Resource Discovery and Library Management Systems Coordinator

Description

Serving three campuses, the University of Washington Libraries is one of the largest and most innovative libraries in North America with collections exceeding 8 million volumes, over 500,000 electronic books, more than 120,000 currently received journal titles, as well as millions of scholarly resources in other formats. Beyond the strength of local collections and digital resources, the Libraries is recognized for its excellent service, innovative learning and research spaces, faculty partnerships, global reach, extensive assessment efforts and diverse award-winning staff. The Libraries plays a significant leadership role regionally as a member in the groundbreaking Orbis Cascade Alliance and throughout the profession as evidenced by the number of its staff selected for competitive leadership programs and honored by professional association lifetime achievement awards.

Libraries Information Technology Services

Libraries Information Technology Services (ITS) is one of five units within Research & Learning Services. ITS provides management for the systems-related areas of Ex Libris Alma Library Management System (LMS), primary support for discovery system configuration and development, desktop computing support, systems management of the Libraries server/storage environment, web application development, and the coordination of usability testing. The ITS team collaborates closely with staff across all UW Libraries to support services for Libraries’ users. ITS is comprised of five librarians, eleven technical staff, a graduate student dedicated to user experience work, and several student staff.

The position

Reporting to the Director, Information Technology Services & Digital Strategies, this position coordinates the planning, configuration, and operation of the Resource Discovery and Library Management System used by the University Libraries. UW is one of 37 institutions in the Orbis Cascade Alliance which share the Alliance’s implementation of the Alma LMS and Primo Discovery Interface.

Specific responsibilities and duties

Under the general direction of the Director, Information Technology Services & Digital Strategies, and in coordination with members of the Alma/Primo Operations Group and other staff as appropriate, sets goals, policies, and priorities for UW’s operation of Ex Libris’ Alma and Primo products.
Provides first- and second-line technical support for the Alma and Primo platforms. Serves as primary contact for general Alma and Primo configurations and for Alma/Primo integration. Coordinates any pre- or post-upgrading testing of Alma/Primo.
Convenes and chairs the Alma/Primo Operations Group.
Maintains an overall awareness of LMS and Discovery technology and developments, with special attention to Alma and Primo.
Takes an active, leading role in improving the usability and user experience of Alma and Primo.
Represents the Libraries on internal and external committees and groups as appropriate. May act as a contact and liaison with Orbis Cascade Alliance staff for Alma and Primo operational issues. May serve on Alliance teams and committees related to Alma and/or Primo.
Communicates appropriately, effectively and positively. Plays an active role in staying informed and participating in Libraries and unit meetings, activities and events.
Assumes other responsibilities as assigned; performs other duties as required.

Qualifications

Required:

• Graduate degree from a program accredited by the American Library Association or an equivalent graduate library science/information studies degree.
• Demonstrated commitment to diversity and understanding of the contributions a diverse workforce brings to the workplace.
• Record of successful experience managing integrated library and/or discovery systems, preferably at a large academic library.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, organizational and analytical skills, and the ability to work effectively with staff as individuals and groups.
• Demonstrated ability to function well in a changing environment, work effectively within a large organization, and exercise initiative in a collaborative framework.
• Proven ability to work and communicate effectively with staff and users of varying technical skills and abilities.

Preferred:

• Demonstrated understanding of MARC and Unicode.
• Experience with Alma/Primo.
• Experience with usability testing and/or other assessment methodologies.
• Experience with OCLC software.
• Knowledge of Oracle SQL, HTML, XML, and JavaScript.
• Familiarity with the Orbis Cascade Alliance's Shared Integrated Library System project