Technology and Web Services Librarian

Description

Job Summary:

The Technology and Web Services (TWS) Librarian is imaginative, resourceful, innovative, and student-focused, providing vision and leadership that reflects current needs and anticipates future trends with library technology and systems. The TWS Librarian is responsible for the library technology services and platforms that support the research, scholarship, teaching, and learning activities of our community and serves as a technology liaison to partners outside the college library. A successful candidate enjoys working collaboratively with others to facilitate accessibility, integration, and usability across all library technology and application interfaces; leads the exploration and adoption of new technologies; and provides a seamless digital experience for our library users. Areas of technology oversight and user experience include library management platform (OCLC WMS), discovery and access, teaching and learning applications (such as ArchivesSpace, LibGuides, etc.), web services architecture and integration, college repositories and archives, and emerging technologies.

We are committed to helping our colleagues develop professionally here at Trexler Library. Given the pace of change with library technologies, we welcome applications from people who embrace lifelong learning and are passionate about providing meaningful and equitable access to information, resources, and services that enable the success of a diverse and engaged community.

Schedule & Benefits: At Muhlenberg, we value your work/life balance and are thrilled to offer this full-time, year-round opportunity in support of our students and campus community. Muhlenberg offers a highly competitive benefits package, including but not limited to, generous holidays, vacation and sick leave, paid parental leave, tuition programs at the undergraduate and graduate level, medical, dental and vision coverage, flexible spending plans, short-and long-term disability, life insurance, and retirement.

The College & Surrounding Area: Founded in 1848, Muhlenberg College is a private, four-year residential, liberal arts college offering baccalaureate and graduate programs. Muhlenberg College is dedicated to shaping creative, compassionate, collaborative leaders through rigorous academic programs in the arts, humanities, business, natural sciences and social sciences; as well as pre-professional programs in law, health and theology; and progressive workforce-focused post-baccalaureate certificates and master's degrees. As part of eastern Pennsylvania's scenic Lehigh Valley, Allentown is a diverse city of 125,000, located just 60 miles north of Philadelphia and 90 miles west of New York City. As the third largest city in the state, and along with neighboring Bethlehem and Easton, the region is home to a vibrant arts scene, extensive parks and recreational opportunities, and a rich blend of diverse cuisine.

Characteristic Duties and Responsibilities

Specific responsibilities and activities relating to library technology and web services:

• Provide creative, positive leadership with library technology and web services in collaboration with librarians, the Digital Learning Team, Office of Information Technology (OIT), faculty, staff, students, vendors, or other key campus and community partners. 

• Administer and maintain both SaaS (Software-as-a-Service) and locally hosted library-specific systems and applications (such as the LMS, library website, discovery tools, LibGuides, EZProxy, digital collections, ArchivesSpace, etc.), whether hands-on or acting as liaison with external vendors.

• Plan and lead system migrations for Library software; implement new system features as they become available.

• Manage, develop, and support the library website, including content strategy, information architecture, and web style and accessibility guidelines.

• Design and manage student-focused digital experiences through the library website, discovery tools, public online platforms, and integrated technologies, both library-specific or campus-wide.

• In conjunction with public services, collection management, and access staff, closely monitor OCLC community announcements and WMS development roadmap.

• Collaborate with Library staff on the configuration and support of library digital collections and other services applications and their integration with the Library website.

• As a member of the Digital Learning Team, support campus-wide initiatives with the expanding role of digital scholarship, digital learning, and digital humanities in the curriculum.

• Respond to requests for assistance on the use and troubleshooting of library applications; communicate, both internally and campus-wide as needed, developments, updates, changes, and enhancements with these applications.

• Provide leadership and training to empower library staff to extend and customize library technology services and functionality through use of web services and web APIs; provide expertise to empower library staff with statistical reporting, data analytics, and recommendations for development on library technologies and library services.

• Collect and analyze data pertaining to library technology applications and website usage, information services, and collection usage in conjunction with other library analytics.

• Develop ongoing strategic planning, policies, and procedures as they relate to the functional areas within library management services, library technology, applications, and services.

The TWS Librarian also participates in other generally assigned duties and actively engages in the intellectual life of the campus.    

Qualifications

A successful candidate will center relationship-building in their work, will demonstrate experience and leadership in user-centered technologies, will employ a well-rounded knowledge of library-specific technologies and architectures, and has ability to work effectively with diverse, multicultural communities. Additionally, the candidate will have:

• An earned, or working towards an, ALA-accredited master's degree in library or information science, or an appropriate graduate-level degree in an information technology field.

• Professional experience managing complex library technologies and architectures; preferred knowledge of library products and services integration (such as OCLC, LibGuides, etc.); familiarity with open-source platforms and open-educational resources is desirable.

• Working knowledge of data reporting and manipulation (Python, R), database query (SQL), and website development (HTML, CSS, XML/XSLT, JavaScript, etc.)

• Demonstrated analytical and problem-solving skills.

• Embrace and support the College's efforts to ensure our community meets our commitments to diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging.

• Ability to work in a collegial, team-based environment and maintain positive working relationships.

• Ability to plan, manage, and oversee multiple projects, meet deadlines, and prioritize work in alignment with the strategic goals of the Library and the College.

• Familiarity with library technology integration (such as link resolvers, proxy servers, etc) and digital learning environments.

• Excellent communication skills; supervisory experience desired.

• Commitment to the promotion of an outstanding public services culture in a learner-centered environment at a strong liberal arts college.

• An eagerness to take on challenges, propose solutions, and seize opportunities to acquire new skills.

• Successful completion of background checks.

• As part of the College's sequential approach for the health and safety of our campus community, proof of COVID-19 vaccination is required upon hire (absent an approved medical or religious exemption).

Work/Life Balance:

• This position qualifies for the campus work/life balance policies for flexible schedules and telework.

• Trexler Library has open building hours over 100 hours/week during the semester.

• Flexibility is required to provide comprehensive service and, therefore, reciprocal flexibility is given to them in their work environment.

• Work completed off-campus, whether at home or in the community, that contributes to the achievement of position goals will count towards the 40-hour work week. 

• Librarians and library staff work collaboratively to determine community needs and meet coverage expectations.

To apply, upload your complete application package as a single PDF document. A complete application package includes: 1) cover letter; 2) resume; 3) separate diversity statement summarizing your professional experiences and commitment to equity and inclusion; and 4) names/contact information for three professional references. Application review will continue until the position is filled. To initiate your application, use the APPLY button on our employment website. 

An equal opportunity employer, Muhlenberg College is committed to recruiting and retaining outstanding faculty and staff from racial and ethnic groups that have been traditionally underrepresented in higher education. For additional information about Muhlenberg's commitment to diversity and inclusion, applicants can find the latest updates to the College's Diversity Strategic Plan at this link: http://www.muhlenberg.edu/main/aboutus/president/initiatives/diversityatmuhlenberg/