Technology Development Librarian

Description

Technology Development Librarian

The University of Alabama Libraries seeks a talented, energetic, innovative, and entrepreneurial professional who desires to work in a creative, collaborative and respectful environment in Web Technologies and Development. Reporting to the Web Technologies and Development Manager, this position will be responsible for providing project leadership and technical direction within the unit. This position will assist in planning and managing application development processes and will supervise and train staff and student programmers, helping guide developers to the successful completion of complex technology projects. In collaboration with service stakeholders and developers, this position will analyze business and user needs, provide recommendations for commercial and/or open source options, and, when necessary, design solutions to meet those needs. The position will also be expected to create and maintain applications and application customizations and internal documentation according to University Libraries standards and best practices. The successful candidate will maintain knowledge of current best practices in all areas of responsibility with special attention to security. S/he will identify promising new technologies, tools, and APIs that can positively impact services or generate a better user experience and implement, troubleshoot, and maintain both proprietary and open source software with varying levels of external support.

This position will also be responsible for technical management and development of existing projects using EBSCO Discovery Service, DSpace, ArchivesSpace, and WordPress. Many of these tools require various forms of systems integration for full operation. The University Libraries is also a beta development partner in the FOLIO Library Services Platform, and this position will be engaged in development work for this international project.

Candidate must also possess the ability to deal with change, ambiguity, and complex problems in an academic setting. Responsibilities of the position evolve as the library environment continues to change.

Required Qualifications

• MLS/MLIS degree from an ALA accredited program or equivalent.
• Ability to creatively perform analysis and problem solving as necessary to complete specific assignments.
• Ability to set and follow through on both individual and team priorities and goals.
• Aptitude for learning new technologies and working in a dynamic environment.
• Demonstrated comfort with an evolving technology landscape.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently, as well as collaboratively, with diverse constituencies; comfort with ambiguity.
• Demonstrated effective oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Ability to understand diverse perspectives and acknowledge the significance of differences and complexities in background, cultures, values, and viewpoints as the foundation for an inclusive environment.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively and creatively in a software team environment, using an agile development process, and to communicate effectively with non-technical stakeholders.
• Experience in project management and/or serving as part of specialized project teams.
• Experience working in and supporting a Linux environment.
• Experience in full-stack development, both backend and frontend.
• Experience in database design and configuration, particularly SQL databases.
• Experience with content management systems.
• Modern programming skills in any language, including version control, test-driven development, and debugging.
• Proficiency in two or more common programming languages, such as Java, C, Python, or Ruby.
• Proficiency in scripting languages, such as PHP and JavaScript.
• Knowledge of developing software functionality using RESTful APIs and JSON arrays.
• Knowledge of development for Linux, Apache, MySQL, PHP (LAMP) systems.
• Familiarity with or willingness to learn ADA/Section 508 accessibility standards.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with enterprise-level systems maintenance and software development, demonstrating significant responsibilities and achievements.
• Experience leading various phases of technology infrastructure projects (concept, investigation, deployment, operations, migration, decommission); in particular projects which require coordination with developers and service stakeholders.
• 3+ years of programming and development experience in multiple languages and environments.
• Experience configuring and supporting common open-source library applications such as Omeka, ArchivesSpace, DSpace, etc.
• Experience with IT standard workflows using taskrunners and repositories.
• Experience developing secure applications.
• Experience with Containers and VMs.
• Familiarity with Node.js, React.js, Bootstrap, Angular.js.
• Familiar with UX methodologies and processes.

Environment: The University of Alabama, The Capstone University, is the State of Alabama’s flagship public university and the senior comprehensive R1 doctoral level institution in Alabama. UA enrolls over 37,000 students, is ranked in the top 50 public universities in the United States. UA has graduated 15 Rhodes Scholars, 15 Truman Scholars, has had 121 Fulbright Scholars, is one of the leading institutions for National Merit Scholars, and has 5 Pulitzer Prize winners among its ranks. Under the leadership of President Stuart Bell, UA has launched a strategic planning process that includes an aggressive research agenda and expansion of graduate education. The University of Alabama Libraries is essential in advancing the educational mission of the University. We provide innovative instruction, services, and resources to facilitate teaching, research, and learning. The University of Alabama Libraries is committed to be student-centered and research-focused in order to support discovery, learning, and creativity at The Capstone.

The University Libraries maintains memberships in the Association of Research Libraries, the Center for Research Libraries, the Coalition for Networked Information, centerNet, LYRASIS, the Association of Southeastern Research Libraries, the HathiTrust, Scholars Trust, the Rosemont Alliance, the Network of Alabama Academic Libraries, Open Library Environment (OLE), and the Alabama Digital Preservation Network. We are the oldest academic library serving as a U.S. Government Documents Regional Depository. In this role we serve the academic community and the public. The University Libraries is an EBSCO FOLIO beta partner. The University Libraries homepage may be accessed at http://www.libraries.ua.edu Information about the University Libraries can be found at https://youtu.be/2pdxdUnnVn0

The University of Alabama 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.

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

Salary/benefits: 12-month non-tenure track renewable-contract faculty appointment at the Assistant Professor, depending on qualifications and experience. Salary is commensurate with qualifications and experience. Strong benefits including professional development support and tuition fee waiver.

To apply: Applications are accepted online only at https://facultyjobs.ua.edu . Click Search Positions. University Libraries in Organization drop down box. Please include your application, Curriculum Vitae, and names, addresses, phone numbers, and e- mail addresses of three references, including one current supervisor.

Position open until filled. Applications received by August 22, 2019 are assured of receiving full consideration.

The University of Alabama is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer and is strongly committed to the diversity of our faculty and staff. Applicants from a broad spectrum of people, including women, members of ethnic minorities and disabled persons, are especially encouraged to apply. For questions regarding the search, contact Dr. Millie Jackson, Senior Associate Dean, at mljackson@ua.edu