Systems & Applications Librarian

The Systems and Applications Librarian develops, improves, and sustains a variety of staff-facing and public-facing library systems to ensure reliability, relevant functionality, data exchange, and integration between systems. These systems include the library services platform (LSP; currently Alma), discovery layer (currently Primo VE), and off-campus authentication services (currently EZProxy and Shibboleth). As a member of the Content & Digital Library Systems (CDLS) department, this librarian serves as the primary liaison to the LSP vendor and coordinates discussion and implementation of system enhancements with library colleagues. The incumbent provides leadership in the development and enhancement of staff- and public-facing systems and collaborates with colleagues in CDLS, Digital Scholarship & Public Services, Special Collections & Archives, and UCPC/Mandeville Gallery departments to coordinate, assess, and improve LSP and discovery experiences. As part of this librarian’s applications focus, the incumbent is an active participant in a variety of working groups and cross-functional teams that focus on digital tools and services for library users, as well as broader committees and working groups, and plays a key role in developing and fostering outcomes. The incumbent contributes to library-wide services and projects, participates in events for the diverse Union community, and is expected to pursue a focused program of professional development, scholarly activity and service.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Master’s degree in library or information science from an ALA-accredited program or equivalent education and experience required.
• Minimum of five years academic library experience in library systems required.
  • Experience with Alma/Primo preferred.
• Ability to integrate technology with traditional services and resources required.
• Demonstrated familiarity with contemporary theories, models, and best practices relating to the principles of library systems management preferred.
• Strong collaborative skills and user-centered focus preferred.
• Experience working with AWS, Azure, SharePoint, or other cloud storage solutions desired.
• Ability to work collaboratively with library colleagues, faculty, administrators, staff and students to accomplish goals.
• Ability to travel regionally and nationally for consortia, membership meetings and professional development.
• Ability to work some weekend and evening hours and to attend campus and library events.
• Safety conscious and able to work with a diverse group of individuals.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Develop, enhance, and sustain the library services platform and discovery systems.
• Develop integrations between library systems and resources to improve workflows and enhance the user experience.
• Collaborate with library colleagues to gather data, assess, and implement changes related to library systems platforms and discovery systems.
• Serve as the chief liaison with the Library’s integrated library systems vendor; schedule upgrades; coordinate discussion of system enhancements across the library.
• Collect data and provide reports on the use of such resources for the purpose of assessing the services and interpreting our users' virtual needs.
• Provide statistical reports as needed for planning purposes.
• Collaborate with colleagues within the Library, Information Technology Services, and across campus on library systems and services.
• Participate in library-wide services and projects, such as workshops and events.
• Contribute actively to the discussion and planning for all aspects of Content & Digital Library Systems and the library’s service to the diverse Union community, outside library users, and visiting researchers; contribute to, and provide leadership in, various departmental and library-wide committees and working groups.
• Participate in the overall development of Content & Digital Library Systems’ efforts to provide effective, timely, and relevant support for undergraduate research.
• Collaborate with colleagues within the library and across campus; build meaningful connections with faculty, throughout the profession, and in the wider research community.
• Pursue a program of professional development, scholarly activity, and service as described in the College’s criteria for promotion and retention.
• Other related duties as assigned.

This position is available as soon as possible and eligible for a hybrid work schedule. 

We offer exceptional benefits including:

• Generous Vacation, Sick and Personal Time
• Winter Recess Break in Addition to Paid Holidays
• Healthcare, Dental, and Vision Insurance (Flexible Spending and Dependent Care Accounts)
• Free On-Campus Fitness Facility Access and Discounts for On-Campus Wellness Programs
• Employee Scholarships toward Certifications, Seminars, Training and Professional Development
• Pre and Post Tax participation in a 403(b) Retirement Plan
• Salary Continuation Program in the event of Disability
• Tuition Assistance Program for Employee, Spouse and/or Dependents

Note: All new hires of Union College are subject to a thorough education, work experience, and criminal history background check.

UNION COLLEGE

Officially chartered in 1795, Union College is the fifth oldest liberal arts college in the country. Located in the Capital District of New York State, Union is a highly selective residential and undergraduate college, home to 2,200 students and 220 faculty, and offering 44 majors. Union was the first liberal arts college to rethink the traditional liberal arts education and adopt an engineering curriculum. That pioneering approach continues today with an education that encourages students to work beyond the limits of disciplinary boundaries, allowing them to think globally and lead innovatively in a world where problem solving requires breadth across humanities, arts, social sciences, science, and engineering.

DIVERSITY AT UNION COLLEGE

Union College is an equal opportunity employer and strongly committed to student and workforce diversity. Increasing diversity on campus is a critical priority for Union, one that is integral to our mission of preparing students for a globally interconnected world. Union provides a blend of intellectual, social and cultural opportunities to facilitate the integrated academic, social and personal development of a diverse community. We value and are committed to a host of diverse populations and cultures including, but not limited to, those based on race, religion, disability, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, national origin and veteran status. Union College is committed to providing access and will provide reasonable accommodation in its application process to individuals with disabilities that request such accommodations.

NON-DISCRIMINATION POLICY

Union College will not discriminate in the recruitment or selection of faculty and employees, or in any other area of employment, on the basis of age, sex, race, national origin, religion, religious belief, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression and veteran status. In this regard, opportunities for advancement will be made available without bias. The College is also subject to state and federal laws, supports efforts to attract and retain fully qualified women and other minority group members for faculty and other positions. Union College will comply with the letter and intent of all State and Federal laws and applicable orders pursuant to Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action.