Job Purpose
Reporting to the Head of Library Systems & Platforms, the Digital Library Systems Specialist will support the operational management and development of library-related IT systems, such as Sierra (Library Management System), Summon (discovery layer), and other ancillary digital systems, to enhance the Library Services offer to students and staff.
This role requires a good understanding of all library related systems and how they connect together, and the ability to support end to end processes across a range of teams and functional areas. It will also entail the introduction of new, innovative digital library services to the institution. As the library moves towards a system landscape increasingly based on the Software as a Service model, the emphasis in this role will be on a deep understanding of library workflows and the potential of IT systems to enhance and improve the library service, rather than upon software development skills. The post holder will work closely with Library Services colleagues with expertise in particular areas of the service (‘functional experts'), colleagues in IT Services, and with representatives of the system vendors.
Main Duties and Responsibilities
1. Manage, develop, and promote digital library services, working closely with IT Services to maintain a robust IT infrastructure in support of these services.
2. Responsibility for the Library Management System, including all modules which support circulation, cataloguing, acquisitions, and discovery; assist in the maintenance adjacent and integration of systems within Archives & Special Collections.
3. Negotiating with vendors and leading on the implementation of new applications and upgrades; ensuring continuity of service.
4. Undertake configuration changes to systems which may impact multiple functional areas/teams, and/or which require in-depth system knowledge to perform safely.
5. Work closely with those in the Digital Library Team, and across Information Services more generally, to support the creation of new system integrations, while ensuring the maintenance of existing ones (e.g. student records system, student mobile apps, staff portal, etc.).
6. Working with the Head of Library Systems & Platforms and Assistant Director (Digital Library), perform a leading role in investigating, consulting, and implementing new digital library services and solutions (e.g. library management systems, web services, repositories and discovery systems).
7. Investigate, resolve, and communicate systems issues reported by colleagues, and escalating where necessary to either IT Services or the supplier.
8. Monitor and investigate (with IT Services) security and access issues to e-resources, manage their resolution, and communicate with users whose security may have been compromised.
9. Scrutinize the efficacy of resource discovery solutions and harness their federated search potential, while identifying and monitoring possible issues arising from (bibliographic) data quality variability.
10. Regularly monitor, review, and evaluate new developments in the HEI sector, regarding Library Management Systems and discovery services, and provide expert advice, making informed recommendations to senior colleagues on new services and potential opportunities.
11. Represent the Library on University Committees and on external groups (e.g. vendor user or technical groups, attend national and international conferences to promote our digital library services and activities, etc.).
12. Demonstrate commitment to continuous personal development and self- directed learning, including in the development of technical skills, knowledge, and understanding.
Knowledge, Qualifications, Skills & Experience
Knowledge/Qualifications
Essential:
A1 Either: Ability to demonstrate the competencies required to undertake the duties associated with this level of post having acquired the necessary knowledge and skills in a similar or number of different roles.
Or: Scottish Credit and Qualification Framework level 9, (Ordinary Degree, Scottish Vocational Qualification level 4), or equivalent (including professional accreditation with relevant formal training), and experience of personal development in a similar or related role(s).
A2 Professional knowledge of the operations of digital library systems, including library management systems, discovery layers, web technologies, and ancillary technologies such as OpenURL resolvers.
A3 Knowledge and understanding of metadata schema, data exchange, and issues of semantic interoperability.
A4 Knowledge and experience of the Higher Education sector and the IT expectations of large research libraries.
Desirable:
B1 Post Graduate qualification in Library/Information Studies.
B2 Experience of managing digital repository software platforms to deliver digital objects to users.
B3 Professional knowledge of API integrations to enhance end user services.
B4 Professional experience of library management system software migrations.
Skills
Essential:
C1 Authoritative knowledge of a relevant library / information field.
C2 Analytical and proficient in problem solving and troubleshooting with creativity, adaptability, and resilience.
C3 Excellent IT skills, including with systems management, data and systems integrations, and web technologies.
C4 Ability to communicate and collaborate with immediate team colleagues and technical support staff to deliver ‘best in class' digital library services.
C5 Ability to apply current practice and developing knowledge to innovative service provision.
C6 Excellent organisational skills and an ability to plan, organise, and establish priorities and schedule workloads.
C7 Strong presentation and training skills, and capable of adapting these depending on nature of end-user audience.
C8 Excellent oral and written communication skills.
C9 Confidence to make informed decisions quickly in response to critical IT issues or problems.
Experience
Essential:
E1 Significant experience within the library, archive, and/or cultural heritage sector.
E2 IT experience within a customer focused environment.
E3 Experience of leadership in the management, licensing, and delivery of electronic library materials.
E4 Demonstrable experience of effective liaison with multiple stakeholder groups and the cultivation of productive professional relationships.
E5 Experience of project planning and operating to project deliverables and timelines.
E6 Experience of working and negotiating with system suppliers to deliver new functionality or services.
Desirable:
F1 Demonstrable experience of administering the day-to-day system operations of library management or digital archive software.
F2 Experience of migrating library management software and its associated data to alternative technologies.
Terms and Conditions
Salary will be Grade 7, £39,347 - £44,263 per annum.
This post is full time (35 hours per week) and open ended (permanent).
As part of Team UofG you will be a member of a world changing, inclusive community, which values ambition, excellence, integrity and curiosity.
The University of Glasgow has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK. If you require a Skilled Worker visa to work in the UK, you will be required to meet the eligibility requirements of the visa route to be assigned a Certificate of Sponsorship.
Please note that this post may be eligible to be sponsored under the Skilled Worker visa route if tradeable points can be used under the Skilled Worker visa rules. For more information please visit: https: // www. gov.uk/skilled- worker-visa.
As a valued member of our team, you can expect:
1 A warm welcoming and engaging organisational culture, where your talents are developed and nurtured, and success is celebrated and shared.
2 An excellent employment package with generous terms and conditions including 41 days of leave for full time staff, pension - pensions handbook https: // www. gla.ac.uk/myglasgow/payandpensions/pensions/, benefits and discount packages.
3 A flexible approach to working.
4 A commitment to support your health and wellbeing, including a free 6-month UofG Sport membership for all new staff joining the University https: // www. gla.ac.uk/myglasgow/staff/healthwellbeing/.
We believe that we can only reach our full potential through the talents of all. Equality, diversity and inclusion are at the heart of our values. Applications are particularly welcome from across our communities and in particular people from the Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) community, and other protected characteristics who are under-represented within the University. Read more on how the University promotes and embeds all aspects of equality and diversity within our community https: // www. gla.ac.uk/myglasgow/humanresources/equalitydiversity/.
We endorse the principles of Athena Swan https: // www. gla.ac.uk/myglasgow/humanresources/equalitydiversity/athenaswan/ and hold bronze, silver and gold awards across the University.
We are investing in our organisation, and we will invest in you too. Please visit our website https: // www. gla.ac.uk/explore/jobs/ for more information.
Vacancy Ref : 148211 Close Date : 07-Jul-2024 23:45