Systems Librarian, Skidmore College, Saratoga Springs, NY
Posted April 14, 2017
Job Summary:
Skidmore College seeks a creative, user-oriented Systems Librarian to oversee library tools and systems that support collection maintenance and use, as well as related library and resource sharing services. The Systems Librarian will take a leadership role in implementing, maintaining, supporting, and enhancing a wide range of technologies and systems, and, in collaboration with key library staff and other campus partners, will investigate methods and best practices for assessing collections, patron experience, and library effectiveness. The College is particularly interested in candidates from underrepresented backgrounds and candidates who have had experience working with students from underserved populations.
Based in the Lucy Scribner Library and reporting to the College Librarian, the Systems Librarian holds a 12-month contract and, as a non-tenured faculty member, participates in shared governance at the college.
Scribner Library is looking for someone who is able to develop and administer a comprehensive technology plan that guides the library’s adoption of next generation library systems. Projects on the horizon include transitioning to a new integrated library system, enhancing or replacing our digital collections platform, improving our library website, and improving or replacing our discovery services.
Scope of Duties
- Administer, maintain, and optimize library systems related to both in-house and consortial activities including, but not limited to, the integrated library system, discovery layer, electronic resource management tool, digital collections platform, interlibrary loan applications, institutional repository, and other resource sharing tools and platforms
- Ensure accessibility to and stability of the library’s online information resources and digital collections. Provide technical expertise for problem resolution
- Oversee the functioning and maintenance of the library website, and provide leadership for future upgrades
- Participate in analysis and assessment in order to determine patron satisfaction with library collections, services, and consortial arrangements
- Collaborate with consortial partners on both an ongoing and as-needed basis (e.g., ConnectNY, New York 6, Eastern Academic Scholars’ Trust)
- Perform regular periodic data analysis and migration between library systems. Assist and guide others to create and use effective reports for analysis
- Develop, maintain, and document programs and scripts that extend system functionality and automate routine tasks
- Collaborate closely with IT and library staff to ensure seamless service to users
- Participate in reference and instruction/departmental liaison activities in line with the successful candidate’s strengths, interests, and institutional needs
- Demonstrate professional engagement and scholarship required for advancement through library faculty ranks
Open until filled but first consideration begins May 1, 2017.
Minimum Qualifications
ALA-accredited MLS/MLIS, or equivalent education and experience. Advanced knowledge of emerging technologies and their impact on academic libraries. Demonstrated proficiency in at least one programming language, preferably Perl, experience with SQL, and experience working in a command line environment. Working knowledge of an integrated library system and discovery service. Practical familiarity with cataloging and metadata structures and relevant tools for data manipulation. Excellent analytical, organizational, and project management skills. Adeptness at problem-solving, and disposition to share technical knowledge with others. Ability to work as part of a team, as well as independently and flexibly in a changing environment. Highly effective communication and interpersonal skills.
Preferred Qualifications:
Two years’ experience supporting an integrated library system, platforms, and software in an academic library setting. Familiarity with Voyager, Ebsco Discovery, WorldShare Management Services, WorldCat, ILLiad, Ares, EZProxy, CONTENTdm, BePress Digital Commons, authority control (Library Technologies, Inc.), Joomla. Experience transitioning major library systems.
Required Applicant Documents:
- Cover Letter
- Curriculum Vitae
- List of Three References
Special Instructions to Applicants:
To be considered for this position, please fill out an online application and attach the following documents: cover letter, resume and list of three references to include name, title, company, email address and telephone number.
This system can support attachments up to 1.9MB. If you encounter difficulty attaching any one of the required documents, please contact Clarissa Sawyer, Employment Coordinator in Human Resources at: [email protected] or 518 580.5802
Quick link for posting and application: https://careers.skidmore.edu/
Skidmore College is an equal opportunity employer that actively values and supports diversity among faculty, staff and students. Women, minorities, and members of under-represented groups are encouraged to apply.