Emerging Technologies Librarian

Description

Emerging Technologies Librarian (Librarian I or II)
University of Maryland, Baltimore, MD
Health Sciences and Human Services Library

Position Summary

The Health Sciences and Human Services Library at the University of Maryland, Baltimore (UMB) seeks an innovative and forward-thinking Emerging Technologies Librarian to join the Library Applications and Knowledge Systems Division. The Emerging Technologies Librarian will explore, identify, and evaluate new and emerging technologies supporting knowledge use and transfer; provide consultation and training for both staff and users; and lead collaborative efforts to create innovative applications and services.

The successful candidate will possess extensive knowledge of technology trends, a solid understanding of systems and applications commonly used in academic libraries and higher education, substantial working knowledge of Web application development and programming, and strong project management skills. The willingness and capability to research, learn and quickly obtain new technology skills independently are crucial to the success of this position. This position is part of a highly collaborative library technology team which includes a Web developer, instructional technology specialist, technology support staff, and network engineer. The Emerging Technologies Librarian will engage in professional development, research and service activities.  This position reports to the Associate Director for Library Applications and Knowledge Systems.

Appointment

This is a 12-month, permanent status-eligible faculty appointment that will be filled at the rank of Librarian I or II.  Librarians are expected to progress successfully along the promotion and permanent status track and participate fully as members of the library’s faculty. For more information see the University’s “Criteria and Procedures Relating to the Appointment, Promotion and Permanent Status for Library Faculty”: http://cf.umaryland.edu/umpolicies/usmpolicyInfo.cfm?polid=19§ion=all.

Responsibilities

• Monitors and explores the use of new and emerging technologies in higher education and health sciences research; plays a lead role in the evaluation, planning, implementation, and incorporation of these technologies into library services.
• Disseminates knowledge of new and emerging technologies to relevant library faculty and staff through formal and informal channels.
• Develops innovative applications and services to enhance the effectiveness of library services in collaboration with the Web developer and other division members.
• Creates support documentation, provides instruction and consultation, and participates in marketing efforts for the emerging technology applications and services for both library staff and patrons.
• Develops the library’s strategy in continuous usability testing and UX initiatives in collaboration with the Web developer.
• Assists in technology project management as needed.

Required Qualifications

• Master's degree from an ALA-accredited program in library and information science
• At least one year of related experience in libraries, Web development, or consumer technology
• Demonstrated knowledge of HTML, CSS, JavaScript, JQuery, XML, SQL
• Familiarity with Web standards, relational databases, Web usability, and UX studies
• Strong interest in and aptitude for technologies relevant to health sciences education and library services
• Strong analytical, organizational and problem-solving skills
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, including the ability to deliver presentations and instruction to groups
• Excellent interpersonal skills, including the ability to work collaboratively as a member of a team
• Commitment to self-directed learning for continuous professional development in technology skills and librarianship

Preferred Qualifications

• Work experience in academic libraries
• Working knowledge in using a 3D printer/scanner, 3D modeling software, and lendable technology
• Experience in data visualization and related tools such as D3.js or Google Visualization API
• Experience in conducting usability testing and UX studies
• Experience in PHP or other server-side programming languages such as Python or Ruby
• Experience in Web application development with a backend database or a remote data source through API
• Experience in JSON, XSLT, AJAX, MySQL (or MS-SQL), Apache (or IIS)
• Experience in Web development framework such as CakePHP, Django, and RoR
• Knowledge of version control and related tools
• Experience with project management

Applications

Recent graduates from an LIS program with relevant experience are encouraged to apply.  Qualified candidates may email cover letter; CV/resume; and three (3) references including names, affiliations, and contact information to:  rgleiberman@hshsl.umaryland.edu (preferably as a single PDF document).  Visit our website at http://www.hshsl.umaryland.edu or call 410-706-6747 for more information.  Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.  Applications received by September 30, 2014 will be given full consideration.  The University of Maryland Baltimore is an Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer. Minorities, women, protected veterans, and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

Salary and Benefits

The salary range is $48,000 to $62,000.  Faculty rank and salary will be based upon the incumbent’s qualifications and experience.  Benefits include choice of retirement, medical, and dental plans; 22 days of annual leave; 15 days of sick leave; 3 personal days and 14 holidays. Regular employees, their spouses and dependent children may receive tuition remission for most programs at many campuses of the University System of Maryland.

Environment

The University of Maryland, Baltimore (UMB) campus is located in downtown Baltimore, blocks from Orioles Park at Camden Yards, Raven's Stadium, and the Inner Harbor, a recreational waterfront destination. Forty-five miles north of Washington DC, Baltimore City and the surrounding metropolitan area are noted for high quality-of-life indicators offering historic parks, great neighborhoods, and world-famous art collections, museums, theaters, and symphony orchestras.  The city has accessible public transportation systems, superior health care systems, and renowned university and educational resources.

The HS/HSL is the second largest health sciences library on the East Coast, providing access to over 374,000 bound volumes, 8,400 unique electronic and print periodicals, 96 databases and an array of progressive services, products and programs.  Sixty-five FTEs including 25 faculty librarians staff the library. Our attractive facility, which opened in 1998, provides over 900 seats, 40 group study rooms, 130 individual study carrels, 60 public-access computers, wireless Internet access, three computer classrooms, a presentation and production studio, an art gallery, and multiple meeting spaces.

The Library supports the 6,300 students, and over 7,500 faculty and staff members on UMB's 60-acre research and technology complex consisting of 58 buildings including the University of Maryland BioPark, the University of Maryland Medical Center, and the VA Hospital. UMB's professional and graduate schools comprise a dental school, graduate school, and schools of law, medicine, nursing, pharmacy, public health and social work. More details about the UMB can be found at http://www.umaryland.edu.