Director of Library Systems and Web Services

Description

The University of Arkansas is now accepting applications for the Director of Library Systems and Web Services!

The Director of Library Systems and Web Services will provide strategic leadership and day-to-day management for the University of Arkansas Libraries’ core systems and platforms. This position oversees the integrated library system (Alma/Primo), authentication tools (OpenAthens), discovery services, and the Libraries’ website, while supervising a team of faculty and staff. A major role of this position will be to lead cross-functional projects that advance systems and services in support of teaching, learning, research, and the user experience.

Summary of Job Duties:

This position is a tenure-track, twelve-month faculty appointment at the rank of Assistant Librarian / Assistant Professor or Associate Librarian / Associate Professor.

The University of Arkansas Libraries seeks a forward-thinking and collaborative leader to direct the Department of Library Systems and Web Services; an evolving unit central to the Libraries’ efforts to strengthen and sustain its core library systems and web presence. This is an exciting opportunity for someone eager to shape strategic priorities, lead a reconfigured team, and help define the future of academic library technology services.

The Director of Library Systems and Web Services provides strategic leadership, effective coordination, and operational oversight for the department, which manages the Libraries’ core systems and platforms. Responsibilities include oversight of the integrated library system (Alma/Primo), authentication systems (OpenAthens), library discovery tools, the Libraries’ website (in coordination with the Communications Team), and digital repositories and preservation infrastructure (in collaboration with division leadership and Special Collections).

This position plays a key role in leading complex, cross-functional projects that enhance systems and services in support of teaching, learning, research, and the user experience. The Director partners with library faculty and staff, university IT, vendors, and other stakeholders to assess needs, develop solutions, guide implementation, and measure outcomes.

The Director supervises four full-time staff, including two faculty members, and contributes to library-wide strategic planning, policy development, and resource management.

As a tenured or tenure-track faculty member, the incumbent is responsible for research, creative work, and service in alignment with the University of Arkansas Libraries’ faculty requirements.

Responsibilities include:

• Provide strategic direction and day-to-day management for the Department of Library Systems and Web Services.
• Lead the Libraries’ systems strategy, including the integrated library system (Alma), discovery services (Primo), and authentication tools (e.g., OpenAthens).
• Collaborate across the Libraries to manage and evolve the Libraries' website, ensuring usability and accessibility.
• Partner with library and campus stakeholders to support repository platforms and digital preservation infrastructure.
• Oversee and coordinate the planning, development, implementation, and maintenance of new library technologies and system enhancements.
• Collaborate with members of the library information technology team to ensure alignment with existing technologies and understand any future support needs.
• Coordinate the renewal and acquisition of library technologies; serve as a key liaison to internal stakeholders to assess needs, gather requirements, and ensure alignment with service expectations and budget priorities.
• Ensure that library systems and tools align with user needs, support institutional goals, and are reliably maintained.
• Manage departmental projects, timelines, and staff resources in alignment with Libraries’ strategic priorities.
• Supervise, mentor, and evaluate departmental staff and faculty; foster a collaborative and inclusive work environment.
• Represent the Libraries in campus-wide technology initiatives and national professional organizations.
• Maintain current knowledge of trends, standards, and best practices in library technology and information systems.
• Participate in faculty governance and scholarly activities appropriate to a faculty appointment.

Qualifications:

Minimum Qualifications:

• ALA-accredited Master’s degree in Library and Information Science (MLIS/MLS) or equivalent terminal degree in a related field

• At least five years of experience working with library systems or similar enterprise technologies

• Experience supervising staff

Preferred Qualifications:  

• Experience administering Alma/Primo or similar integrated library systems

• Familiarity with repository platforms and digital preservation tools

• Experience with web development workflows, usability testing, and accessibility standards

• Working knowledge of authentication systems such as OpenAthens

• Demonstrated ability to build partnerships and collaborate with stakeholders across units or institutions 

• Experience in a leadership role in an academic library 

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills

• Knowledge of current trends and best practices in library systems, web services, and emerging technologies that support discovery, access, and user experience

• Ability to oversee complex projects and lead teams in a rapidly changing environment

• Strong service orientation, with the capacity to anticipate and respond to user needs effectively

Additional Information:

Salary Information:

Minimum salary: $85,000 commensurate with education and experience