Systems And Discovery Librarian

Job no: 493099
Work type: Exempt Staff
Location: Gambier, OH
Categories:

Kenyon College is looking for an experienced library professional to join its staff as the Systems and Discovery Librarian. Reporting to the Director of Collections and Access, the Systems and Discovery Librarian provides support for library systems to enhance users’ ability to identify, retrieve, and use library resources. This role is dedicated to exploring and implementing user-centered library Systems and applications, including the library’s web presence (currently BigTree) and its supporting platforms (most notably, the Springshare suite of tools). Along with fellow team members from the Collections & Access department, this role also co-manages the library services platform (Alma) with a particular emphasis on the discovery tool component (Primo VE). This role is further responsible for guiding the creative integration of the discovery tool with the library’s website and other systems, and in so doing, collaborates with library staff, the college IT department, faculty, and students to design, promote, and improve online access and integration of library resources; initiating both the implementation and the awareness of new features that enhance user success in finding and using library content.Responsibilities

• Serve as a member of the library’s lead team for Kenyon’s system migration from III’s Sierra and Serials Solutions’ Summon to ExLibris’ Alma and Primo VE products (estimated “go live” date: June 2025).
• Manage and update holdings information in the Ex Libris knowledge base and related functional areas in Alma to include administrator information, license agreements, usage reports, and cost data information.
• Conduct discovery tool feature testing, implement configuration changes, and perform user testing of potential changes as warranted.
• Manage setup, maintenance, and troubleshooting of e-resources and communicate with vendors and technical support contacts to resolve issues as quickly as possible.
• Maintain proxy server configurations (currently EZProxy).
• Monitor the library’s web presence (currently BigTree) in coordination with library colleagues, to include tracking and reporting of usage trends, and makes recommendations for Systems and applications integrations and improvements.
• Manage supporting products related to e-resources including Databases A-Z list, LibKey Nomad, and other tools as acquired.
• Monitor, assess, and communicate information about trends and innovations in discovery services to library colleagues.
• Represens Kenyon to various consortia (OhioLINK, Ohio5) and may participate in various working groups or committees related to these organizations.
• Represent the library on Kenyon's cybersecurity team.

Preferred Knowledge, Skills, Abilities

Experience with integrated library Systems and Discovery services as well as an understanding of issues and trends in resource discovery (3-5 years experience).Excellent oral and written communication skills and the ability to communicate technical information to a general audience and to act effectively with students, faculty, and staff.Ability to work collegially and in a leadership role with library colleagues in a complex and changing environment.Ability to embrace change, think creatively, and work independently.Knowledge of and experience with Alma and/or Primo systems.Knowledge of maintaining databases and troubleshooting access problems.Knowledge of design, implementation, and maintenance of websites.Knowledge of programming languages (e.g., CSS, SQL, Python) and experience with regular expressions.Knowledge of APIs, prevalent cataloging and metadata standards (e.g., MARC, Dublin Core), and data exchange formats (e.g., JSON, XML).Effective organizational skills and the flexibility to balance multiple projects and priorities and meet deadlines.Enthusiasm to experiment with new technologies and workflows.

Working ConditionsHybrid role; amount of time dedicated to remote work is negotiable but must maintain regularly scheduled campus presence including in-person attendance at library staff meetings whenever possible.Minimum Required Qualifications

ALA accredited master’s degree in library or information science.Experience with discovery service products (1-3 years).Proficient oral and written communication skills.Experience troubleshooting access problems with eresources and services (1-3 years).Working knowledge of computer Systems and software currently used in the library profession as well as common computing, web, and multimedia technologies.Time management skills including strict attention to details and deadlines.Willingness to innovate and adapt to change in the workplace.

Expected Salary Range

Not less than $66,000.

Applications will be considered immediately on a rolling basis.

Kenyon College is a nationally prominent, private liberal arts college where academic excellence goes hand in hand with a strong sense of community and close relationships among students and professors.

Compensation and Benefits

Salaries at Kenyon are competitive and commensurate with experience. In addition to an attractive salary, Kenyon offers benefits for employees and their family members. Children of employees are eligible for 100% tuition waivers at Kenyon, and through the Great Lakes Colleges Association, children of employees are eligible for 90% tuition waivers at eighteen other of the nation's finest liberal arts colleges.

We also offer health, dental and vision insurance, TIAA retirement, and many other benefits, including provisions for a spouse, families, and domestic partners. Details about benefits as well as conditions of employment are described more fully in our Staff Handbook.

Kenyon is a unique place to live and work. To discover why it should be your next home, click here.

Kenyon College is an equal opportunity employer and applications from members of all underrepresented groups are encouraged. It is the College's policy to evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, national origin, ancestry, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, physical and/or mental disability, age, religion, medical condition, veteran status, marital status, or any other characteristic protected by institutional policy or state, local, or federal law. Kenyon College has a strong commitment to supporting diversity, equity and inclusion. Please visit our Diversity at Kenyon website.

Advertised: 15 May 2024 Eastern Daylight Time
Applications close: Open until filled