Head of Special Collections

Description

Washington University Libraries is seeking a creative and enthusiastic individual to design and implement a new digital library application infrastructure using the Hydra repository framework and related technologies. Reporting to the Head of Scholarly Publishing, the Digital Infrastructure Librarian will work collaboratively with Libraries’ staff and campus partners to lead all aspects of system design and implementation, including gathering requirements, establishing coding standards, and participating in system testing, resulting in the delivery of a functioning digital asset management system based on the Hydra repository framework.  This position will participate in writing text and project plans that will be incorporated into grant submissions.

Digital Library Design and Implementation

• Lead the design and implementation of a set of Hydra-based digital library applications for the preservation and delivery of Washington University Libraries’ digital assets, in collaboration with the Libraries’ Digital Library Services, Special Collections, Systems Operations and Support, Research Services, and other departments;
• Gather requirements and develop specifications for digital library architectures;
• Implement workflow tools and functionality for the deposit, storage and delivery of digital assets and associated metadata;
• Develop administrative and user interfaces to the repository by evaluating and leveraging existing open source frameworks and toolkits;
• Participate in iterative testing and integration of user feedback throughout the development process;
• Write and maintain documentation for systems architecture and application code for internal developers and the wider Hydra development community;

Collaboration and Coordination

• Collaborate with Libraries’ Systems Operations and Support Office and campus-wide technology services to ensure proper implementation and management of security policies and authentication/authorization procedures

Community Engagement

• Maintain awareness of national and international best practices and advances in digital library applications, frameworks, and implementations;
• Actively engages in the Hydra development community, including the development and contribution of new interfaces and code customizations.

Required Qualifications

• Master’s degree in library or information science from an ALA-accredited institution or related field, or a combination of relevant experience and education
• Demonstrated experience with programming languages such as Ruby on Rails, PHP, Perl or Javascript
• Familiarity with a variety of digital library standards (e.g. TEI, MODS, METS, EAD, VRA Core, Dublin Core) and file formats
• Ability to work effectively with a culturally diverse population of staff, faculty, students,  community members, and new audiences
• Ability to communicate effectively on technology issues with technical and non-technical staff
• Ability to work in a team environment
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience establishing and customizing open source software applications and digital library software platforms (e.g., DSpace, Fedora, etc.) in a production environment;
• Experience with digital library software development in an academic library or higher education setting;
• Project management experience on grant-funded projects;
• Familiarity with the Hydra development community and related technologies.

Salary Range

The hiring range for this position is $3,630.00 - $4,719.00 monthly.


Benefits

Retirement Savings Plan
22 vacation days
8 Paid Holidays
Sick Time
Tuition benefits for employee, spouse and dependent children
Free Metro Link/ Bus pass
Free Life Insurance
Health, Dental, Vision
Health Savings Accounts (HSA)
Long Term Disability Insurance
Flex Spending Plan
Other Benefits
Human Resources website (hr.wustl.edu)


Applicant Special Instructions

Must be able to work in an environment in which exposure to materials containing dust and mold is possible
Normal office environment
Evening and weekend events required
Travel required