Head, Consortial Library Systems and Operations

As the largest university library system in the Washington D.C.-Baltimore area, the University of Maryland Libraries serve more than 37,500 students and 4,200 faculty of the flagship College Park campus. The University of Maryland Libraries share the teaching, learning and research goals of the university. Its role as a key academic resource is evident in its service to the academic community and its actionable strategic plan. Recent membership in the Big Ten Academic Alliance is particularly meaningful to the University Libraries and will further propel the university’s ascendancy in academic excellence.

The University of Maryland Libraries are committed to advancing diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility. We support university and library efforts to create a more just campus environment, understanding the unique, interdisciplinary focus of libraries and archives as collectors and curators of the historical, literary, artistic, and scientific record. We provide collections, services, and programs that reflect the diversity of our community, heighten cultural awareness, and incorporate the histories, experiences, and expressions of those who have been historically marginalized and/or underrepresented. We work to ensure equitable access to our facilities, resources, and services.

Nature of Work:

Working in a team environment, the Head of Consortial Library Systems and Operations leads a team of Systems Librarians and staff dedicated to the shared systems and services managed by the University System of Maryland and Affiliated Institutions (USMAI) Library Consortium and participates in the overall strategy and strategic directions for the USMAI. The Head also participates in the design, selection, implementation, maintenance, and support of applications used by the 17 member libraries that make up the consortium.

 

 

Reporting to the Associate Dean for Digital Services and Technologies (DST), with work and priorities set by the Executive Director of USMAI, the Head of Consortial Library Systems and Operations works with other USMAI team members to advance USMAI strategic and operational objectives and ensures that the shared applications of the USMAI library consortium meet the information management, discovery, and workflow needs of the consortium's libraries. The Head will direct the work of a small team of systems librarians, professional staff, and contractors, work closely with other USMAI managers and staff, and coordinate activities with other DST and USMAI managers. The successful candidate will utilize ticketing systems and other methods to track progress on work and communicate to staff working in multiple locations. 

The Head of Consortial Library Systems and Operations recommends policies, procedures, standards and guidelines related to software applications, information management and workflows to the Executive Director of USMAI and the Associate Dean for Digital Services and Technologies. The Head, under the direction of USMAI leadership and in consultation with library and administrative staff throughout USMAl, will gather, evaluate and document library users’ needs and consortial software capabilities, requirements, and opportunities. The Head will coordinate closely with consortium committees, communities, and working groups to develop and manage projects and plans that meet the consortium’s long-term and strategic goals.

 

 

The incumbent is also expected to initiate, lead, and assist in the development of USMAI responses for proposals for identified opportunities, and to manage the work proposed, as directed by the Council of Library Directors of USMAI. The Head will lead and participate in the development of requests for proposals (RFPs), solicit specifications and costs from vendors and library service providers, and will lead and participate in negotiations and contract development. The incumbent will assist the Executive Director in the management of several large-scale contracts with multiple vendors.

 

 

Under the direction of consortium leadership, the Head of Consortial Library Systems & Operations effectively balances planning and implementation of new systems with the day-to-day operational needs of the consortium.

 

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:  manages the work of a team of faculty librarians and professionals; responsible for hiring recommendations, and coordinating annual performance evaluations and merit reviews with the Associate Dean for Digital Services and Technologies. Additionally, duties will include direct supervision of staff, professional track faculty librarians, and other contingent/contract employees.

 

Requirements:

Background Check Required: Offers of employment are contingent on completion of a background check. A prior criminal conviction or convictions will not automatically disqualify a finalist from employment in the position.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

EDUCATION: Required:

 

Master's degree in Library and/or Information Science from an ALA-accredited institution or a non-USA equivalent; or a graduate degree relevant to the position's duties.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Required: 

Ability to lead teams in the operational management, customer support, training, documentation, and community management of products and services used by libraries. 

Commitment to excellent customer service and positive user experiences.

Strong analytical, organizational, and planning skills.

Effective interpersonal and communication skills.

Demonstrated initiative and ability to work on multiple projects simultaneously.

Flexibility in a changing technological and organizational environment.

Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team-based environment.

Strong background related to the responsibilities of the position.

Knowledge of library software applications and services.

Proficiency with Microsoft Office and other productivity and communication applications.

Demonstrated ability to define a vision for a team and bring it to fruition.

EXPERIENCE:

Required:

A minimum of five (5) years of professional experience in information technology services; a minimum of three (3) years’ experience in a managerial role.

Experience with commercial and/or open source library software solutions.

Experience with the library vendor and service provider marketplace, as well as knowledge and understanding of new trends and developments in the field.

Preferred

Experience with or working knowledge of consortial environments and requirements.

Experience with RFP and procurement processes, contract development, and vendor negotiations.

Experience with community and content management tools, and project management.

Experience with customer support systems, training, and documentation.

Knowledge of and experience with applying project management principles (PMP certification preferred). 

Experience managing software application development lifecycle. 

Experience delivering presentations. 

Experience with Ex Libris’ Alma or Primo.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

 

Extensive computer use.

For the full position description and faculty requirements, please go to http://www.lib.umd.edu/hr/employment-opportunities/staff-faculty-positions.

PTK Information

Position is appointed as professional track faculty within the Faculty Specialist Ranks as established by the University of Maryland.  This is a non-tenured, contractual position. Rank at appointment is based on the successful applicant's experience and relevant credentials.

 

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: 

Planning, coordinating, integrating, and managing the implementation and maintenance of library software applications and services to provide scholarly and administrative information and tools that make resources discoverable and accessible through the USMAI consortium libraries.

 

Define project scope, goals and deliverables that support the goals of USMAI consortium. Develop full-scale project plans and associated support, training, and communication plans and documents. 

 

Develop, manage, and evaluate requests for proposals (RFPs) for library systems, software and services for future team projects. 

 

Plan, schedule, and monitor project timelines and milestones using appropriate project management tools. 

 

Effectively communicate project expectations and progress to team members and USMAI stakeholders in a timely and clear fashion. 

 

Working with the Executive Director, negotiate with vendors of library systems, software, and services and develop and manage contracts for procuring systems and services from selected vendors. 

 

Keep up-to-date with the library service provider marketplace, user groups, and other professional communities related to duties and responsibilities. 

 

Leading and supervising of librarian, professional, and contract staff.

 

Identify and plan work priorities and assign work to team members as appropriate; streamline workflows; foster collaboration across the team. 

 

Coach, mentor, motivate, and supervise project team members.

 

Provide second tier support for software applications and services used by USMAI consortium libraries; resolve problems identified via problem reporting applications, email, and telephone; document and communicate solutions.

 

In collaboration with the Associate Dean for Digital Services and Technology the USMAI Executive Director, and employees, facilitate professional development opportunities, develop annual performance goals, monitor progress, and provide guidance and redirection as needed. 

 

Determine the need for contract and/or short-term staffing needs; hire and manage contractors to fulfill project goals. 

 

Representing the USMAI Library Consortium’s systems and operations interests on campus, across institutions, and to external organizations.

 

Maintain regular communication with USMAI member staff.

 

Coordinate with USMAI Committees, Communities of Interest, Task Forces, and other ad hoc groups. 

 

Facilitate statistical and analytics capabilities; develop and deliver progress reports and presentations to stakeholders, managers, and institutional leadership. 

 

Explore and recommend new partnerships with other organizations to meet the strategic goals of the USMAI library consortium. 

 

Other duties and activities:

 

Participates in university and/or library activities and training related to promoting diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility. 

 

Contributes to achieving the University’s and/or the Libraries’ diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility goals.

 

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:  manages the work of a team of faculty librarians and professionals; responsible for hiring recommendations, and coordinating annual performance evaluations and merit reviews with the Associate Dean for Digital Services and Technologies. Additionally, duties will include direct supervision of staff, professional track faculty librarians, and other contingent/contract employees.