Systems Librarian

Job Summary

The Systems Librarian is responsible for managing and supporting technology products and services used by the library. The systems librarian also designs, develops, and maintains software applications for the library.

Some Abbreviations

DTS = Dallas Theological Seminary

WMS = OCLC WorldShare Management Systems, a SaaS product that enables library functions including acquisitions, cataloging, circulation, discovery, etc.

Mosaic/GOBI = the main print book and ebook ordering system we use

PSL = Public Services Librarian

SL = Systems Librarian

Duties/Responsibilities

• Evaluate, recommend, implement, support and maintain technology products and services used by the library. Document key configuration choices and processes.
• Serve as lead contact with DTS IT and with various technology vendors. (Most systems used by the library are vendor-hosted. DTS IT is responsible for DTS servers, network services, authentication, and staff computers.)
• Configure, support and maintain WMS, EZProxy, and databases from many vendors and publishers. Configuration of WMS is a special case. The SL makes most configuration changes to WMS. However, the PSL maintains the calendar (among other things), and Metadata Services Librarian maintains holdings locations (among other things). The SL must ensure members of the team work in harmony and discuss non-trivial changes.
• Work with DTS IT to deal with security, privacy, and authentication issues. (We use Azure/SAML SSO authentication as well as WMS native authentication.)
• Work with DTS and vendors to deal with data exchange issues. Example one: verify data extracted from Student Information System, and securely transfer that data to WMS daily. Example two: configure Mosaic/GOBI to query WMS by API so Mosaic can instantly verify our bibliographic holdings to prevent duplicate orders.
• Troubleshoot technology problems for staff and students. Solve problems if possible; otherwise report problems to campus IT or vendors as needed. Devise workarounds while waiting for vendor solutions.
• Help PSL to help students use databases. Help maintain instructional documentation about databases.
• Design and maintain the library website. Work with campus IT to configure, update, maintain and backup website infrastructure (operating system, webserver, WordPress, DBMS). Markup content using HTML and CSS. Work with library staff to create/update content.
• Design, develop, test, document, and deploy software. This might include writing javascript code for the website, writing and managing plugins and PHP functions for WordPress, and writing bash/python scripts.
• Submit an annual report. Throughout the year, generate reports based on data analytics.
• Stay current on IT, library, and educational trends.
• Perform other duties as assigned. We are small enough that staff must occasionally assist outside their specialties.
  
  

Knowledge, Education And Experience

• We prefer applicants with a library degree (e.g., MLS), but we will consider applicants with library work experience.
• We prefer applicants with a work history of successful teamwork, customer service, and vendor relations. This work history does not have to be in a library environment.
• We require applicants with excellent oral and written communication skills.
• We require applicants able to design, develop, and maintain websites and simple software scripts. For examples of what we mean by “simple scripts,” see Appendix below. We require applicants able to markup and code from scratch without AI assistance, but on the job we will allow disciplined use of AI to generate code. We prefer applicants with a degree in software engineering, but we are willing to consider self-taught applicants who can prove competency with a software portfolio backed up by endorsements from customers or employers.
  
  

Physical Requirements

• Must work on Dallas campus, not remotely
• Must be able to work prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer
• Must be able to lift a 30 pound box (but very rarely)