Digital Projects Librarian

Description

The University of Alabama Libraries seeks an innovative, dynamic, and service-oriented professional for the position of Digital Projects Librarian. Reporting to the Head of Web Services, this position is primarily responsible for development, implementation, and project management of technology projects in a collaborative environment, as well as supporting the development and management of the UA Libraries various web interfaces. This position will also act as primary administrator for LibApps and similar cloud-based library application suites.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

Reporting to the head of Web Services, the Digital Projects Librarian will manage and extend the University Libraries services by planning and implementing a variety of projects for internal and external audiences. The position will also integrate, manage, and extend various software platforms and web-based tools using LAMP technology skills and web programming languages such as PHP, CSS, and JavaScript.  S/he will support tools such as the University Libraries web site and intranet, will work with an institutional repository instance and digital archives website, and will work with the LibApps suite of library tools. Will modify, implement and create widgets and small applications for learning tools and other interfaces and APIs. The librarian will interact with a wide range of individuals with differing technological abilities and will be expected to successfully collaborate across departments. The librarian will maintain a knowledge of current best practices in security for web tools, and library privacy concerns. The librarian will work to identify promising new technologies that can impact services and generate a better user experience. The librarian will be expected to have some participation in usability and user experience studies.

Department Information

The Web Services Unit is part of the University Libraries Office of Library Technology and is responsible for web applications, web sites, content, and services that comprise the University Libraries web presence. Among its duties, Web Services manages the University Libraries discovery service application, multiple instances of the WordPress CMS, WordPress Blogs, the LibApp suite of library tools, and Omeka as well as other tools, along with usability and accessibility efforts.

Duties


Administrate the UA suite of the LibApps tools (LibGuides, LibCal, LibAnswers, etc.); responsible for implementation of existing guidelines and maintaining continuity of look, feel and action;

Works as part of team that is responsible for management and extension of the University Libraries various web-based applications and tools (such as Wordpress as a CMS and other CMS frameworks, Wordpress Blogs, custom apps using an Angular JS framework and Bootstrap, Omeka, Drupal);

General, project-based web development and UX implementation within the framework of our web site, intranet and student portal;

Responsible for creating, modifying and implementing learning-tool solutions, such as Blackboard Learn widgets;

Evaluate the use and effectiveness of web applications and other technological services using analytics, usability studies, and other methods;

Work to identify and assist in implementing and evaluating promising emerging technologies and social media tools;

Provide technical expertise for the use of social media applications and tools;

Other duties as assigned.


Required qualifications


Master’s degree in Library & Information Sciences from an ALA-accredited program or advanced degree in Instructional Technology or comparable field from an accredited institution;

Ability to successfully initiate, track, and manage projects;

Demonstrated experience working on digital library projects;

Experience administering CMS-type tools and an understanding of web programming work;



Familiarity with the Linux and/or Unix command-line;

Excellent interpersonal, communication, and customer service skills and the ability to interact effectively with faculty, students, and staff.




Preferred Qualifications


One year of experience working in an academic library on large digital projects – either implementation or programming/developing, or both.

Demonstrable experience creating course and/or subject guides via LibGuides or a comparable application;

Experience developing for libraries using current best practices in writing and implementation of multiple scripting or programing languages;

Experience with automated development repository environments using Grunt, Bower, GitHub, etc.

Experience with an Open Source content management systems such as WordPress;

Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively in a large and complex environment;



Familiarity with project management and team productivity tools such as Asana, Trello, and Slack;

Knowledge of XML and library metadata standards ;

Knowledge of scripting languages such as XSLT, JavaScript, Python, Perl, and PHP;

Familiarity with responsive design methodologies and best practices;

Familiarity with agile-design practices;

Knowledge of graphic design and image editing software.


Environment:

The University of Alabama, The Capstone University, is the State of Alabama’s flagship public university and the senior comprehensive doctoral level institution in Alabama. UA enrolls over 37,000 students, is ranked in the top 50 public universities in the United States, and its School of Library and Information Studies is ranked in the top 15 library schools in the country. UA has graduated 15 Rhodes Scholars, 15 Truman Scholars, has had 121 Fulbright Scholars, is one of the leading institutions for National Merit Scholars (150 in 2015), and has 5 Pulitzer Prize winners among its ranks. Under the new leadership of President Stuart Bell, UA has launched a strategic planning process that includes an aggressive research agenda and expansion of graduate education. UA is located in Tuscaloosa, a metropolitan area of 200,000, with a vibrant economy, a moderate climate, and a reputation across the South as an innovative, progressive community with an excellent quality of life. Tuscaloosa provides easy access to mountains, several large cities, and the beautiful Gulf Coast.

The University of Alabama is an equal opportunity employer and is strongly committed to the diversity of our faculty and staff. Applicants from a broad spectrum of people, including members of ethnic minorities and disabled persons, are especially encouraged to apply. The University Libraries homepage may be accessed at http://libraries.ua.edu

Prior to employment the successful candidate must pass a pre-employment background investigation.

SALARY/BENEFITS: This will be a non-tenure track 12-month renewable appointment for up to three year cycles at the Assistant Professor rank based on performance, funding, and the needs of the University Libraries. Salary is commensurate with qualifications and experience.  Excellent benefits, including professional development support and tuition fee waiver.

To Apply:

Please apply online at https://facultyjobs.ua.edu.  A letter of application, curriculum vita, and the names, addresses, phone numbers, and e-mail addresses of three professional references, including current supervisor, should accompany the application.

Open until filled. Applications received by July 31, 2016 will receive first consideration.

THE UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY/AFFIRMATIVE ACTION EMPLOYER

       
Requirements

Required qualifications


Master’s degree in Library & Information Sciences from an ALA-accredited program or advanced degree in Instructional Technology or comparable field from an accredited institution;

Ability to successfully initiate, track, and manage projects;

Demonstrated experience working on digital library projects;

Experience administering CMS-type tools and an understanding of web programming work;



Familiarity with the Linux and/or Unix command-line;

Excellent interpersonal, communication, and customer service skills and the ability to interact effectively with faculty, students, and staff.