Systems Librarian

Description

Williams Libraries seeks an innovative and enthusiastic librarian to manage and administer our library management system and auxiliary systems. We seek candidates who are excited to work in a college library that supports students who are broadly diverse with regard to gender, gender identity, race, ethnicity, nationality, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, and religion.

Williams, a liberal arts college located in western Massachusetts, has built its reputation on outstanding teaching, scholarship, and academic excellence. We are committed to building an inclusive faculty, staff, and curriculum to support our community of approximately 2,000 students. 

Williams Libraries’ current strategic plan includes a technology goal to, “build systems that empower our staff and support our users, and develop interfaces that provide a seamless, barrier-free discovery of collections and services.” We value excellent personal service, innovative library services, and effective intellectual access to collections. The successful candidate will embrace a flexible, responsive approach to systems administration in a newly merged Collections & Systems department. This is a continuing, full-time, appointment reporting to the Head of Collections & Systems.

For optimal consideration please submit resume materials before February 1st, 2021. Review of applications will continue until the position is filled. Job group 2-D. To apply for this position, please visit http://staff-careers.williams.edu. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us via phone at (413) 597-4247 or email at hr@williams.edu.

Responsibilities

• Manage, administer, and ensure the interoperability of our:

  • Library management system (currently Ex Libris’ Alma.)

  • Authentication (currently EZProxy and Shibboleth configurations)

  • Archival management system (currently ArchivesSpace)

  • Storage facility inventory system (currently Fifth Generation’s GFA.)

  • Digital Assets Management System (DAMS) and institutional repository (currently Islandora.)

  • Integration of interlibrary loan and document delivery management systems (currently RapidILL and ILLiad.)

• Maintain security and access control of library systems.  

• Create and implement policies for data integrity and integration, coordinate and perform upgrades, and manage regular feeds of financial and patron data into and out of Alma.

• Collect and maintain system-generated data and statistics including  e-resource usage data, and present analytic reports in support of library workflows.

• Serve as a member of the Libraries’ e-problems group that responds to user problems with e-resource and record retrieval, access, and authentication.

• Collaborate with librarians, OIT colleagues, faculty, and students in the use of library collections as data for computationally-driven research and teaching.

• Manage, maintain, and troubleshoot library-specific equipment and software.

• Provide technical support and training to libraries’ staff for library-specific software and equipment. 

• Manage the libraries’ systems operation including supervision of up to 5 student employees, and collaborate closely with E-Resources Librarian, Web Development Librarian, Digital Archivist, and colleagues in the Office of Information Technology (OIT.)

Qualifications

While we anticipate that many applicants will have earned a graduate degree in library/information science from an ALA-accredited institution, or one in a related field, we will accept an equivalent mix of education and experience.

Required:

• 2-5 years of professional experience in a relevant technological field.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a team-oriented organization.
• Demonstrated ability to learn new technologies.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and problem-solving skills.
• Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Research indicates that applicants with marginalized identities are hesitant to apply for positions if they do not meet all of the required and preferred qualifications. We want to emphasize that the preferred qualifications are not required and that we are committed to helping our future colleagues develop these preferred skills. We strongly encourage those who are passionate about supporting our mission through systems administration to apply.

Preferred:

• Experience with Ex Libris Alma system administration, or system administration of an equivalent library system.
• Experience in DAMS administration
• Alma Administrator Certification, or willingness to be certified within the first year of employment.
• Interest in supporting library collections as data for computationally-driven research and teaching

For full consideration, please make sure your cover letter addresses:

• Your working knowledge of library systems, or systems in a related field.
• How your education and experience will support our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Conditions of Employment

Employment at Williams is contingent on the verification of background information submitted by the applicant, including the completion of a criminal record check, and education when applicable.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Beyond meeting fully its legal obligations for non-discrimination, Williams College is committed to building a diverse and inclusive community where members from all backgrounds can live, learn and thrive.