or a Master’s Degree in Library and Information Science from an accredited college or university.
- Experience working in rural public libraries, with demonstrated knowledge of rural community dynamics, marketing and advocacy strategies, and the implementation or support of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives.
- Demonstrated experience in professional development, training, or instruction.
- Strong communication, facilitation, and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively.
- Valid driver’s license and ability to regularly travel within the NWLS region.
Preferred: Three to five years of administrative or supervisory experience and familiarity with Wisconsin public library systems, standards, and certification requirements.
Why Join NWLS:
Impactful Work: Play a crucial role in enhancing library services across Northern Wisconsin.
Collaborative Environment: Work with dedicated professionals who share your passion for libraries.
Flexible Work Arrangement: Enjoy a hybrid/remote work environment that supports a healthy work-life balance. (Physical office available in Ashland.)
Professional Growth: Engage in ongoing education and development opportunities.
Generous Benefits: Health/Life insurance, Wisconsin Retirement System (WRS), robust paid time off package and more.
About NWLS: Northern Waters Library Service is a regional public library system serving 27 member libraries across eight counties in northern Wisconsin. Our region is geographically large, beautifully rural, and deeply community-focused. We work alongside library staff, boards, and partners to strengthen library services, support professional growth, and ensure equitable access to information for all residents.
Northern Waters believes in the transformative power of libraries. Our mission is to support and enhance the services of our member libraries, helping them provide exceptional resources to their communities. Join us as we continue to innovate and advocate for library services in Northern Wisconsin.
Application Process: Please submit your resume, a cover letter detailing your qualifications, and three professional references to [email protected]. First-round interviews will be held virtually in early May 2026. Finalists will be invited to in-person interviews during the first week of June at the NWLS office in Ashland, Wisconsin.
For more information about the position or NWLS, visit our website at https://nwls.wislib.org/employment/
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