Systems Librarian

Job Level
Mid-level position
Job Category
Librarian
Sector
  • Technology
Job Status
Areas of Responsibility
  • Systems / Operations
Job Summary

Systems Librarian
Systems Department
University of Georgia Libraries

The University of Georgia Libraries is seeking a Systems Librarian who will be responsible to the Deputy University Librarian and Director of Library Technology for coordinating library management system and discovery application activities. The Systems Librarian also acts as a liaison between library departments (Cataloging, Acquisitions, Access Services, etc.), consortia constituencies in the University System of Georgia (USG), and GALILEO/GILTechnical Support Services, UGA Library Technology Support Group, and, when needed, EBSCO and Ex Libris support. The Systems Librarian works with all levels of library staff in the identification and investigation of automated system enhancements and problems for the Ex Libris’s Alma library services platform (GIL), and monitors our EBSCO Discovery Service (EDS) implementation and reports problems or makes configuration changes as needed. The Systems Librarian provides support to staff in the use and maintenance of the library services platform (LSP) and discovery systems, coordinates local documentation of these systems, and participates in various groups engaged in specific development or troubleshooting tasks related to these automated systems. The Systems Librarian is responsible for coordinating the maintenance of and oversees automated processes for the GIL, discovery, and related systems. This position coordinates with the other technical staff and library personnel to address any immediate issues with these systems.

The UGA Libraries is located on the university’s main campus in Athens, Georgia, and its facilities include the Main Library, Science Library, Zell B. Miller Learning Center, Map and Government Information Library, Repository, Special Collections Libraries, and the Carnegie Library. Perennially rated as one of the nation’s top college towns, Athens offers a vibrant place to work and live. With Atlanta 70 miles to the west, Athens offers good proximity to the city while maintaining a small-town culture and feel. Information about the UGALibraries: http://www.libs.uga.edu/ Information about Athens: http://www.libs.uga.edu/athens/.

SUCCESSFUL CANDIDATES MUST HAVE:

• Familiarity with modern library services platforms and/or library discovery platforms.
• Ability to work independently and apply knowledge to identify solutions for new and varied problems.
• Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain effective interpersonal working relationships with all levels of staff.
• Demonstrated ability to learn new technologies, and stay current with technical developments.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.

SALARY AND BENEFITS: Minimum annual salary: $57,000 – Commensurate with experience. UGA librarians are non-tenured faculty members.  UGA offers an attractive benefits program including a choice of health and retirement plans, dental plan, vision plan, tuition remission, paid relocation, 21 days annual leave, 12 days sick leave, and 12 paid holidays.

The University of Georgia is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ethnicity, age, genetic information, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation or protected veteran status. Persons needing accommodations or assistance with the accessibility of materials related to this search are encouraged to contact Central HR (facultyjobs@uga.edu). Please do not contact the department or search committee with such requests.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Manages GIL system support functions by coordinating tasks related to library services platform administration and configuration such as staff roles, locations, profiles, importing and extracting data, etc. Supports this effort with internal training and consultation where needed.

Facilitates management decisions and library projects by generating specialized reports primarily from Alma, Primo, and EDS data and assisting library staff with guidance and training in report generation using Alma and other tools.

Investigates and troubleshoots Alma/Primo issues and questions and participates in interpreting system needs and limitations for the Libraries by acting as a liaison between staff users and GALILEO/GIL Technical Support Services, UGA Library Technology Support Group, and Ex Libris Support.

Assists with planning for systems developments and enhancements by working with library stakeholders and GALILEO/GIL Technical Support Services to identify problems, outline potential solutions, and implement or request changes from GALILEO/GIL Technical Support Services, or specify and communicate enhancements needed from the appropriate vendor via their respective process (eg. Ex Libris Idea Exchange).

Coordinates general GIL training for staff by maintaining awareness of useful training programs from Ex Libris and other sources, and disseminating information to appropriate staff. Initiates and coordinates GIL training activities as needed.

Maintains general GIL resource information for staff by staying current with documentation available from Ex Libris and developing other documentation as needed. Documents decisions and Alma/Primo processes used at UGA.

Assists in maintenance and issue resolution of the link resolver interface for the GIL system. This work includes maintaining local links for Interlibrary Loan services, display logic, etc. Troubleshooting occurs in coordination with the Acquisitions and Serials Services Department while look and feel adjustments will include Research and Instruction and other appropriate public services personnel/groups/departments.

Investigates and troubleshoots EBSCO Discovery Service (EDS) issues and questions. Maintains database accessibility and links provided through EDS. Explores and coordinates the implementation of customizations and functional changes to improve user experience and incorporate new features. Documents local changes and decisions and acts as a liaison to EBSCO support.

Assists with keeping library staff informed about GIL and EDS issues by communicating and interpreting development plans, changes, and problems. Leads the GIL Coordinating Group which consists of key department heads, technical managers, and applicable library personnel.

Maintains a current awareness of the application of computer and communications technologies to academic/research libraries and stays current with changes associated with Alma and Primo scheduled updates.

Participates in library-wide communication by reading, responding to, and initiating information transmitted via the library-wide listserv GRAPEVINE. Participates in appropriate library or departmental meetings and asks questions, seeks clarification, or initiates discussion on issues relating to the LSP and discovery systems and associated processes.

Maintains flexibility and awareness of changes and needs in the office and organization by assuming similar duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

ALA-accredited Master in Library and Information Science; Four years professional experience in a large research library.

Preferred Qualifications

Knowledge of systems analysis and data processing preferred; Knowledge of Ex Libris’s Alma Library Services Platform; Knowledge of either EBSCO’s Discovery Service (EDS) or Ex Libris’s Primo application; First-hand knowledge of cataloging, acquisitions, public services, or access services in a large research library. Demonstrated ability to manage projects and developing collaborative partnerships.