General Summary of Position:
This being an internal opportunity, only current UML Employees, irrespective of Bargaining units are eligible to apply for this position.
UMass Lowell Library seeks a collaborative and service-oriented colleague to join our Library Systems & Discovery department. This position takes part in managing essential library enterprise systems (e.g., library website, discovery layer, knowledge base, etc.) integral to research, teaching, scholarship, and student success. They are a part of a principle-based organization that prioritizes work with values-aligned organizations in support of a sustainable information environment. As much as is possible, the library works to allocate resources that support accessibility, open systems and content and reduce reliance on problematic suppliers. The colleague in this position will work to help continually evaluate and evolve our library systems and tech infrastructure needs.
Reporting to the Assistant Director for Library Systems & Discovery, the Library Systems Specialist or Web Services & Systems Librarian is involved in all steps of implementing and managing specialized library systems and web services that are fundamental to research, teaching, and learning at UMass Lowell. The Library Systems Specialist or Web Services & Systems Librarian brings curiosity, collaboration, and a strong interest in systems improvement to their work.
They collaborate with members of the Library Collections and Research & Learning departments, campus partners, and consortia networks to understand and support student and faculty information access needs and work to streamline and optimize the myriad of complex access points and different systems (e.g. discovery systems, e-resource platforms, and library applications).
We want candidates to know that we are committed to helping our colleagues develop professionally throughout their time at UMass Lowell; we do not expect all applicants to possess all the preferred qualifications we list here. We welcome applications from people who embrace lifelong learning and are passionate about providing meaningful and equitable access to information, resources, and services that enable the success of a diverse and engaged community. If you are excited by the prospect of being part of a team that is working to understand and serve the current needs and future goals of our community, we hope you consider submitting your application to this position.
Essential Job Duties:
1. Library Website, Systems, and Digital Services:
- Manage, develop, and support the library website, including, information architecture, web style and accessibility, as well as coding (e.g., HTML, CSS, JavaScript, PHP).
- Collaborate with colleagues to develop templates and evolving best practices for presenting material in our content management system (currently LibGuides and other SpringShare modules such as LibAnswers, LibCal, and LibWizard).
- Serve as technological consultant to library colleagues in their utilization of applications, systems, and software such as live chat, the reference ticketing system, and reference statistics.
- Consult with other Library staff on the configuration and use of LibApps modules and other library administrative tools.
- Assist the Assistant Director for Library Systems & Discover with the administration, configuration, maintenance, and support for the Library’s discovery platforms, enterprise systems, and other associated systems and applications including EDS and existing digital archives platforms. Lead the evaluation, configuration, and implementation of additional digital repositories.
2. Library Systems Integration & Optimization:
- Share accountability for incorporating and integrating third-party software and applications essential to resource discovery, scholarly support, research, and academic achievement.
- Manage API integrations, authentication protocols (including proxy servers), and system interoperability to ensure consistent, barrier-free access across platforms.
- Collaborate closely with library technology staff and campus IT units when investigating integrations and enhancements that use Application Programming Interfaces (APIs), customized search configurations, etc.
- Work collaboratively with Collections and Archives and Special Collections colleagues to enhance the visibility, discovery, and accessibility of general collections, archival materials, and digitized content within library discovery systems.
- Maintains awareness of current trends and advances in library systems and technologies.
3. Training, Support, and Documentation:
- Provide technical support and training to Library staff for library-specific software and equipment when needed, making referrals to external colleagues and contacting vendors when appropriate.
- Lead and participate in the development of clear and thorough documentation around policies, procedures, workflows, and standards relating to all aspects of library technology systems, digital services, and related applications.
4. Reporting, Accessibility, and Usability:
- In collaboration with university and consortia colleagues as appropriate, assess web content and infrastructure to ensure accessibility compliance and improve usability.
- Gather statistics from library systems such as EDS and e-resource publisher platforms, and work with Library Systems & Discovery Team members on recommendations for technology updates.
- Support Library reporting and data-informed planning and decision-making by using database technologies to manage, transform, and query data using programming and querying languages such as Python and SQL, to enhance information analysis and visualization.
5. Governance & Strategy:
- In coordination with other staff and the guidance of the Assistant Director of Systems & Discovery, contribute to policy and workflow creation and documentation.
- Lead and serve on Library standing committees, taskforces, and working groups as appropriate for this position’s primary responsibilities and job duties.
- Participate with consortia subcommittees and/or communities of interest.
- In rotation with colleagues, serves as a UML Library representative on Faculty Senate.
Promote the University’s commitment to customer service by:
- Building effective partnerships with coworkers throughout the University by freely sharing appropriate information and providing assistance when needed.
- Ensuring optimal service to all internal and external partners in response to all requests for service and information.
- Maintaining an environment that is welcoming to persons of all backgrounds, nationalities, and roles.
- Embracing lifelong learning and professional development for themselves and their staff.
Library Systems Specialist or Web Services & Systems Librarian
*Title depends on specific Masters degree
Minimum Qualifications (Required):
Education:
- For the title of Web Services & Systems Librarian: A master's degree in library and/or information science from an ALA-accredited library/information science program, or international equivalent, by the time of hire.
- For the title of Library Systems & Web Specialist: A master’s degree in computer science or other related advanced degree, or international equivalent, by the time of hire.
Experience & Skills:
- Minimum of One year of related experience.
- Demonstrated experience with the technical administration, configuration, and setup of library automation systems.
- Experience with, and understanding of, library systems design, security protocols, and patron privacy protection standards.
- Experience managing API integrations, authentication protocols, and third-party software interoperability.
- Strong analytical ability and proficiency in data analysis and decision making with a keen attention to detail.
- Demonstrated capacity for independent judgment, leadership, initiative, and the ability to handle multiple priorities with composure.
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with a service-focused orientation and the ability to work collaboratively with technical and public-facing colleagues.
- Ability to experiment with, adapt to, and continuously learn emerging technologies in a changing environment.
- Commitment to welcoming and supporting diversity in staff, students, and academic work.
- Familiarity with workflows relating to management and access of electronic resources.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Demonstrated ability to perform complex problem-solving and decision-making.
- Ability to experiment with, adapt to, and continuously learn emerging technologies in a changing environment.
- Ability to use programming and querying languages for custom data reporting and manipulation.
Preferred Qualifications:
- 1 or more years of experience working with and supporting library enterprise systems.
- Experience with creating, managing, and documenting code and scripts.
- Experience troubleshooting complex technical issues with stakeholders from diverse backgrounds.
Other Job Duties:
- Performs other related duties as assigned.
- Position may require travel between campuses and attendance at off-site meetings.
- May involve additional occasional weekend or evening hours.
- If appropriate in the context of fulfilling organizational needs, opportunities for remote (hybrid) work may be available.
Special Instructions to Applicants:
This being an internal opportunity, only current UML Employees, irrespective of Bargaining units are eligible to apply for this position.
This position is full-time, benefited and in the SEIU Professional union in grade P18. Anticipated salary based on experience and qualifications within the range. Minimum: $72,170, 25th quartile: $82,093 and midpoint: $92,017.
Please include a resume with your application. Names and contact information of three references will be required during the application process. Submission of a cover letter is optional.
