Systems Librarian (revised job description)

Description

The Folger Shakespeare Library knows that an exceptional staff is the backbone of any great organization. We hire exceptionally qualified individuals who are committed to the mission, vision, and values of our organization. Our recruitment process strives to be interactive, accessible, and responsive. Once employed, the Folger provides a generous compensation, leave, and benefits package, as well as many opportunities for personal and professional growth.

Job Description:

The Folger Shakespeare Library, located on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC, is seeking a Systems Librarian. This new role, under the Associate Librarian for Collection Description and Imaging, is responsible for making connections among our systems to more efficiently exchange data between them. The Systems Librarian is also responsible for the following systems: Aeon (special collections reading room management and rare materials circulation system); ArchivesSpace (archival description platform); OpenAthens (single sign-on provider for systems and access to subscription resources); FileMaker (database software); Airtable (database and workflow software); IronCloud (digital preservation storage); and other specialized software used in Collections such as barcode printing software, ClickUp task management software, S3Browser, and MacroExpress.

The Folger Shakespeare Library has a distributed approach to managing library systems. The Systems Librarian will collaborate with several colleagues to manage systems, including the Collections Management Systems Administrator and Cataloger, who manages our integrated library system, the TIND ILS, and the implementation of our new inventory management system, CaiaSoft; and the Metadata and Digital Asset Management Librarian, who manages our Islandora platform for digital collections, and our transcription platforms, FromThePage and Dromio. The Systems Librarian also works closely with key stakeholders across the Collections division and in the Information Technology team.  

The standard schedule for this role is Monday-Friday, 9:00am-5:00pm, which is a 35-hour workweek. Occasional evening and weekend hours may be required for special projects. This position is 100% onsite for at least the first 6 months. After the initial 6 months, it will be evaluated if a hybrid modality is an option. The selected candidate will need to be within a commutable distance to the D.C. office (DC, MD, VA) by their start date.

The qualifications listed in the position description are highly desirable but not necessarily mandatory. In your application’s cover letter, please explain how your skills, knowledge, and experience fit this position, including in ways that might not be obvious from your résumé. Applications will close at 5:00 PM ET on April 30th. 

Compensation: 

• This is a monthly-paid salary position, with a pay range of $65,000-70,600. 

• Total compensation includes extensive benefits plan, including fully-covered health, dental, and vision insurance and a generous 403(b) match, outlined at https://www.folger.edu/employee-benefits. 

Duties:

• Encourages staff in the adoption and use of technology. Approaches work with a service orientation. Supports staff with kindness and patience. Learns staff pain points with technology and seeks system or process improvements to reduce frustration. Maintains an open door for feedback.  

• Manages the implementation, maintenance, support, and enhancements of library technologies, systems, and integrations.  

• Facilitates import, export, and interoperability of metadata in library systems. Develops integrations among systems using APIs. Coordinates with systems colleagues on integration projects.  

• Configures and customizes systems to meet staff and researcher needs.  

• Announces upcoming releases. Communicates scheduled downtimes. Highlights new features that may improve processes and workflows. 

• Monitors support tickets with system vendors to ensure prompt resolution.  

• Communicates with system vendors about enhancements and product feedback. Develops positive relationships with vendors.  

• Serves as a functional backup for systems managed by other staff. 

• Participates in strategic planning and the annual budget process.  

• Works with the Folger’s Information Technology team to maintain SSL certificates, firewall rules, or other requirements for operating library systems.  

• Conducts training sessions and workshops for staff including refresher sessions. Provides individualized instruction and hands-on training as needed.  

• Develops and maintains documentation including system administration processes, custom configurations, workflows, and procedures.  

• Manages staff accounts and permissions, including onboarding new staff. Develops onboarding guidance for new staff. 

• Creates custom AtlasBI reports for Aeon usage statistics.  

• With Acquisitions Librarian, maintains and troubleshoots access to subscription resources onsite and offsite. 

• Develops integration or process so that barcodes in ArchivesSpace are also maintained in the TIND ILS.  

• Manages the migration of FileMaker databases into Airtable or other systems. 

• Works with the Conservation team to find and implement a suitable successor to their FileMaker Conservation database.  

• Maintains knowledge of, and engages in, continuous professional development to keep up with trends in library systems, tools, and software. Attends professional conferences and user group meetings as appropriate.  

• Other duties as assigned.  

Education and Experience:   

• A Master of Library and Information Science from an ALA-accredited institution or equivalent required.  

• A minimum of 3 years’ experience managing library or archival systems required.  

Knowledge and Skills:  

• Demonstrated experience with Aeon, ArchivesSpace, and an integrated library system (ILS) required. Experience with an inventory management system strongly desired. Experience with OpenAthens preferred.   

• Experience with MARC21 cataloging using RDA and DCRM, archival description, and application of other library metadata standards required. Knowledge of authority control processes required. 

• Experience using APIs with Aeon, ArchivesSpace, or an ILS required.  

• Knowledge of basic programming concepts and experience using at least one language for extract, transform, and load of data required. Python experience preferred.  

• Experience implementing a digital preservation program strongly preferred.  

• Experience designing, implementing, and maintaining Airtable bases preferred. 

• Excellent interpersonal, communication and project management skills essential.  

• Ability to handle multiple projects and priorities, meet deadlines, and work with meticulous attention to detail.  

• Demonstrated creativity and strategic thinking with the ability to take initiative and the willingness to learn. 

• Strong service orientation and the ability to work collaboratively with both novice and expert users required. Ability to work independently and as part of a team. 

• Strong technology skills and the ability to adapt to changing technological environments. 

• Maintains a sense of humor and/or equanimity in a role that is frequently focused on problems and failures. 

Working Conditions:  

This job operates in a professional office and library/museum environment. The employee may be exposed to various components of an office environment such as fluorescent lighting, pollen, dust, recycled air, cooling fans, semi-enclosed areas, central heating, seasonal warmer temperatures, and office noise. The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.   

• This is a full-time (35 hour) position with hours normally worked Monday-Friday between 9am-5pm, with some flexibility about start and end times. This position requires face-to-face interactions through a regular schedule of attendance onsite.  

• Capacity to communicate in person, or using video, phone, or electronic communication methods, in a manner which can be understood by others.   

• Willingness and capacity to work in an office environment at a workstation, and to come and go repeatedly throughout the day as is necessary, to perform various responsibilities.  Ability to work at a computer for an extended period, with accuracy. Desk includes sit-stand options. 

Interested individuals should submit their cover letter and resume. Incomplete applications cannot be accepted. No phone calls please.

The Folger is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

To learn more about our benefits, please click here.