Discovery Librarian

Description

Summary

The Discovery Librarian will join the library’s Discovery & Access team, which connects the Wheaton community to scholarly resources that support teaching and learning at the College. The Discovery Librarian works to maximize cross-system functionality, partnering with colleagues to optimize all aspects of the discovery of and access to electronic and physical resources with the goal of providing seamless, user-friendly library services in a community that prioritizes inclusion and belonging.

Primary Responsibilities

1. Design and improve user interfaces that enhance discoverability of information and seamlessly integrate multiple systems. Ensure compliance with accessibility standards and use of best practices in all user interfaces, carry out improvements based on universal design principles and regular user experience testing, and act as a resource for the community on accessibility.
2. Support all discovery systems, including OCLC’s WorldShare Management System, WorldCat Discovery and EZproxy, Springshare’s LibApps, JSTOR Forum and our hosted DSpace and ArchivesSpace instances. Communicate with vendors to troubleshoot issues and develop enhancements. Gather data from all systems to inform administrative decision-making.
3. Using data and practical experience, coordinate with colleagues to implement user experience improvements to discovery and access functions. Support these functions at the library service desk.
4. Collaborate with colleagues to implement best practices for metadata management that facilitate discovery across our information environment.
5. Monitor and recommend response to trends in the library resource discovery and access landscape. Collaborate with colleagues on consortial initiatives and engage in professional development opportunities.
6. Identify the equity and access needs of our community and the ways to effectively meet those needs with library resources. Contribute professional expertise to projects that advance equity, inclusion, justice and belonging on campus.
7. Performs all other duties and responsibilities as assigned or directed by the supervisor. This may include attendance of and participation in required training for role.

We want to talk with candidates who see themselves broadly represented below.

Education

Master’s degree from an ALA-accredited library/information science program or significant, relevant work experience

Experience

• Demonstrated experience designing user interfaces with HTML, CSS and JavaScript
• Demonstrated experience implementing web-accessibility standards and practices
• Demonstrated ability to facilitate group decision-making
• Experience with a library services platform, discovery layer and EZproxy
• Experience developing documentation and conducting training on web content management
• Demonstrated commitment to practices that foster inclusion and belonging

Knowledge & Skills

• Aptitude to guide complex, dynamic web projects from design through implementation
• Knowledge of user experience testing and user interface design, participatory design, and inclusive, community-oriented software development processes
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers and members of the college community
• Effective oral and written communication skills
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel or Google Sheets

The Dean of Library Services, Megan Brooks, is eager to speak with potential candidates who have questions about the position, the library and the College before applying. Please feel free to reach out to her at brooks_megan@wheatoncollege.edu at your convenience.