Digital Library Services Manager

Description

The University Library at the University of Hull is seeking an outstanding individual to take forward the Library's exploitation of technology to further its services in supporting the learning, teaching and research of the University.

The University Library has a vision to inspire our University, local and global communities through open scholarship, culture and heritage. The Library's mission is focused to achieve this through the ongoing development of library and archival collections in print and digital forms; with the university's own digital content, especially its research output; and with delivering access to this material as easily, as pervasively and as efficiently as possible. Within the Library, the Information Services Group (ISG) is based within the Brynmor Jones Library on the Hull campus. The Brynmor Jones Library is at the heart of the academic life of the University and attracts several thousand students, staff and external users every day. It also includes the publicly accessible University Art Collection plus exhibition and event spaces.

The Information Services Group (ISG) provides support to all parts of the University. The Group comprises teams that address the University's needs on collections development, research support, and the use of technology to deliver library services: this post covers the last of these. Key to the effective delivery of the Library's services is the use of technology, both through the specific systems that are used to manage the Library's collections and the exploitation of general purpose technologies to embed the Library in other environments. These needs are themselves informed by an evolving higher education and research landscape that the University is adapting to through innovative application of technology, and the Library is looking itself to be adaptable and innovative in its use of technology to meet ongoing and emerging needs.

The Digital Library Services Manager will be responsible for the management, operation and development of systems and associated technologies that serve the needs of the Library. This will include the Sierra library management system, the Blacklight catalogue interface, as well as Talis reading lists and the Hydra digital repository amongst others. The post-holder will report to the Head of Information Services and work with colleagues across the Library to manage issues, and agree on enhancements and how to take these forward. The post will also be a primary link between the Library and the University ICT Directorate on the operation and development of systems relevant to the Library. The post-holder should be motivated to work as part of a team or on their own, proactive in identifying service improvements and addressing problems, and be able to undertake knowledge transfer to colleagues as required for them to best use relevant technologies and systems.

The post-holder will need to ensure that all services meet strategic needs as well as take account of wider sector developments. As a contributing member to the Library's management, the Digital Library Services Manager will be a source of knowledge within the Library regarding trends in the application of technology to deliver Library services and advise the Senior Management Team on the potential benefits, opportunities and challenges offered. The post is expected to be outward-facing, liaising with relevant HE community and research support bodies, representing the University Library and its needs on these as appropriate.

To discuss this role informally, please contact Chris Awre, T 01482 465441, E c.awre@hull.ac.uk

For information about the Library, please visit www.hull.ac.uk/lib