Discovery Librarian

Description

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Discovery Librarian develops, supports, evaluates, and enhances the Libraries’ discovery and access applications and services; and collaborates on the Libraries’ usability efforts; adapts new and existing web tools to improve the user experience with the Libraries' discovery and access applications and other online services/platforms. Develops partnerships, implements best practices, and serves as a leader and peer, working closely with colleagues across library divisions and the wider university community.

PRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES (Essential Functions):

(Fundamental job duties regularly performed by an employee in the position. Generally, 6 duties are sufficient. Include the percentage of time spent on each duty.)

• Designs, develops and maintains user interfaces for the discovery and delivery of library services and collections. Develops and implements procedures to integrate and maintain library systems with campus, university, or third-party systems and applications.
• Utilizes available APIs and web services, develops or modifies API scripts as needed, for data retrieval and system integrations with third-party applications and systems; Performs record loads and configures new collections and data sources and works to integrate records from disparate systems into the discovery system.
• Prepares and maintains logs, reports and statistical data to assist the Library in maximizing data-driven decision-making; Facilitates analytic reporting from various systems and uses a variety of software tools for the extraction, manipulation, and visualization of data for use by various systems.
• Documents workflows and standards related to all aspects of the library systems, services, and related applications.
• Serve on library committees. Maintain awareness of best practices and technical advances in discovery systems, web development and protocols through engagement with national and international professional communities, and other professional development opportunities. Perform other duties as assigned and as needed.

CRITICAL SKILLS AND EXPERTISE: (Knowledge, skills and abilities required to perform the essential functions of the job. Example: excellent oral and written communication skills)

• Strong interpersonal skills, demonstrated ability to work in a collaborative team-based environment, and to communicate well with IT and non-IT staff.
• A strong desire to learn new skills and adeptness to doing so.
• Strong organizational skills and demonstrated ability to manage projects.
• Demonstrated ability to write clear documentation.

Requirements

MINIMUM EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE: (State the minimum education, knowledge and/or work experience required to effectively perform the job.)

• Master’s degree from ALA-accredited program in library and/or information science, or an equivalent amount of relevant education and applicable work experience.
• Experience supporting and developing one or more library discovery interfaces (such as Primo, Summon, EDS, Blacklight or WorldCat Discovery).
• Hands-on understanding of web technologies including HTML, CSS, JavaScript/JQuery, XML/XSLT.
• Understanding of Web Services such as REST, SOAP, and other XML-based APIs.
• Working knowledge of one or more structured programming languages (PHP, Ruby, Python, Perl, Java, etc.).

• Ability to work effectively and efficiently without direct supervision.
• Knowledge of trends, issues, and resources in digital library development, metadata and cataloging standards, and data management in academic libraries.
• A strong commitment to high quality customer service.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively on projects across a wide range of departments and for varying audiences.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, both oral and written.

PREFERRED EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE: (List any additional or desired education and/or experience that would enhance the capability of any employee to effectively perform the job.)

• Experience with Ex Libris’ Primo discovery platform is highly desirable.
• Experience with web application development in a Unix/Linux environment.
• Experience with JSON preferred.
• Experience with web and user-centered design, assessment methodologies, and usability studies.
• Knowledge of standards and best practices for web accessibility and ADA compliance preferred.
• Understanding of authentication and protocols for search and retrieval, messaging and networking.
• Understanding of library data formats and standards (MARC, Dublin Core, METS, MODs).
• Understanding of digital collection management systems and current access services protocols to access and retrieve digital content (e.g. Z39.50, OpenURL, NCIP, DOI, CrossRef, OAI).
• Experience with Analytics and reporting tools.
• Familiarity with version control systems such as Git.