Associate Librarian for Technology and Technical Services

Description

Associate Librarian for Technology and Technical Services,
The American Philosophical Society Library

About the Library:  Founded in 1743, The American Philosophical Society’s library, located near Independence Hall in Philadelphia, is a leading international center for research in the history of American science and technology and its European roots, as well as early American history and culture. The Library houses over 12 million manuscripts, 350,000 volumes and bound periodicals, thousands of hours of recorded sound, and thousands of maps and prints. Outstanding historical collections and subject areas include the papers of Benjamin Franklin (14,000 letters and documents); Jefferson’s holograph of the Declaration of Independence; the American Revolution; the papers of Thomas Paine; 18th and 19th-century natural history; western scientific expeditions and travel including the original journals of Lewis and Clark; polar exploration; the papers of Charles Willson Peale, his family and descendants; American Indian languages; anthropology including the papers of Franz Boas; the papers of Charles Darwin and his forerunners, colleagues, critics, and successors; history of genetics, eugenics, and evolution; history of biochemistry, physiology, and biophysics; 20th-century medical research; and history of physics. The Library does not hold materials on philosophy in the modern sense.  More information about the Society and the APS Library can be found at www.amphilsoc.org.

About the Position: A member of Library’s senior staff, the Associate Librarian for Technology and Technical Services is one of two Associate Librarians in the APS Library reporting directly to the Librarian (Director).  Primary responsibilities for the Associate Librarian for Technology and Technical Services (hereafter, the Associate Librarian) involve the adoption, implementation, and management of hardware and software that a modern research library requires. This position is the leader of a three-person technology team that works cooperatively to ensure reliable performance of systems, provide end-user support, and engage in long and short term planning for technology needs. Recent initiatives at the Library have included: the design and deployment of Islandora, a Fedora-based digital repository; the conversion to the open-source ILS, Koha; the adoption of the request management software Aeon; and the development of an integrated search of all materials held by the Library using XTF.  Depending on qualifications, the Associate Librarian may have other staff and departments reporting to him/her.  The Associate Librarian is also the Library’s chief security officer, and is responsible for the various technical systems that protect the collections and control access to sensitive spaces.  The Associate Librarian may be called on by other divisions within the Society (such as Publications, Meetings, Museum, or Grants & Research) for technical advice and assistance.

Training/experience:  MLS [ALA] or MA + CA (or willingness to become a CA) required; second advanced degree in a subject area complementary to the Library’s collection areas preferred.  Minimum five years library experience, preferably in a special collections library or department, archives, or manuscript repository; supervision of staff experience preferred; hands-on knowledge of the application of library technology, preferably in a special collections library setting.  The Associate Librarian’s duties include supervision of technology as it is applied in the APS Library (web-based design and access tools such as EAD, XML, and CSS, scanning projects, management software, and others) and maintenance of existing technologies such as the OPAC and a robust, Society-wide web site; grant writing and administration of grant-funded projects; ability to build consensus among peers, a desire to work in a collegial atmosphere, excellent written and oral communication skills, and a familiarity with the academy, scholars, and the scholarly research process.

• The Associate Librarian must be comfortable with a mixed (proprietary and open-source software) environment approach to managing resources.
• Windows and Linux server environments
• Web-based content management systems (Drupal)
• Digital repository frameworks (Fedora Commons, Islandora)
• Open source ILS (Koha)
• Front end and back end database management (MS SQL, MySQL)
• XML and XSLT
• Indexing and search software
• Digitization, digital preservation,  and born-digital management strategies

The Society offers a competitive benefits package, including generous health insurance options, TIAA-CREF retirement plan, dental insurance, life insurance, and paid vacation and sick time.  Salary: $70K or somewhat higher, depending on qualifications.  The American Philosophical Society is an EOE, and strongly encourages applications from women and minorities.  Applications review will begin on 15 February, 2014, and will continue until the position is filled. To apply, send letter of application (e-mail is acceptable), accompanied by CV or resume, and three references to:

Ms. Sandra Duffy, Executive Assistant to the Librarian
American Philosophical Society Library
105 S. 5th Street
Philadelphia, PA 19106-3386
sduffy@amphilsoc.org