Assistant or Associate Professor - Systems Librarian

Description

The University Libraries at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL) seeks an enthusiastic and user-centered professional to implement robust, reliable, and extensible information systems. The Systems Librarian is primary technology owner for UNL’s core discovery, delivery, resource management, and digital archiving and preservation tools. They collaborate extensively with colleagues across the UNL Libraries, the University of Nebraska Consortium of Libraries (UNCL), and University of Nebraska Information Technology Services (ITS) to plan and implement systems. They assume a key leadership role in re-defining workflows and processes as part of the 2020 migration from Innovative (Sierra) to Ex Libris (Alma and Primo) platforms.

The Systems Librarian joins the UNL Libraries at a time of change and renewal. For the first time, the UNCL Libraries will be on a shared library platform, and new leadership in the Libraries and at the University are opening new avenues for collaboration.

Initially reporting to the Interim Associate Dean for Content & Collections/Interim Chair of Discovery, Access and Resource Management (DARM), the Systems Librarian will actively participate in strategic planning and organizational transformation as the Libraries works to build a more equitable and sustainable information ecosystem. Future directions include envisioning a unified digital repository strategy, and vigorous engagement in multi-institution collaborations around data archiving and shared management of library collections. The ideal candidate will be an individual with an active interest in emerging research practices and the ethical and policy implications of information use.

The University Libraries creates and fosters inclusive environments for teaching, learning, scholarship, creative expression, and civic engagement. The ability to find, access, evaluate, utilize, and create reliable information resources is central to higher education, the public good, and achieving equity and justice. Libraries faculty are empowered to provide an array of library services, collections, and spaces to meet the diverse needs of students, faculty, and researchers. The Libraries is committed to providing financial and other support for faculty professional development and travel. The Systems Librarian will undertake their efforts with attention to how social and structural biases and inequalities are manifest in information resources, access to information, and the management of information.

Responsibilities:

• Provides technical leadership for and management of a suite of information systems, primarily Alma, Primo, and Rosetta, but including other systems used for authentication, digital content management, description and discovery.
• Serves as lead contact with systems vendors and university data partners, troubleshooting bugs, and managing data exchange, systems integrations, systems security, upgrades and maintenance.
• Directs systems-related projects and leads team meetings.
• Collaborates extensively with colleagues in program and technologies areas to optimize systems.
• Prepares and maintains systems logs, reports, and statistical data to assist in evidence-based decision making
• Participates in governance of shared systems through the University of Nebraska Consortium of Libraries, and in related collective activities with the Big Ten Academic Alliance, HathiTrust, Center for Research Libraries, and related groups.
• Actively engages in anti-racist work to advance inclusive excellence and redress systemic inequities.
• Contributes to the knowledge base of the profession through scholarly, professional, and service activities appropriate for the appointment type and rank.

Librarians in the University Libraries have faculty status; the successful candidate will be hired at the rank of Assistant or Associate Professor (tenured/tenure-leading). The minimum salary for this position is $60,000.

Minimum Required Qualifications

• Candidate must hold a master’s degree in library and information science from an ALA-accredited institution (or international equivalent), or terminal degree in another discipline and relevant experience.
• 2-4 years of experiences supporting library information systems.
• Demonstrated ability or potential to engage in publication and professional service to meet University tenure and promotion requirements.
• Knowledge of XML and facility with structured data and data interchange.
• Strong computer skills and proficiency with heterogeneous operating systems, including one or more server operating systems.
• Demonstrated commitment to and support for a culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Preferred Qualifications

• Knowledge of current and emerging metadata and tools, such as Bibframe, MARC, Dublin Core, MODS, METS, and EAD.
• Familiarity with scripting tools, languages, APIs and data interchange formats used in retrieving and transforming data.
• Experience with one or more Ex Libris information systems.
• Knowledge of contemporary issues around reader privacy and their application in an academic library environment.

While the University has convened for in-person instruction for the fall 2020 semester, many Libraries faculty and staff continue to work remotely, and a remote start for a new hire is possible. Relocation assistance is available. Applications will be considered on a rolling basis, with a preference for applications received by May 3, 2021.

Lincoln, Nebraska, is a city of nearly 300,000 people and the state capital, where residents enjoy a low cost of living, high-quality public schools, and more parkland per capita than most U.S. cities. See https://www.unl.edu/lincoln/

The University of Nebraska-Lincoln seeks to attract and retain a high performing and diverse workforce in which employees’ differences are respected and valued to better meet the varying needs of the diverse populations we serve. The university fosters a diverse and inclusive work environment that promotes collaboration so that all individuals are able to participate and contribute to their full potential.

To apply for this position:

Please visit https://employment.unl.edu and search for requisition number F_200125.  Click “apply to this job” and complete the information form. Attach your cover letter and curriculum vitae. In your cover letter, please be sure to directly address all minimum required qualifications. We are open to a broad range of ways and contexts in which candidates might demonstrate how they meet these qualifications. For example, while candidates might document their demonstrated commitment, experience, and knowledge through work activities—including in positions outside of libraries—they might also speak to coursework, community service, participation in cultural or other organizations, and involvement with student groups, among other possibilities. Cover letters must also include a description from the applicant that speaks to how their commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion could be integrated into this position.

As an EO/AA employer, qualified applicants are considered for employment without regard to race, color, ethnicity, national origin, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, disability, age, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, and/or political affiliation. See https://www.unl.edu/equity/notice-nondiscrimination