Librarian for Core Systems and Digital Repository Administration, Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI), Worcester, MA
Posted May 4, 2022
Description:
Reporting to the Associate Director for Library Academic Strategies, the Librarian for Core Systems and Digital Repository Administration has primary responsibility for the daily management, configuration, and support of the library’s core systems, principally the library’s discovery and Integrated Library System [ILS] services, currently Ex Libris Primo and Alma.
The incumbent has responsibility for maintaining optimal system performance for users and the development of services based on the functionality and capabilities of Alma and Primo. The incumbent will provide leadership and management of the integrated modules of Alma and Primo, focusing on system configuration, troubleshooting, training, analytics, and documentation. The incumbent will also lead the support for Alma (monthly) and Primo (currently quarterly) releases. Other core services supported include EZproxy and ILLIAD, and the library’s webpage presence.
The position also has lead technical and development responsibility in the library for collaboratively maintaining and enhancing WPI’s digital repository platforms (currently Hyrax, and Archive-It) that support access, discovery, and digital archiving of unique content produced or held by WPI.
Working collaboratively with the Hyrax working group, including WPI’s Web Application Development team and the Assistant Director for Archives and Special Collections, and with primary responsibility for student and faculty content in the repository, the incumbent organizes and maintains content in the repository; supports metadata and data migration projects; ensures that content and metadata in the repository are of high quality, according to relevant digital library and archival standards; and manages the technical administration of Archive-It to enhance discoverability and preservation of web-based artifacts and records of WPI research, history, and learning.
The work will be performed with considerable judgement, independence, and initiative, and in consultation with colleagues. The incumbent will keep abreast of developments in library technologies and maintain current awareness of information tools needed to meet the needs of students, faculty, staff, and community users of the library.
To be fully considered for this position, please include a cover letter when submitting your job application.
WPI is passionate about creating an inclusive workplace that promotes and values diversity. We are looking for candidates who can support our commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion.
JOB DESCRIPTION
Duties/Responsibilities:
Core systems:
- Has primary responsibility for the daily management, configuration, and support of the library’s core systems, currently Primo, Alma, EZProxy, and ILLIAD that support a variety of services including circulation, cataloging, acquisitions, serials, electronic resources, data reporting, and public access.
- Serves as the library’s lead technical liaison for core systems with product vendors and with WPI IT.
- Troubleshoots hardware and software for core systems, and develops new system capabilities, as needed.
- Implements functionality to maximize interoperability between various library systems and platforms.
- Proactively explores new technologies to identify opportunities to improve core library services platform support, accessibility and administration, including the potential integration with other enterprise wide systems utilizing available APIs, web services, authentication, etc.
- Facilitates analytic reporting from various systems and use a variety of software tools for the extraction, manipulation, and visualization of data for use by various systems; works with library assessment and electronic resources management staff to prepare reports and statistical data to assist the library in maximizing data-driven decision making.
- As primary technical lead for the library’s Alma and Primo Team, works with relevant staff or managers to manage projects, set deadlines and follow up on decisions related to the ILS.
- Prepares written documentation and related training on core library systems, services, and related applications.
- Investigates opportunities for implementation of emerging technologies in core systems (e/g/ FOLIO; ReShare).
- Creates and manages library web content and web-based applications to ensure excellent user experience across online platforms
- Engages in regular assessment of web content through usability studies, user feedback, analysis of web analytics, and other means.
- Maintains awareness of best practices and relevant technical advances in core systems developments through engagement with regional, national, and international professional communities.
Digital Repositories:
- Has lead technical and development responsibility in the library for collaboratively maintaining and enhancing the library’s digital repositories.
- Develops and optimizes search functionality and search interfaces in collaboration with IT staff and in consultation with other members of the repositories team.
- Collaborates in developing requirements and functionality of repository platforms, working with other members of the repositories team.
- Creates new and maintains existing repository collections, with primary responsibility for collections of student and faculty works.
- Develops metadata profiles to support discovery, migration, and interoperability of digital repositories, in collaboration and consultation with other members of the repositories team, based on metadata standards and best practices for digital repository collections and objects.
- Maintains repository-related workflows based on consultation with other members of the digital repositories team, with primary responsibility for collections of student and faculty works.
- Facilitates analytic reporting for repositories from various systems and uses a variety of software tools for the extraction, manipulation, and visualization of data for use by various systems.
- Provides technical support to end-users and other library, IT, and WPI staff to resolve issues with using or maintaining digital repositories.
- Maintains awareness of best practices and relevant technical advances in digital repositories and open source repositories developments through engagement with regional, national, and international professional communities.
Library-wide:
- Responsible for maintaining, enhancing, and assessing the library’s discovery strategies across multiple web-based platforms, assuring users a consistent, high-impact experience as they use discovery interfaces to access library systems, services, and content.
- Participates in and contributes to library and WPI committees, initiatives, and goals, including direct service to our users, and the library’s and the university’s goals regarding equity, inclusion, and sustainability.
- Engages in and contributes to the profession through continuing learning, service, research, presentations, or professional communications.
- Performs other duties as assigned to meet department, library, and university goals and objectives.
Minimum Requirements:
- Demonstrated initiative and leadership in developing user-centered digital library services.
- Experience managing and describing digital content in at least one digital object repository and/or delivery system (e.g. Digital Commons; DSpace; Samvera; Islandora).
- Demonstrated knowledge of metadata standards, archives, publishing, and research management systems.
- Demonstrated experience or expertise using a content management system, preferably including at least one library product or system that manages library inventory, electronic resources, and metadata.
- Familiarity with principles and techniques of electronic resources management.
- Knowledge of current and recent trends in search, discovery, and delivery systems, and/or understanding of different user communities and user search behavior in academic settings.
- Knowledge of trends and developments in digital scholarship and enthusiasm for creative and approaches to using digital tools and systems to accomplish scholarly goals.
- Project management skills including strong listening and communication skills and the ability to manage multiple simultaneous projects and competing priorities.
- Ability to communicate and work effectively, online and in person, in an academic setting, with outstanding oral and written communication, interpersonal skills, and the ability to collaborate with diverse colleagues and customers.
- Knowledge of web technologies, metadata manipulation, web analytics, and accessibility standards.
- Knowledge of CSS3, XHTML, and HTML5, and scripting languages.
- Demonstrated flexibility, creativity and initiative.
- Demonstrated knowledge of operations, services, and current issues and trends in academic libraries.
- Graduate degree in library or information science, or another relevant field, or equivalent experience.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience working in an academic library setting.
- Successful project management experience.
- Knowledge of digital repository and metadata development/maintenance for local digital collections.
- Knowledge and experience with web architecture, design/development, and administration in a CMS environment or web framework such as Ruby on Rails.
- Knowledge of Ruby, relational databases, or other programming languages.
- Demonstrated understanding of the research process including the impacts of new technologies on the production and sharing of scholarship.
- Effective presentation skills.
How to Apply:
For further information and to apply online, visit: