Discovery Librarian

Description

The Discovery Services Librarian will be responsible for coordinating and oversight of our two discovery systems, WMS Discovery and EBSCO Discovery Service (EDS), ensuring access to library resources across systems for faculty, staff, students, researchers, and library employees.  They will coordinate access and discovery of both print and electronic resources by collaborating with relevant departments to streamline access from a variety of systems, including the library management system, discovery platform, knowledgebases, content management systems, repositories, and archives information management systems. They will serve as the library’s primary contact to our discovery vendor. 

The Discovery Services Librarian will stay up-to-date on system updates, enhancements, and roadmaps for discovery-related systems.  They will work with relevant departments within the library to recommend configuration options, as well as consulting with the Research Services Committee and Web Team.  They will work with the Libraries’ User Interface Designer on usability testing as needed to enhance usability, accessibility, and discoverability of library resources. They will explore options for using APIs to enhance discovery in collaboration with relevant departments.  

Major Responsibilities 

• Serve as caretaker of our systemwide discovery tools working collaboratively with units who oversee systems including the library management system, knowledge bases, access tools, authentication services, and the user interface to provide reliable access. 

• Research and develop configuration recommendations for discovery and propose optimal discovery settings that will enhance the user experience.  

• Maintain primary contact with Libraries discovery vendor. This also involves understanding customization and backend services that are available through the vendor. They will work with the vendor in conjunction with other departments in the library as needed. 

• Stay up to date with discovery system changes, monitor the roadmaps and release schedules for EDS and WorldCat Discovery, appropriately communicate changes to library staff, including creating documentation and answering staff questions. 

• Explore new and emerging options for integrating discovery and fulfillment and to expand the sharing of resources within the WVU Libraries. In collaboration with other units, make use of API integrations in Libraries ILS and Discovery Layer to enhance user experience. 

• Work with departments to identify collections and materials to be added to discovery. Use collaborative project management approaches with departments and metadata to incorporate these collections into discovery. 

• Work collaboratively with Systems departments on library services, resources, and projects as needed. 

• Use web analytics and usability studies to make recommendations for data-driven development of discovery. 

• Leads the Libraries’ Discovery sub-committee, serving as advisor to the Web Team and Research Services Committees and providing recommendations on: 

• System-wide policies to enhance discovery across the WVU Libraries. 

• Areas for usability testing or other data-driven processes to continue development of discovery.  

• Best method with managing and displaying library resources.   

• Discovery updates related to Access Services and Resource Sharing and inform those committees when there are issues needed to be addressed.  

• Training plans for library staff. 

Required Qualifications 

• Master’s degree from an ALA-accredited program for library and information sciences and/or Master’s degree in a related discipline 

• A minimum of three years’ experience related to academic library discovery systems, integrated library systems,  related technologies, or user experience/usability. 

• A strong ability to collaborate with multiple units within the library as well as with vendors 

• Knowledge of emerging discovery technologies and trends in higher education 

• Strong attention to detail and understanding of how technology changes impact researchers, students, and library employees 

• Excellent communication skills, including ability to create clear documentation and training materials 

• Demonstrated commitment to user-focused discovery services 

Desired Qualifications 

• Experience with EBSCO Discovery Services, WorldCat Discovery, and/or WorldShare Management Services 

• Experience with metadata, XML, SEO, WCAG, and/or APIs 

• Experience with usability testing and knowledge of current user trends 

If you feel that you don’t meet these desired qualifications, we still encourage you to apply. Desired qualifications can sometimes miss the elements that would most strengthen our team; we value a diversity of skills.