Next Generation Library System Project Director

Description

The Next Generation Library System Project Director will be responsible to the Deputy University Librarian and Director of Library Technology of the University of Georgia Libraries for providing leadership in the planning and coordination of the migration of the University System of Georgia’s (USG) GALILEO Interconnected Libraries (GIL) to a new library management system (LMS). Specifically, this project moves 32 institutions from Voyager to the Alma Library Management System. The Next Generation Library System Project Director will work closely with participating Voyager libraries, vendors, GALILEO/GIL Staff and committees to plan, coordinate, develop, and sustain all aspects of the migration process (testing, implementation, launch, and training). The Next Generation Library System Project Director will maintain and advance the new library management system to achieve the USG Libraries’ goals, engage in research efforts that inform future uses and directions, and support and enhance a diverse learning and working environment.

The position requires a creative approach to project management and leadership. Duties require an in-depth understanding of system capabilities and the direct and indirect impacts of the new library management system on member library workflows and services. The successful candidate is expected to exercise initiative, flexibility, and possess the capability to work well with a large and diverse set of stakeholders on a high-profile project. Once the migration is complete from Voyager to ALMA, the Next Generation Library System Project Director will continue to work on coordinating USG wide technology initiatives involving the new LMS as well as other key applications and sites such as GALILEO and the Digital Library of Georgia.

The University of Georgia offers an attractive benefits program including a choice of health and retirement plans, dental plan, tuition remission, paid relocation, 15 days annual leave, 12 days sick leave, and 12 paid holidays. Perennially rated as one of the nation's top college towns, Athens offers a vibrant place to work and live. With Atlanta 70 miles to the west, Athens offers good proximity to the city while maintaining a small-town culture and feel. Information about Athens: http://visit.uga.edu/index.php/plan/athens/

About the University of Georgia Libraries:
The University of Georgia Libraries is located on the university's main campus in Athens, Georgia, and its facilities include the Main Library, Science Library, Zell B. Miller Learning Center, Map and Government Information Library, Repository, and Special Collections Libraries. The UGA Libraries is comprised of 16 departments, with approximately 73 librarians and archivists, 150 staff, and 175 part-time student employees. The UGA Libraries’ Systems Department includes 20 IT professionals and one librarian faculty member. In addition to supporting the UGA Libraries’ network infrastructure, staff and public computer equipment and software, databases and applications, web environment, and online catalog, the Department’s GALILEO/GIL Technical Support Services Unit supports GALILEO (www.galileo.usg.edu); GIL (http://gil.usg.edu/gilhome); the Digital Library of Georgia collaborative digitization program (http://dlg.galileo.usg.edu) and other resources in coordination with the Executive Director for Library Services of the Board of Regents (BOR) of the University System of Georgia.

About the University System of Georgia:
The University System of Georgia (USG) is composed of 30 higher education institutions including 4 research universities, 4 comprehensive universities, 9 state universities and 13 state colleges. The Georgia Public Library System, encompassing approximately 389 facilities in 61 library systems throughout Georgia, and the State Archives are also part of the USG. GALILEO, Georgia’s Virtual Library, an initiative of the University System of Georgia is an online library portal to authoritative, subscription-only information. Delivering services since 1995 to Georgia’s public colleges and universities, technical colleges, public libraries, public k-12 schools, selected private academic colleges and universities, and k-12 schools, GALILEO serves to level information access statewide and reduce costs. GALILEO Interconnected Libraries, or GIL, is an extension of GALILEO providing expanded access primarily to USG students and faculty with universal borrowing and courier services.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

55% *Coordinates with libraries, vendor, and GALILEO/GIL staff to plan, test, implement, and launch the Ex Libris Alma library management system; This includes project communication, negotiating conflict resolution when needed between team members or stakeholders, meeting facilitation, providing documentation, preparing reports, ensuring timelines are met, and working within established project governance processes.

10% *Serves as the ALMA implementation project’s primary representative to Ex Libris.

10% *Works with member library staff to develop consortium policies and practices that maximize benefits the new system can provide all member faculty, staff, and students; This includes identifying potential workflow improvements and efficiencies in acquisitions, cataloging, circulation, resource sharing, and discovery system functionality across participating libraries.

9% *Provide both formal and informal training and consultation for member institutions.

5% *Works with library staff, GALILEO/GIL Staff, and vendor staff to develop and enhance system capabilities and functionality.

5% Represents the project to vendors, member and non-member institutions throughout Georgia, and at applicable professional conferences and meetings.

5% Participates in UGA Libraries Systems Department Meetings, GIL and GALILEO Staff Meetings, and other departmental activities as required.

1% Maintains flexibility and awareness of changes and needs in the department by assuming similar duties and responsibilities as assigned.

* = essential function of the position

QUALIFICATIONS:

Education, Experience, Licensure, Certification required:

• B.A. or B.S. from an accredited college or university; five years of progressive responsibility and leadership in a library, consortium, or applicable vendor setting or similar level of experience with administration and project management of enterprise higher education systems/applications. Experience working with high-level technical personnel. Valid driver’s license.
• Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and/or Competencies required to successfully perform work:
• Outstanding written, verbal, and presentation skills;
• Demonstrated ability to manage large projects with high complexity
• Advanced knowledge of the methods and practices associated with implementing enterprise higher education systems;
• Ability to manage projects in a collaborative team environment with colleagues distributed over a wide geographic area;
• Ability to adapt to rapidly evolving conditions, troubleshoot and overcome issues;
• Ability to report to internal and external audiences regarding progress and issues;
• Excellent organizational and analytical skills.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working and collaborative relationships; vDemonstrated ability to successfully complete projects.

• Masters in Library and Information Science from an ALA-accredited library school or other applicable post-baccalaureate degree;
• Advanced knowledge of the methods and practices associated with integrated library systems;
• Experience in: product or program management, usability and interface design, assessment, software development;
• Experience implementing or administering enterprise software systems/applications;
• Academic libraries experience;
• Consortia or higher education system experience.