Discovery Systems Librarian

Position Summary
Under the direction of the Head of Library Technology Services, the Discovery Systems Librarian is responsible for the ongoing operation, support, and development of the Library Services Platform (LSP)—a shared service coordinated in collaboration with member institutions of the Ontario Council of University Libraries (OCUL).This position has a key role in ensuring the LSP, discovery interface, and related applications provide reliable and efficient access to the Library’s collections and resources. This position works in close collaboration with Library colleagues, campus partners, and OCUL Libraries to ensure that the LSP meets the evolving needs of the Library and its users.The Discovery Systems Librarian is a member of the CUASA bargaining unit.

Organizational Relationships
The Discovery Systems Librarian:

Reports to the Head of the Library Technology Systems department. In consultation with the department head, determines the means and approach to effectively fulfill identified objectives. Performs work with a high degree of independence and flexibility within the framework of accepted policies, practices, and priorities. Participates in setting and revising practices and advises the department head as appropriate.

Communicates with colleagues across the Library. Liaises with Information Technology Services (ITS) as well as other administrative and academic units on Consults with faculty, students and other users to determine their needs and evaluates existing discovery and access services in support of teaching and research.

Advises Library staff on effective use and integration of the LSP into workflows and Contributes to staff training and development accordingly.

Duties and Responsibilities

Library Services Platform

Responsible for the configuration, maintenance, support, and ongoing operations of the applications comprising and associated with the Library Services Platform (LSP).
Ensures proper integration of applications with other systems and workflows such as metadata description, discovery, fulfillment, acquisitions, course reserves learning management systems, digital repositories, financial and acquisition systems, student information systems, and campus authentication services as well as vendor platform and procurement services.
Provides, coordinates, and supports foundational training for library Develops training materials, coordinates training for library staff, and supports librarians in their efforts to instruct students and faculty how to use the discovery interface to access library resources.
Monitors upgrades and enhancements to applications Traces and reports technical issues, working with vendors, OCUL members, and library staff to identify, implement, and communicate
Provides leadership in identifying opportunities to leverage applications to both improve discovery and access of library collections as well as relevant library workflows.

Contributions to Library Systems Department operations

Contributes to technology planning and project management throughout the system life cycle, with particular emphasis on the library services platform and related Participates in preparation of budget requests, grant writing and technical reviews, as required.
Participates in support and maintenance of existing library services, contributes to substantial upgrades or replacements as appropriate, and provides expert advice on these services and related technical standards to management, library staff and partners as required.
Provides leadership in the selection of hardware technologies related to fulfillment and collection
Works with the Library Technology Services team to identify service problems and amend policies and procedures as appropriate to ensure a high quality of service.
Maintains awareness and proficiency in emerging technology trends and initiatives, and evaluating suitability for the Library.

Collaboration and professional engagement

Collaborates with library departments and other campus partners on the evaluation, selection, integration and implementation of new technologies and services; assists in the development of funding strategies and preparation of business cases for new technologies.
Represents the Library on relevant OCUL committees and working groups: contributes to the development of consortium‐level policies, procedures, and workflows (incorporating and communicating them into local practices).
Engages in professional activities to maintain current professional knowledge, skills, and abilities in relation to area of specialization, and contributes to the fields of librarianship and information technology by engaging in research, development and/or scholarly work.
Participates in committee work within the Library, and the University, and performs other related duties as required.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Technical knowledge
Strong expertise in overseeing and supporting library services platforms and discovery
Expertise in project management and coordinating teams to implement, enhance, and support library
Expertise in promoting and providing training on library
Working knowledge of the manipulation of large datasets, especially as it relates to the extraction, transformation, and loading of data in library systems.
Working knowledge of cataloging standards and practices, including MARC21, RDA/AACR2, LCSH, and authority control.
Working knowledge of metadata, linked data, and interoperability standards, including Dublin Core, MODS, MARCXML, RDF, and OAI-PHM.
Domain knowledge
Working knowledge of acquisitions, cataloging, circulation, and other workflows supported by an
Working knowledge of the approaches and techniques used by students and faculty to search for, select, and access library resources to support their learning, teaching, and research.

Organization, Communication and Team Skills

Excellent interpersonal and communication
Ability to engage effectively in planning, problem solving, and goal
Ability to work well in a team‐based environment, as well as
Ability to work with other departments, vendors, and other groups outside the library to achieve specific goals.
Ability to manage time and set priorities, manage multiple projects with competing deadlines and work under pressure.

Qualifications

Education: Master’s degree in Library and Information Science from an ALA accredited school is
Experience: Two or more years of experience working in the systems area of an academic library, with specific experience in upgrading and supporting library service platforms, integrated library systems, and/or discovery In addition, experience leading the selection, implementation, and integration of applications or features is an asset.