Web Services Librarian

Description

You can view more information here: https://www.lib.umd.edu/hr/employment-opportunities/staff-faculty-positions
And apply here: https://ejobs.umd.edu/postings/89320

Description:

Reporting to the Manager, Digital Programs and Initiatives (DPI), the Web Services Librarian is charged with leadership, project management, and hands-on work related to the planning, coordination, design, implementation, maintenance, and evaluation of the Libraries’ website and other major online user interfaces. Through user experience (UX) assessment methodologies and web usage analytics, this position will chart a path of continuous improvement for the Libraries’ web presence that adjusts to evolving user needs, effectively utilizes new web technologies and practices, and reflects the Libraries’ core values, including a commitment to inclusive design.

The Web Services Librarian will engage with the UMD Libraries’ community of learners and scholars to articulate solutions that meet the diverse and evolving needs of online users. This position will collaboratively develop a shared vision and a philosophy for the Libraries’ web presence, which will drive most of the sites’ architecture, organization, and design. The incumbent will coordinate with personnel from across the Libraries to improve the Libraries' virtual environment and web presence, and lead a cross-unit advisory group on matters related to strategic goals, initiatives, design, content, and usability of the Libraries’ web properties. Among others, the incumbent will work closely with the Director of Strategic Communications and Outreach, the Discovery Strategies and Systems Librarian, Digital Services and Technologies’ (DST) web designers and developers, and library administration and management. The Web Services Librarian will communicate requirements and design needs with the technical development team and will check in with that team on a regular basis to adjust and revise requirements, as needed. The incumbent will also directly supervise the Libraries’ Web Designer, support their development, and deploy their skills to projects and assignments effectively.

As a cross-library position, the Web Services Librarian is responsible for overall analysis, design, integration, content coordination, and evaluation of the Libraries' online user interfaces. Where appropriate, this includes implementation, integration, evaluation, and improvement of user-interface customizations and integrations of proprietary library products affecting: discovery/searching of information resources, interlibrary loan, room reservations, library research guides, and other functional areas. The position works closely with technical as well as public-facing colleagues to integrate both proprietary and open source platforms into the Libraries’ interfaces.

Position is appointed to Librarian Faculty Ranks as established by the University System of Maryland Board of Regents. Rank at appointment is based on the successful applicant’s experience and relevant credentials. Applicant must meet the Libraries' requirements for promotion, which includes a commitment to professional development, service, and self-directed research, scholarship, and/or creative activities. For additional information, consult the following website: http://www.president.umd.edu/policies/2014-ii-100b.html .

Minimum Qualifications:

Education:

• Master's degree in Library or Information Science from an ALA-accredited institution of higher education or a non-US equivalent by the start of employment, or an advanced degree with two years relevant experience.

Experience:

• Two years of professional experience designing and developing websites or other web-based applications.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge of current web technologies and best practices
• Knowledge of best practices for usability testing, web analytics, and other UX assessment methodologies
• Knowledge of current web accessibility standards
• Knowledge of information architecture design, taxonomy/ontology creation, and writing content for the web
• Ability to manage CMS-driven websites
• Ability to write and design web content using, at a minimum, HTML and CSS
• Ability to manage complex technical projects
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Excellent problem-solving skills

Preferred Qualifications

• Familiarity with the Drupal content management system
• Familiarity with web application deployment practices
• Knowledge of at least one programming language (PHP, Ruby, Python, etc.) and command line utilities
• Knowledge of inclusive design frameworks and best practices
• Knowledge of Agile product and project management methods
• Knowledge of emerging technologies, library technology trends, general trends in librarianship and higher education that affect library technology.
• Familiarity with APIs and mobile technologies
• Knowledge of current trends and technologies in search and discovery