Systems Librarian

Description

Job Overview:

Georgetown University Library seeks an experienced and collaborative colleague to manage the Library’s Ex Libris Alma/Primo VE library services platform. Reporting to the Head of Library Information Technology, the Systems Librarian supports the integration of Alma/Primo VE with other platforms used within the Library, and serves as a leader in designing, implementing, and maintaining additional tools and platforms for user discovery and management of Library resources. This position collaborates with key staff members throughout the Library, the University, and the Washington Research Library Consortium. Working both independently and as part of a team, the Systems Librarian develops, implements, and assesses Library tools and services by focusing on usability, accessibility, sustainability, and performance. The Systems Librarian provides expertise and works with staff across the Library to develop programs that automate tasks related to access and discovery.

Responsibilities:

Integrated Library System

• Serves as the administrator and main technical lead for the Library’s Ex Libris Alma/Primo VE Integrated Library System (ILS).
• Tests new functionality and system upgrades, and evaluates current utilization of system modules and workflows to recommend modifications to workflows and system configurations as needed to increase efficiency.
• Troubleshoots problems with the ILS and acts as a liaison between the vendor and Library staff members to report problems and ensure their resolution.
• Coordinates with Library, University, and WRLC departments to manage incoming data feeds including but not limited to: acquisitions and other data; complex bibliographic, holdings and item data; patron data.
• Acts as the Library’s representative to various local and national user groups.
• Consults with end users with regard to system capabilities and functionality, forwarding requests for system modifications and/or enhancements to the vendor as appropriate.
• Leads the development of policies and procedures as needed to ensure the efficient operation and management of Library systems.
• Gathers and reports statistics and data from Library systems to inform decision-making related to Library services.

Library Discovery Services

• Leads the design, implementation, and maintenance of new tools and services for user discovery and management of Library resources.
• Leads the development of strategies to improve the discovery of Library collections and services by designing, developing, and implementing solutions that integrate existing tools with new technologies and approaches to create a seamless discovery experience for users.
• Develops and implements strategies and solutions to improve user experience and maximize the discovery of Library resources by conducting usability testing and user-centered design research.
• Provides training and creates documentation for internal and external users related to the Integrated Library System and other Library discovery systems.

Library Systems and Platforms

• Supports both hosted and locally-managed systems in support of Library collections, workflows, and services.
• Develops and documents internal processes and procedures that support Library systems and services.
• Assists in the development of new Library systems and services through an iterative and data-driven process that emphasizes sustainability and end-user functionality.
• Develops scripts or programs that enable automation of routine Library workflows and tasks and develops enhancements to new and existing Library applications.

Qualifications:

Master’s in Library or Information Science or equivalent

Practical Experience

• Three to five (3-5) years of experience, preferably in an academic library.
• Demonstrated experience managing an integrated library system, a content management system, or other discovery system (experience with Ex Libris Alma/Primo is preferred).
• Experience managing technical projects or initiatives.
• Experience developing and/or supporting systems and strategies for automated library workflows.
• Familiarity with user-centered design to support usability testing of Library systems and services.

Technical Qualifications

• Firm understanding of current metadata and cataloging standards and processes.
• Familiarity with library technology standards and protocols such as FRBR, Z39.50, OAI/PHM, RDA.
• Familiarity with XML and XSLT.
• Familiarity with EZproxy as well as remote access and authentication workflows.
• Experience with scripting or programming to automate tasks.

Other Skills

• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to effectively communicate technical issues and solutions to a diverse set of stakeholders.
• Commitment to fostering an equitable and inclusive workplace, and the ability to work effectively with a diverse faculty, students, and staff.

Environment:

The Georgetown University Library is an agile organization located in the nation’s capital, committed to advancing Georgetown University’s global leadership in academics and research, while also addressing the requirements of the changing landscape of higher education and the evolving nature of scholarly communication.  By providing preeminent services, collections and spaces, the Library contributes to the creation, dissemination and preservation of knowledge, as well as the transformation of learning and research.

The Library is committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse staff dedicated to excellence in service, continuous learning, and leadership within the library profession.  With diversity as one of its core values, the Library not only seeks to actively recruit and retain a diverse workforce, but also ensures the acquisition of a diverse collection of materials and a climate of openness and respect for all traditions, cultures, and ideas.

The Library actively promotes its values - lifelong learning, collaboration, leadership, quality, integrity, and diversity - in its daily tasks.  Whenever possible, the Library offers flexible work schedules and telework options, and supports continuous learning opportunities in order to achieve the highest quality of service that can be offered.

The University offers a comprehensive benefit package which includes health insurance, tuition benefits for employees and their children, retirement benefits, as well as flexible work schedules and telework options.

Please note that COVID-19 has reshaped the way interviews and work locations will be managed at this time.  The safety and well-being of our colleagues and applicants is our first priority.  The Georgetown University Library anticipates conducting all interviews virtually.   Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and the University’s need to limit the number of on-campus employees, the successful applicant may be asked to perform their job remotely for a limited period of time until the University can permit more employees to work on campus.