Systems Librarian - Library & Archives Professional 4
Permanant**, Full-Time**
This position reports to the Central Library Services Manager and is responsible for ensuring the shared integrated library system and other related systems provide reliable and efficient access to library collections and resources. The position also supports staff users of such systems at the Washington State Library (WSL) and several other state agency libraries (a.k.a. consortium libraries).
Please note: Interviews for this position will be conducted on an on-going basis, with first review of applications to begin on June 15th, 2023*.** It is in the candidate’s best interest to apply as soon as possible. The hiring manager reserves the right to fill the position at any time.*
Duties
System Administration
Tasks include:
- Administers and provides staff with support for the integrated library system (ILS), which is used by the WSL and consortium libraries, and other resource discovery systems.
- Ensures the ILS is configured to meet the business needs of the WSL and consortium libraries.
- Performs regular system maintenance tasks.
- Develops, maintains, and promotes local best practices for the use of and data management in the shared ILS in collaboration with relevant constituents.
- Notifies and trains staff at the WSL and consortium libraries on system functions and its new features.
- Compiles statistical data and reports from the ILS regularly and on-demand to support collection management activities and evidence-based decision making.
- Works collaboratively with the WSL and consortium libraries staff to achieve efficiencies in system use and workflows of library operations.
- Manages contracts related to the ILS and relevant services.
- Designs, develops, and implements strategies and solutions that integrate existing tools with new technologies and approaches to improve user experience and maximize the discovery of library resources.
Database Management
Tasks include:
- Performs assessments of the data quality in the ILS to identify issues with the data and system settings and implements appropriate corrective actions.
- Develops processes for and leads database maintenance activities that ensure the integrity of the library catalog.
- Performs and delegates authority control, batch processing, and other data cleanup tasks.
- Provides the WSL and consortium libraries staff with consultation support for data cleanup projects.
Cataloging Supervision & Coordination
Tasks include:
- Supervises original catalogers and is responsible for their hiring and training.
- Evaluates staff performance, recommends promotion, and assesses training needs.
- Plans, leads, directs, and evaluates work.
- Coordinates cataloging activities and workflows.
- Leads the development, implementation, and maintenance of the local cataloging guidelines and procedures.
- Ensures all the staff members that use the ILS cataloging functions are properly trained.
- Manages the use of various cataloging-related software programs and tools, e.g., upgrading, maintaining user accounts.
Customer Service and Research
Tasks include:
- Staffs the reference service points (desk and online chat) during regularly scheduled shifts and provides backup coverage; determines best way to answer reference questions by conducting thorough reference interviews; responds to requests received via phone, email, and in person.
- Conducts research to respond to information requests; utilizes complex resource materials, catalogs, indexes, databases, and legal materials to identify and analyze sources to answer questions.
- Assists customers with use of all the collections, including federal and state publications, general and specialized reference, newspapers and periodicals, databases, and the website.
- Provides backup pager coverage and retrieves collection materials upon request.
- Performs basic circulation functions – library card registration, item check in, and item checkout – assists customers with placing holds, and answers circulation-related questions while staffing the circulation/reference desk.
Miscellaneous
Tasks include:
- Other duties as assigned.
Qualifications
Required Qualifications:
- A Master’s degree in library science and from an American Library Association accredited program
- Five years of experience as a professional librarian
- One year of experience as a lead worker or supervisor performing the following tasks; interviewing, hiring, training, assigning, and directing work and evaluating staff or volunteers
- Ability to efficiently use a personal computer and applicable hardware and software to successfully perform the essential job functions of the position.
Preferred/Desired Qualifications:
- Two years of experience supporting integrated library system (ILS) and/or discovery platforms. Experience with Innovative Interfaces Inc. (III) Sierra and Ex Libris Summon is highly desirable.
- Experience determining and configuring back-end functionality in an ILS, e.g., configuring loan rules, load tables, and code sets.
- Familiarity with networking concepts such as security certificates, domain name systems, port numbers.
- Basic competency in UNIX, SQL queries, XML/XSLT, Python, and/or Perl.
- Knowledge of current and emerging models and tools used by libraries for resource discovery.
- Experience leading the selection, implementation, and integration of library systems/applications or features.
- Experience working in a consortium environment with a shared library services platform.
- General knowledge of library workflows such as circulation, cataloging, acquisitions, and interlibrary loan.
- Strong background in cataloging and knowledge of relevant standards (e.g., MARC21, RDA/AACR2, Dublin Core, EAD), concepts/processes (e.g., authority control), and tools (e.g., OCLC Connexion, MarcEdit).
- Familiarity with emerging trends in and standards for linked data, such as BIBFRAME, RDF, and SKOS.
- Experience developing and documenting best practices, guidelines, and processes in the area of cataloging and database maintenance.
- Demonstrated ability to learn and adopt new technology and tools.
- Demonstrated skill in analysis and creative problem-solving, with the ability to interpret and apply policies and procedures, formulate reasonable options, and recommend solutions.
- Demonstrated ability to work with people with varying levels of computer skills and make technology understandable.
- Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.
- One year of experience as a professional librarian, providing reference services.
To apply, go to State of Washington Job Opportunities | Work that Matters