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Systems and Discovery Librarian

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Please see Special Instructions for more details.

Applicants should attach a 1-2 page letter of interest, a complete CV, and the names, titles, and contact information of three professional references. The University of Georgia Libraries wish to emphasize that preferred qualifications are not required and we are committed to helping our future colleagues develop preferred knowledge, skills and abilities. Applicants are encouraged to communicate the ways in which their work meets required or preferred qualifications in ways that may not be obvious. Candidates should submit their materials by May 23, 2024 However, the position will remain open until filled.

Questions? Email libjobs@uga.edu.

Posting Details

Posting Details

Posting Number F1948P
Working Title Systems and Discovery Librarian
Department Libraries-Digital Library
About the University of Georgia
Since our founding in 1785, the University of Georgia has operated as Georgia’s oldest, most comprehensive, and most diversified institution of higher education (https://www.uga.edu/). The proof is in our more than 235 years of academic and professional achievements and our continual commitment to higher education. UGA is currently ranked among the top 20 public universities in U.S. News & World Report. The University’s main campus is located in Athens, approximately 65 miles northeast of Atlanta, with extended campuses in Atlanta, Griffin, Gwinnett, and Tifton. UGA employs approximately 3,000 faculty and more than 7,700 full-time staff. The University’s enrollment exceeds 40,000 students including over 30,000 undergraduates and over 10,000 graduate and professional students. Academic programs reside in 18 schools and colleges, as well as a medical partnership with Augusta University housed on the UGA Health Sciences Campus in Athens.
About the College/Unit/Department
The UGA Libraries advance the University of Georgia’s mission by providing the best possible access to recorded knowledge, actively contributing to the success of students and faculty through teaching and research services provided in physical and virtual environments, exemplifying the University’s strategic priority to serve the people of Georgia and beyond, and upholding the University’s commitment to diversity and inclusion. A member of the Association of Research Libraries with 75 faculty librarians and archivists, 150 staff and nearly 200 student workers, the UGA Libraries receive more than three million visits per year on average and provide services at nine locations across the Athens campus, among them the Main Library, Miller Learning Center, McBay Science Library, Special Collections Libraries and Music, Art and Education branch libraries. The UGA Libraries offer nationally distinctive special collections related to Georgia’s history, politics, and public policy, and preserves one of the foremost media collections in public broadcasting. The UGA Libraries provide IT support for Georgia Library Learning Online (GALILEO), Georgia’s statewide virtual library initiative, and is home to the UGA Press and Georgia Review literary journal. Please visit libs.uga.edu for more information.

Just 65 miles northeast from Atlanta, Athens is a vibrant college town filled with creative energy. The city is located along the North Oconee River in Clarke County, in northeast Georgia just below the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains and only a few hours’ drive from the Atlantic coast. In 1801 it was chosen as the site of Georgia’s first state college and named Athens after the city in Greece. Today, Athens is considered one of the hippest small cities in America as well as one of the most progressive cities in the South.

Nicknamed the Classic City, Athens is best known for great music, a happening food scene, and of course the Georgia Bulldogs, winners of the 2021 College Football National Championship. In the spring, the city’s Twilight Criterium, one of the country’s largest cycling events, attracts both cyclists and spectators. Athfest, a local music festival held on outdoor stages and in venues around town takes place each summer, and the Hot Corner Festival celebrates the African American business community and culture each June. On autumn Saturdays the town swells as football fans flock to cheer on the University of Georgia Bulldogs. In recent years the town is becoming known around the Southeast as a beer destination, complete with great breweries like Creature Comforts and Terrapin. Filled with historic architecture and home to the State Botanical Garden of Georgia, Athens is a unique blend of traditional heritage and trend-setting southern culture.

In 1990 the city of Athens and Clarke County combined to form a unified government. Home to more than 100,000 residents, the top three employers include the University of Georgia, Piedmont Regional Healthcare System, and the Athens-Clarke County School District. With more than 12,000 enrolled students, the Athens-Clarke County School District is proud to serve a diverse population across 14 elementary schools, 4 middle schools, and 2 high schools, as well as an early learning center and community career academy.
College/Unit/Department website www.libs.uga.edu
Posting Type External
Retirement Plan TRS or ORP
Employment Type Employee
Benefits Eligibility Benefits Eligible
Underutilization
Advertised Salary Minimum $78,000
Anticipated Start Date 09/01/2024
Effective End Date (for Limited-Term postings)
Job Posting Date 04/22/2024
Job Closing Date
Open until filled Yes
Special Instructions to Applicants
Applicants should attach a 1-2 page letter of interest, a complete CV, and the names, titles, and contact information of three professional references. The University of Georgia Libraries wish to emphasize that preferred qualifications are not required and we are committed to helping our future colleagues develop preferred knowledge, skills and abilities. Applicants are encouraged to communicate the ways in which their work meets required or preferred qualifications in ways that may not be obvious. Candidates should submit their materials by May 23, 2024 However, the position will remain open until filled.

Questions? Email libjobs@uga.edu.
Location of Vacancy Athens Area
EEO Statement
The University of Georgia is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ethnicity, age, genetic information, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation or protected veteran status. Persons needing accommodations or assistance with the accessibility of materials related to this search are encouraged to contact Central HR (hrweb@uga.edu).
USG Core Values Statement
The University System of Georgia is comprised of our 26 institutions of higher education and learning, as well the System Office. Our USG Statement of Core Values are Integrity, Excellence, Accountability, and Respect. These values serve as the foundation for all that we do as an organization, and each USG community member is responsible for demonstrating and upholding these standards. More details on the USG Statement of Core Values and Code of Conduct are available in USG Board Policy 8.2.18.1.2 and can be found on-line at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section8/C224/#p8.2.18_personnel_conduct.

Additionally, USG supports Freedom of Expression as stated in Board Policy 6.5 Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom found on-line at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section6/C2653.

Position Details

Position Information

Classification Title Librarian AC
FLSA
Faculty Rank Open Rank
Contract Type Fiscal (12 mo.)
Tenure Status Non-Tenure Track
Minimum Qualifications
An ALA-accredited Master’s in Library and Information Science or relevant terminal degree.
Position Summary
The University of Georgia Libraries seeks an innovative, service-oriented individual for the position of Systems and Discovery Librarian. The successful candidate will provide support for library systems to enhance users’ ability to identify, retrieve, and use library resources. This faculty Librarian position reports to the Director of Discovery and Digital Services; participates in professional activity; and serves on library, university, and statewide committees. Discovery and Digital Services is a new unit within the UGA Libraries recently formed as a result of our organizational assessment work. The position will supervise a design team of at least 3 people dedicated to exploring and implementing user-centered library systems and applications, including the Libraries’ web presence, archival discovery, and IR platform. This role will manage and support the Library Management System (FOLIO), facilitating import, export, and interoperability of metadata in library systems; guiding the creative integration of the library system with the Library’s website and other systems; Collaborating with the Library IT, campus technology departments, staff, librarians, and teaching faculty to design, promote, and improve online access and integration of library resources and collections; Initiating both the implementation and the awareness of new features that enhance user success in finding and using library content; Serving on Library, campus, regional, and national organizations and initiatives.

The UGA Libraries’ participates in statewide partnerships and consortia efforts, such as the GALILEO initiative and GALILEO Interconnected Libraries (GIL). GALILEO is an online library portal to authoritative, subscription-only information. GALILEO includes more than 3000 institutions; among them are the universities and colleges of the University System of Georgia and Technical College System of Georgia along with Georgia K-12 schools, public libraries and some private higher education and K12 institutions. GALILEO programs include the statewide research portal, the Digital Library of Georgia, Affordable Learning Georgia, GALILEO Interconnected Libraries (GIL), and other related projects. GIL offers a gateway to information resources held in the University System of Georgia (USG) libraries by managing and supporting the consortia LSP.

UGA librarians are non-tenured faculty members working on 12-month contracts.  UGA offers an attractive benefits program including
a choice of health and retirement plans, dental plan, vision plan, tuition remission, paid relocation, 21 days annual leave, 12 days sick leave, and 13 paid holidays. This position may be subject to telework.
Additional Requirements
  • 2 or more years work experience in an academic or research library.
  • Candidates will be considered at the rank of Librarian II, III, or IV.
    • To be considered at the level of Librarian II, candidates must have 2 years of professional experience after completion of their master’s degree in librarianship/information science or terminal degree
    • To be considered at the level of Librarian III, candidates must have 5 years of professional experience after completion of their master’s degree in librarianship/information science or terminal degree.
    • To be considered at the level of Librarian IV, candidates must have 10 years of professional experience after completion of their master’s degree in librarianship/information science or terminal degree.

For more information about the requirements for the Librarian ranks, please see the Guidelines for Librarian Faculty Rank and Promotion: https://www.libs.uga.edu/employee-resources/committees/promotion/ranks
Relevant/Preferred Education, Experience, Licensure, and/or Certification
Preferred Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and/or Competencies
  • Familiarity with integrated library systems and discovery services as well as an understanding of issues and trends in resource discovery;
  • Excellent oral and written communication skills and the ability to communicate technical information to a general audience and to interact effectively with students, faculty, and staff; and
  • 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 Ruby on Rails and/or Python;
  • Ability to effectively supervise, mentor, and support professional growth among library faculty and staff.
  • Knowledge of maintaining databases and troubleshooting access problems;
  • Knowledge of FOLIO, Alma, EBSCO Discovery Service (EDS) and/or Drupal;
  • Knowledge of APIs as well as cataloging and metadata standards including MARC and Dublin Core, Bibframe and RDA, and data interchange formats such as XML and JSON;
  • Knowledge of Blacklight, VuFind, IIIF, ArchivesSpace and/or Arclight;
  • Knowledge of design, implementation, and maintenance of websites;
Physical Demands
Is this a Position of Trust? No
Does this position have operation, access, or control of financial resources? No
Does this position require a P-Card? No
Is having a P-Card an essential function of this position? No
Is driving a responsibility of this position? No
Does this position have direct interaction or care of children under the age of 18 or direct patient care? No
Does this position have Security Access (e.g., public safety, IT security, personnel records, patient records, or access to chemicals and medications) No
Credit and P-Card policy
Be advised a credit check will be required for all positions with financial responsibilities. For additional information about the credit check criteria, visit the UGA Credit Background Check website.
Background Investigation Policy
Offers of employment are contingent upon completion of a background investigation including, a criminal background check demonstrating your eligibility for employment with the University of Georgia; confirmation of the credentials and employment history reflected in your application materials (including reference checks) as they relate to the job-based requirements of the position applied for; and, if applicable, a satisfactory credit check. You may also be subject to a pre-employment drug test for positions with high-risk responsibilities, if applicable. Please visit the UGA Background Check website.
Duties/Responsibilities

Duties/Responsibilities
  • Serve as an institutional lead for UGA’s system migration from Ex Libris’ Alma to EBSCO-supported FOLIO
  • Provide leadership and training to build an integrated framework for library systems to improve the user experience that includes testing, in-depth reporting, training staff, and improving staff and user interfaces;
  • Shape the library’s technological future by developing and supervising a team dedicated to exploring and implementing user-centered library systems and applications, including the Libraries’ web presence, archival discovery and IR platform;
  • Conducts feature testing, configuration changes and troubleshooting to better manage, maintain, enhance and advocate for search and discovery products and tools used by UGA Libraries
  • Collaborate with library faculty and staff, IT colleagues, and GALILEO/GIL consortium partners to provide flexible and innovative information services;
  • Represent UGA on consortium issues and potential areas of growth and collaboration;
  • Lead working groups responsible for evaluating, selecting, and negotiating shared services;
  • Provide leadership for functional groups to enhance communication between librarians, develop best practices, and plan for future developments
  • Fulfill faculty expectations for librarianship and service as required for promotion;
Percentage Of Time 100

Posting Specific Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

  1. * How did you find out about this position at the UGA Libraries?

    (Open Ended Question)

Applicant Documents

Required Documents
  1. Resume/CV
  2. Cover Letter
  3. List of References with Contact Information
Optional Documents