Systems Librarian



Systems Librarian

Salary

$51.92 - $63.11 Hourly

Location

Seattle, WA

Job Type

Civil Service Exempt, Regular, Full-time

Job Number

IC #17-20

Department

The Seattle Public Library

Opening Date

06/19/2020

Closing Date

8/24/2020 12:00 PM Pacific

Position Description

Invitation to Compete #17-20
Systems Librarian
Information Technology
Full-time, 80 hours per pay period
$51.92 - $63.11 per hour

This position is regular status, full-time, benefited; FLSA non-exempt, and a member of the bargaining unit. The application period is open until filled; First review of applications to occur July 13, 2020.

POSITION DESCRIPTION:

The Seattle Public Library is seeking a resourceful and collaborative Systems Librarian to join its Information Technology team. Reporting to the Manager of Library Applications and Systems, the Systems Librarian will be part of a highly collaborative and efficient IT team, providing exemplary customer service to both library patrons and staff. The Systems Librarian serves as the lead administrator of the Library's Integrated Library System (SirsiDynix Horizon) and the Library's discovery layer (BiblioCommons). The Systems Librarian also provides lead support of other major vendor or locally developed applications, including EZProxy.

These systems include a series of customized workflows and applications; therefore, the Systems Librarian is expected to analyze training, documentation, and process needs, then acquire or design and build appropriate library solutions. The position works in concert with library staff in diverse roles throughout the library, including those in Technical and Public Services. The Systems Librarian serves as the primary technical contact for these systems for library staff.

Additionally, the Systems Librarian leads development and maintenance efforts for interfaces between these application platforms, applications, and other systems. They oversee integration of locally developed and third-party applications, providing functional support for these application modules, and the creation of custom reports from those systems.

The Seattle Public Library is Seattle's center of information and knowledge and one of the most popular and valued services in the city. Library staff are highly regarded by the public for their knowledge, quality of service and caring. Staff members are committed to the Library's organizational values of respect, partnership, engagement, diversity and inclusion, transparency and recognition. In particular, they demonstrate respect, engage in partnerships, and are transparent in their communications and intentions. A strategic priority of the Library is to foster an internal culture of innovation that focuses on creativity, equity, engagement, learning and staff development.

The Library supports the City of Seattle's Race and Social Justice Initiative to end institutionalized racism by eliminating barriers to access, providing the staff and public with opportunities for growth, and developing equitable access to the programs and services we offer. If you share those values and meet the qualifications, the Library invites you to apply for this position.

Job Responsibilities

Integrated Library System

  • Administer, configure, and optimize the library's Integrated Library System (ILS) – currently SirsiDynix Horizon – including maintenance, upgrades, enhancements, report generation, troubleshooting, security enhancements, and documentation
  • Serve as a primary contact and collaborator with SirsiDynix, regarding the operation and development of their ILS, including support desk contact
  • Actively engage with developers and project teams at SirsiDynix regarding library interests and projects
  • Develop custom reports, statistics and analysis using Microsoft scripting languages and SQL against the Horizon database
  • Develop and/or support local and vendor applications to enhance Horizon and associated add-on systems (HIP, RFID-based circulation systems, etc.), including mobile applications
  • Work with other Library staff to resolve Horizon functionality issues
  • Collaborate with library stakeholders on developing and implementing ILS optimizations, integrations, and functionality that support the business needs of the library
Online Discovery System
  • Serve as a primary technical contact and collaborator with the library's service provider, BiblioCommons, regarding the operation and development of their online public access catalog discovery interface, including support desk contact
  • Develop and support customizations and add-on features to the BiblioCommons online discovery system, including lists and RSS feeds. Actively engage with developers and project teams at BiblioCommons regarding library interests and projects
Library Data and Information Management
  • Serve as secondary technical resource for managing data related to the performance of library operations, such as circulation, library use, and other measures in the library data warehouse
  • Collaborate with library stakeholders on providing data and information in formats that help meet library business needs
General Enterprise Applications Support
  • Responsible for maintaining normal operations and integrations for other library applications as needed
  • Manage intra- and inter-departmental projects related to the ILS, online discovery system, or other enterprise applications
  • Responsible for selecting, supporting, or developing application solutions that integrate with the Library's complex portfolio of IT systems
  • Collaborate with external vendors supplying cloud based enterprise level systems on testing, bug identification and fixing, feature development, and support
  • Support library database access via EZproxy scripting and stanza development, including managing a custom authentication process
  • Assist electronic resources library staff, vendors, and patrons in troubleshooting problems with database access
  • Work with library staff to identify pain points related to library enterprise systems, review documentation and features, and suggest internal workflow improvements or work arounds
  • Assist with technical planning, budgeting, and priority management for library enterprise applications
  • Contribute to the timely and effective response to user needs by training technical and library staff and by identifying and evaluating user needs
  • Identify emerging technological issues and opportunities and recommend appropriate actions
  • Other duties as assigned

Qualifications

Application materials must demonstrate that you possess the following qualifications.Bachelor’s Degree required but a Master's degree in Library/Information Science from an ALA accredited program and/or Washington State Certification as a librarian is strongly preferred. Candidates may alternatively demonstrate at least an additional two years of Library experience (beyond the professional experience required below) in lieu of a Master’s degree in Library/Information Science.
                       
Professional Knowledge and Experience: A minimum of three (3) years of experience (five (5) years preferred) in integrated library system administration that includes knowledge of design, configuration, administration, management, security, operation, and documentation.

  • Strong technical knowledge of cataloging and metadata standards, formats, and principles, including MARC, BIBFRAME, RDA, FRBR, MODS, Dublin Core, and Linked Data
  • Experience or demonstrated understanding of client/server environment, and experience with software applications needed to administer Horizon environment: Windows Server, SQL Server, SIP, etc.
  • Intermediate to advanced SQL query writing skills
  • Experience or demonstrated understanding of standard browser display and application technologies (HTML, XML, CSS, JavaScript, jQuery, CGI, XSLT), including usability, accessibility and cross-browser compatibility issues
  • Experience with or demonstrated understanding of two or more of the following: PowerShell, batch scripting, VBScript, ASP.NET, C#.
Communication, Collaboration Skills: Strong written and verbal communication skills. Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively with staff, the public, vendors and technical personnel. Ability to train technical and library staff as needed.

Project Management Skills: Two (2) years demonstrated experience as a participant or lead on multidepartment projects. Knowledge of principles of project management, work planning, planning, purchasing and budgeting, contractor and vendor relations, and interpersonal problem solving skills.
  • Solid understanding or demonstrated experience of library IT operations across two or more of the following departments: Acquisitions, Cataloging, Circulation, Collection Development, Electronic Resources, Reference, and Special Collections
  • Ability to coordinate and prioritize multiple on-going tasks
  • Ability to recognize technical and non-technical user needs and to initiate problem resolution
  • Ability to evaluate complex information and emerging issues in the use of technology, communications and user needs in library environments
  • Must be able to work consistently with the values of The Seattle Public Library, which include intellectual freedom and equal access to information
Strongly Desired Qualifications:
  • Experience in developing library applications and software, including mobile application and/or responsive design development.
  • Experience in or understanding of library technical services functions, particularly cross functional workflows.
  • Experience with using or administering SirsiDynix Horizon and BiblioCommon's BiblioCore products Experience with MarcEdit and EZProxy.
  • Experience working in a large, multisite public or academic library system, especially in IT or technical services.
  • Knowledge and application of Library privacy principles related to individual patrons
  • Experience working with complex procurement procedures, Request for Purchase (RFP) processes, negotiating with vendors and service providers, reviewing and understanding contracts and service level agreements.

Additional Information

HOW TO APPLY:This recruitment is open until the position is filled. First review of applications will occur on July 13, 2020, and interviews scheduled with the most competitive candidates.

To be considered for this vacancy submit an application and include:

  • A Cover Letter describing how your qualifications and experience meet those required for the position
  • Resume
If you have questions about this bulletin or general questions regarding employment at the Library, please email jobapplications@spl.org.

THE SEATTLE PUBLIC LIBRARY PROMOTES DIVERSITY AND PRACTICES INCLUSION.

People of color are strongly encouraged to apply. If accommodations are needed during the selection process, please let us know.

The City of Seattle offers a comprehensive benefits package including vacation, holiday and sick leave as well as medical, dental, vision, life and long-term disability insurance for employees and their dependents.

More information about employee benefits is available on the City's website at: 
 http://www.seattle.gov/personnel/services/benefits.asp 

01
Do you have an MLS from an ALA accredited program, or at least five years of experience working in a Library?
  • Yes
  • No
02
Do you have at least three (3) years of experience in integrated library system administration that includes knowledge of design, configuration, administration, management, security, operation, and/or documentation?
  • Yes
  • No

Required Question

Agency
City of Seattle
Address
Seattle Municipal Tower
700 5th Avenue, Suite 5500
Seattle, Washington, 98104