Coordinating Discovery Systems Librarian

Description

The Coordinating Discovery Systems Librarian (CDSL), as a member of the User Interfaces Unit within the UNT Libraries' Digital Libraries Division, serves two roles. The first is to act as the primary administrator of the Integrated Library System (ILS), collaborating with stakeholders to support and improve day-to-day system operations. The second is to analyze how end users interact with the catalog and other discovery systems and to evaluate how well these systems support end users' goals. Combined, these roles provide complementary perspectives about how the Libraries' discovery systems function and are used, enabling the person to help guide the unit's ongoing efforts to make holistic improvements. 
The CDSL exercises broad independent judgment and authority under the direction of the User Interfaces Unit Head and serves on Libraries committees and work groups as assigned. 

SPECIFIC POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES 
The Coordinating Discovery Systems Librarian: 

• Serves as the primary ILS administrator. Coordinates communication between the ILS vendor and library staff to foster optimal system operation. Builds reports, monitors system functions, plans and monitors system upgrades, provides training, resolves ILS-related issues, and performs other systems management duties as needed. 
• Collaborates with stakeholders throughout the library to develop projects that test user interfaces and evaluate web-based discovery systems, employing a variety of user-testing methodologies and data analysis techniques. Works with stakeholders and unit members to interpret evaluation results and determine how the results should inform future development. 
• Provides guidance and planning for improving the ILS, the library website, and resource discovery interfaces so they better support end users' needs-both staff and patrons-in accordance with the UNT Libraries' mission and strategic goals. Works with the User Interfaces Unit Head and Discovery Systems Development Librarian to produce relevant unit goals and objectives. Participates in implementation and, when it makes sense, maintenance of planned improvements. 
• Fosters positive relations with faculty, students, and staff and promotes the University's and Libraries' commitment to diversity. 

The University of North Texas System and its component institutions are committed to equal opportunity and comply with all applicable federal and state laws regarding nondiscrimination and affirmative action. The University of North Texas System and its component institutions do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, religion, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, or veteran status in its application and admission processes, educational programs and activities, and employment practices.  

Minimum Qualifications:

• Education: ALA-accredited master's degree in library or information sciences or an international equivalent.
• Knowledge of current issues in user experience design, information architecture, library search and discovery. 
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing. 
• Demonstrated ability to adjust priorities, manage time wisely, and make quick effective decisions in a fast-paced environment. 
• Demonstrated aptitude for thinking creatively and developing products and services, such as publications, training materials, workshops, conferences, and other tools. 
• Strong interpersonal skills, with ability to establish positive and productive collaborations with faculty and library departments and divisions. 

Preferred Qualifications:

• 1 year experience as an academic librarian. 
• Experience using the staff-facing functions of any ILS. Experience with Innovative Interfaces, Inc.'s Sierra a plus. Experience with ILS administrative functions (such as creating user accounts and maintaining system tables) a plus. 
• Training or experience with statistical analysis, data analytics, and/or user testing techniques and methodologies: classwork, work experience, library experience, and experience from other industries are all relevant. 
• Knowledge of library metadata and cataloging standards. 
• Familiarity with modern web development using HTML5, CSS3, and JavaScript. 
• Familiarity with SQL and experience writing SQL queries. 
• Training or experience programming in Python or Ruby.