Head of Library Application Support

Description

Salary:    Commensurate with qualifications and experience
Position Availability:  Immediately

The Emory University Libraries seeks an experienced, collaborative, and service-oriented systems librarian to serve as the department head for a newly reorganized Library Application Support department (6 FTE) focused on providing high-quality, robust systems that facilitate search, discovery, and delivery of library services and resources to the entire Emory university campus.

Position Duties

Reporting to the Director of Application Management & Infrastructure (Library), the Head of Library Application Support (Head/LAS) is a key systems and managerial position with responsibility for a 6-member department focused on providing high-quality, robust systems that facilitate search, discovery, and delivery of library services and resources to the entire Emory university campus. Heading a department that provides services to all libraries of Emory University, this enterprise-wide department is a key component of Emory’s newly integrated information technology-library ecosystem.  The Head of Library Application Support contributes to the continuous improvement, extension, and integration of the Library’s various systems and increasingly sophisticated search tools, including the Library catalog, discovery layer, Library website, ERM, knowledge base management, institutional repository, and other digital delivery platforms in support of faculty and student teaching and learning and research and scholarship.   Primary responsibilities for the Head of Library Application Support include:

• Serves as the primary systems librarian and expert in library systems for the Emory University Libraries and works collaboratively with all library directors and a wide range of libraries and units to support the discoverability of library resources in both the physical and digital realms. 
• Provides leadership and management for Library Application Support Department of the Emory Libraries, a department that is responsible for a suite of services and technologies related to search, discovery, and delivery of library resources. Serves as department head with programmatic responsibility for functional areas. Supervises 6 FTE direct reports (librarians, IT professionals, and staff) including software engineers and designer/engineers, usability and assessment specialists, metadata specialists and library specialists.
• Manages core library systems including integrated library system (ExLibris) as well as search and discovery (PRIMO) ensuring successful delivery of integrated services that provide seamless user access to resources in the OPAC, databases, and institutional repositories such as OpenEmory and to services for interlibrary loan and document delivery.
• Serves as an ex-officio member and works closely with the Emory Libraries Core Systems Governance Group to select, implement, manage, and develop library systems that robustly support teaching and learning and research and scholarship and enable and enrich the user search and discovery experience; advance teaching, research, and scholarship; and provide intuitive, effective access to diverse and high-quality scholarly resources.
• Works collaboratively with Library Cabinet, the senior management team for all Emory Libraries, to develop strategic and operational plans and to facilitate project planning related to core library systems in support of search, discovery, and delivery services with the primary goal of providing seamless services and technologies that facilitate research for all users.  Meets regularly with Cabinet to provide updates and consult as needed.
• Monitors and makes recommendations regarding implementation of new and emerging library applications and knowledge systems such as next generation library catalogs, aggregated discovery tools, research and collaboration systems, instructional technology, digital archives, and simulation and presentation tools.
• Works with usability specialists to assess user needs and expectations to inform the direction of the program and the ongoing development of search, discovery, and delivery services.  Works with staff to employ formal usability testing and data analysis to assess the effectiveness of services and technologies.
• Works closely with Metadata Specialists and with Content Division staff to deploy and configure systems to full leverage the potential of metadata derived from multiple sources.
• Works closely with public and technical services staff in all libraries and with software engineers to ensure that systems are optimized for acquisitions, cataloging/metadata, and e-resource management operations.
• Develops and maintains master list of system upgrades, modifications, and fixes managing the setting of priorities in consultation with library directors and staff and deploying staff as needed. Works with university and library staff to ensure development and maintenance of library computer and network operations as needed. Oversees development of training and documentation for staff related to core library systems.
• Works with library administrators and direct reports to develop and manages project budgets for assigned library technology projects in areas related to library systems and search and discovery balancing technology needs with available fiscal resources.  May be assigned oversight for grant budgets.
• Prepares narrative and statistical reports on library systems and search, discovery, and delivery services activities and operations and strategic initiatives and on specific projects as needed. Assists in preparation of grant proposals and budgets as needed.
• Participates in library and university committees related to primary job assignment as appropriate OR at the request of the Senior Vice Provost for Library Services & Digital Scholarship.  Represents the library on professional and scholarly association committees, task forces, work groups, and other entities at the local, state, regional, national, and international level as appropriate to position and area of expertise. 
• Participates in appropriate professional and scholarly associations and organizations including maintaining membership and/or accreditation; attending meetings, conferences, workshops; and serving in appointed or elected positions.

Required Qualifications

• ALA-accredited master’s degree in Library and Information Science OR equivalent education and experience relevant to the position.
• Eight or more years professional experience working as a Systems Librarian or professional with evidence of broad, in-depth technology and systems knowledge, skills, and experience in one or more areas of library systems – library automation/integrated library systems, library technology, search and discovery, Web services, etc. – in a major academic/research or large public library setting AND evidence of increasing levels of responsibility.
• Working knowledge and direct experience with integrated library systems and related search and discovery products (such as Ex Libris, Alma, Primo) and demonstrated understanding of the trends related to the ongoing development of such library systems and of emerging technologies and systems within this arena of library technology and automation.
• Evidence of ability to articulate a system perspective for a multi-library campus and effectively implement a collaboratively-developed vision for search, discovery, and delivery services in a complex research library environment.
• Ability to work collaboratively with library directors and staff of different libraries in order to provide high-quality search and discovery services that meet the needs of diverse users throughout the Emory community.
• Ability to build and sustain effective interpersonal relationships with all levels of library and university staff and external vendors in order to work effectively in a highly collaborative and team-oriented environment as well as take a leadership role.
• Working knowledge and/or experience in negotiating with library and IT product vendors and in managing hardware and software purchases, etc.
• Extensive knowledge of current and recent industry trends in search, discovery, and delivery systems and ability to maintain knowledge of developments in this arena in order to effectively plan for ongoing development of Emory search and discovery capabilities.
• Knowledge/understanding of library acquisitions, cataloging, and e-resources management practices; awareness of trends in ejournal and ebook publishing, aggregation and distribution models and practices; and understanding of integration and interoperability of library systems (e.g., SFX, Aleph, Metalib, Primo), library repositories, websites, and vendor/publisher portals.
• Evidence of knowledge and understanding of semantic Web and linked data and the nature of metadata, systems, and user expectations of search and discovery.
• Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of the variety and complexity of type of resources and variety of formats available within academic libraries in support of teaching, learning and research.
• Understanding of need of different user communities and user search behavior in academic library settings and in arena of information seeking and use.
• Evidence of at least 3 years of supervisory experience and demonstrated skill in supervising and managing librarians and staff in library systems and information technology roles including coaching, motivating, and mentoring of managers and supervisors. Ability to be proactive, flexible, and collaborative as a team leader in order to accomplish departmental, library, and institutional goals. 
• Demonstrated understanding of role of software engineers, systems librarians, graphic designer, assessment specialist, subject specialists, etc. in designing and optimizing user experiences to discover and deliver resources both print and digital.
• Outstanding analytical, organizational, communication, and time management skills and evidence of ability to set priorities, meet deadlines, and complete tasks and projects on time and within budget.
• Experience managing projects and departmental budgets, including ability to develop proposal, timelines, budgets, and staffing plans and in ensuring completion of milestones and overall project.
• Ability to develop, implement, and assess business proposals and plans specifically information technology proposals and projects.
• Demonstrated leadership ability, analytical skills, creative and innovative problem-solving skills, and a strong commitment to service excellence.
• Demonstrated proficiency and capabilities with personal computers and software, the Web, and library-relevant information technology applications.  Working knowledge of standard computer office applications such as Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint or other productivity software.
• Commitment to fostering a diverse educational environment and workplace and an ability to work effectively with a diverse faculty and student population.
• Capacity to thrive in an ambiguous, future-oriented environment of a major research institution and to respond effectively to changing needs and priorities.
• Evidence of active participation, involvement, and leadership in local, state, regional, national, or international professional or scholarly associations.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience providing and managing library services with evidence of progressively increasing scope of responsibility in a large academic or research institution library and evidence of successful record of leadership and ability to foster an organization-wide perspective that ensures effective stewardship of available resources.
• Evidence of competence in strategic planning and in introducing and managing change in complex environments along with budget planning and administration, human resources management, and facilities and space planning and management in complex organizations.

Appointment Information

Professional librarians at Emory are 12-month faculty-equivalent positions appointed on multi-year renewable contracts and receive appropriate professional leave and funding; this managerial position would be appointed on an initial 5-year contract.  Depending on educational credentials, librarians may be considered for a shared/dual appointment between the library and academic department as a faculty member.

Librarian appointees at Emory generally have educational credentials and professional backgrounds with academic library experience and/or disciplinary knowledge and demonstrate a commitment to continuous learning, professional engagement and involvement, research and scholarship, creativity, innovation, and flexibility.   Such backgrounds will normally include a graduate degree from an ALA-accredited library and information science program AND/OR a discipline-specific master’s OR doctoral degree.  In addition to professional competence and service within the library in the primary job assignment, advancement and/or contract renewal requires professional involvement and contributions outside of the library and scholarly activities.  Candidates must show evidence or promise of such contributions.  

Application Procedures

Applications and nominations for the position are welcome and must be sent to Linda Nodine via email (eul-libjobs@emory.edu).  Applications may be submitted as Word or PDF attachments and must include:
1) Cover letter of application describing qualifications and experience;
2) Current resume/vita detailing education and relevant experience; and
3) On a separate document list names, email addresses, and telephone numbers of 3 professional references including a current or previous supervisor.  

Candidates applying by June 21 will receive priority consideration.  Review of applications will continue until position is successfully filled. Emory is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer that welcomes and encourages diversity and seeks applications and nominations from women and minorities. 

Description of Institution and Library

Emory University, internationally recognized for its outstanding liberal arts college, superb professional schools, and one of the South’s leading health care systems, Emory’s beautiful, leafy main campus is located in Atlanta’s historic Druid Hills suburb and is home to 7,656 undergraduates and 6,580 graduate and professional students.  As the third largest private employer in Atlanta, Emory University and Emory Healthcare have a combined workforce of approximately, 27,747.  Emory University and Emory Healthcare have a combined annual operating budget of $4 billion and received $520.3 million in research funding in 2012. Emory recently concluded a successful fundraising campaign that raised $1.69 billion from 149,000 donors, which surpassed the initial $1.6 billion goal set at the beginning of the campaign.

Ranked among the top 25 Association of Research Libraries (ARL) in North America, Emory University Libraries in Atlanta and Oxford, Georgia are an intellectual commons for Emory University.  Comprised of 9 libraries, the holdings include more than 3.9 million print and electronic volumes, 83,000-plus electronic journals, and internationally renowned special collections.  Emory is well known in a number of collection areas including modern literature, African-American history and culture, U.S. Southern history and culture, and U.S. civil rights. Emory Libraries staff number approximately 137 and the overall library budget is approximately $25.3 million.  The Emory Libraries is a member of the Association of Research Libraries (ARL), the Coalition for Networked Information (CNI), the Center for Research Libraries (CRL), the Council on Library and Information Resources (CLIR), International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA), and the Scholarly Publishing & Academic Resources Coalition (SPARC) as well as regional associations including the Association of Southeastern Research Libraries (ASERL), Georgia Library Learning Online (GALILEO), and the GETSM Consortium (a consortium of the University of Georgia, Emory, Georgia Tech, Georgia State University, and Mercer University).
The Emory Libraries include the Robert W. Woodruff Library, which is also home to the Manuscripts, Archives & Rare Book Library (MARBL), the Goizueta Business Library and the Woodruff Health Sciences Library. Other campus libraries, which serve the specialized and professional schools, include the Pitts Theology Library and the Hugh F. MacMillan Law Library in addition to the Oxford College Library located on the Oxford Campus approximately 30 miles from Atlanta.