Alaska State Library opens hiring for Resource Sharing Librarian as ILL program moves from Anchorage

Alaska's statewide Interlibrary Loan Program is moving from Anchorage Public Library to the Alaska State Library in Juneau. The state library is hiring a Resource Sharing Librarian to manage the transition, filling the role by reclassifying an existing position. Applications are open through August 5 at 5 p.m. Alaska time via the state jobs portal. Two other Alaska State Library positions, a Technical Services Librarian and a Special Collections Librarian, also close August 5.

The shift matters most to small and rural Alaska libraries, including tribal and school libraries, that have relied on the 800# Interlibrary Loan and Reference Back-up Service for more than 20 years. If federal Institute of Museum and Library Services grant funding is not continued, the 800# service could end entirely. Gustavus Public Library previously warned that such a loss could severely limit access for rural patrons.

The new position will manage interlibrary loans, oversee the Remote Resident Digital Library program, and coordinate the Alaska Talking Book program. The Alaska State Library said it will continue assessing statewide needs and further developing both programs after the new librarian is recruited and onboarded.

Freya Anderson, Head of Information Services & Historical Collections, addressed concerns from smaller libraries about the transition. "During this interim phase, please know that any changes to the interlibrary loan and reference service will not impact a library's eligibility for the Public Library Assistance (PLA) Grants," she said. Libraries can reach the state library at [email protected] or call Anderson at 907-465-1315.