Discovery Services Manager

Job Description
The Boston University Libraries are seeking a Discovery Services Manager to ensure effective discovery and delivery of the Boston University Libraries scholarly and digital resources across library systems and the web to BU’s global scholarly user communities. Reporting to the Director for Library Technology and Discovery Services, this position is responsible for administration, configuration, and technical support of the Libraries’ discovery platforms and related integrations, especially for all library resources discoverable through BU Libraries Search and through relevant components in the integrated library system and discovery platform (Alma/Primo). Through ongoing collaboration with colleagues across library units that advance research and learning support in the libraries, this position evaluates and improves the search experience in response to user needs and usage reports. This role will also coordinate with BU colleagues working in digitization, digital collections management, and digital scholarship for configuring and maintaining web services and data integrations for repository and archival management platforms.

The Discovery Services Manager is a campus leader and expert in resource discovery across format types and applications. As a member of the Library Technology and Discovery Services department, the Discovery Services Manager plays a key role in continuous improvement of the Libraries’ web presence across all sites and platforms managed in LTDS for research and learning at BU.

Responsibilities

Administer discovery platforms

• Administer, configure, and coordinate technical support for the Libraries’ discovery platforms, primarily in Primo and related components in Alma.
• Configure data and web services integrations with other library systems, such as repository and archival systems.
• Function as primary internal and vendor contact for discovery platforms.
• Lead projects related to discovery platforms, integrations, and interface updates.

Evaluate and improve search experience

• Evaluates patron experiences with discovery platforms on a continuous basis through use of analytics and user research activities.
• Conducts regular analyses with colleagues across library units to identify and implement improvements.
• Provides a roadmap for feature improvements and enhancements.
• Coordinates or creates help and tutorial content for colleagues and patrons.
• Devise and implement solutions that improve discovery based on observed data and feedback gathered through these processes.

Expand discovery of digital and data resources

• Supply leadership and strategic thinking to the BU Libraries organization in service of the integration and improved discovery of library resources, both print and digital, across collections, branches, and function units.
• Contribute to the expansion of discovery endeavors for digital and data resources. 
• Provide and support tools and approaches for digital collections discovery and delivery in collaboration with Digital Ventures and Collections teams.

Professional development and engagement

• Develop and follow through on personalized professional development plans.
• Network and represent the libraries in local and national communities for the discovery and library systems

Required Skills

• Master’s degree in library & information science, information systems, or field related to the administration of systems and data for organization and delivery of online information.
• 2-3 years of experience with library systems or electronic resources OR any equivalent combination of experience, training, and/or education.
• Working knowledge of metadata formats, standards, and exchange protocols such as MARC, Dublin Core, linked data, OAI-PMH, XML.
• Experience in customer service or technical support for software applications, online resources, web technologies, or library operations.
• Ability to develop procedures and workflows, create and maintain documentation.
• Ability to think systematically to analyze issues and provide solutions.
• Ability to work well both independently and collaboratively in a rapidly changing and diverse campus environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Ability to create reports, interpret, and make decisions informed by web analytics.
• Experience with Primo and Alma library systems for discovery and resource management.
• Experience producing help, instruction, and tutorial content for a range of audiences.
• Ability to set priorities for feature development and enhancements through user research, feedback, and analytics.
• Awareness of industry trends and user expectations for discovery and usage in an academic research environment.
• Experience working with web publishing technologies.

Boston University Libraries is a learning organization that supports the work of BU librarians, archivists, and information and subject specialists to seek and share knowledge, practices, and perspectives that advance library services to the university community. Embedded in numerous vibrant regional and national library and information specialist networks, the Boston University Libraries are active members within the Boston Library Consortium, the Association of Research Libraries, and the Coalition for Networked Information, and library staff at BU serve as engaged thought-leaders on a wide breadth of library management and service areas across diverse communities.

Through the Libraries, BU also is a member of the Association of Research Libraries (ARL), the Coalition for Networked Information (CNI), the Northeast Research Libraries Consortium (NERL), HathiTrust, the Boston Library Consortium (BLC), the Eastern Academic Scholars’ Trust (EAST), the OCLC Research Library Partnership, the Scholarly Publishing and Academic Resources Coalition (SPARC), and the Higher Education Leadership Initiative for Open Scholarship (HELIOS).

Boston University, a member of the Association of American Universities (AAU), is one of the leading private research and teaching institutions in the world, with two primary campuses in the heart of Boston and programs around the globe. Chartered in 1869, the University is home to more than 33,000 students from more than 130 countries, 375,000 living alumni, 10,000 faculty and staff, and 17 schools and colleges.

For consideration, please submit a cover letter and resume/CV. Application review will commence August 29, 2022 and continue until the position is filled.