Head of Libraries Systems — Information Technologist II/S

Working/Functional Title

Head of Libraries Systems

Position Summary

The Michigan State University Libraries and MSU IT invite applications for a collaborative, forward‑thinking Head of Libraries Systems to lead the IT operations that power discovery, access, preservation, and delivery of scholarly information across the University. This role oversees the Libraries Systems unit, providing direct supervision to eight technical professionals whose expertise spans desktop support, DevOps practices, and systems administration across Windows, Linux, and containerized environments. The position, reporting to the Assistant Chief Information Officer and dotted line to the Associate Dean of Libraries Digital Initiatives, guides the development, maintenance, and enhancement of a diverse ecosystem of platforms, including the FOLIO library services platform, digital repositories, research information systems, and public‑facing discovery tools relied on daily by students, faculty, staff, and researchers around the world.

Working closely with librarians, campus partners, and external collaborators, the Head of Libraries Systems ensures that library technologies remain reliable, secure, interoperable, and aligned with institutional goals. The successful candidate will help shape technology strategy for the MSU Libraries, champion library‑specific requirements within enterprise environments, and help envision and implement solutions that support evolving research practices, new modes of scholarship, and the long‑term stewardship of digital and physical collections.

Job Duties & Responsibilities

• Coordinate day-to-day technical operations of library systems, providing supervision to staff, providing guidance and technical support to staff, and collaborating with MSU IT and library administration on assigned initiatives.
• Contribute to the planning and continuous improvement of library technology services by recommending enhancements that support discovery, research workflows, teaching, and digital collections.
• Oversee the library technology ecosystem, including FOLIO, institutional repositories, digital asset management systems, discovery interfaces, and ERM tools.
• Ensure reliable and interoperable systems that support metadata workflows, cataloging, course reserves, and special collections of digital asset management.
• Manage public‑facing library technologies such as research guide platforms, room booking systems, equipment checkout services, and assistive technology environments.
• Create and maintain technology policies aligned with MSU Libraries values related to openness, data security, and user privacy.
• Implement and manage authentication and security frameworks, including off‑campus access, guest accounts, and compliance with university protocols and vendor license terms.
• Serve as a technical liaison to librarians, digital scholarship teams, MSU Press, and the University Archives, supporting publishing, preservation, and digital project infrastructure needs.
• Collaborate with MSU IT and external partners to integrate enterprise services and advocate for library‑specific requirements in authentication, networking, storage, and other shared systems.
• Assist with technology purchasing and vendor coordination, including supporting procurement activities, tracking subscriptions, and maintaining documentation related to licensed and consortial systems.
  
  

Minimum Requirements

Knowledge equivalent to that which normally would be acquired by completing a four-year college degree program in Computer Science, Information Systems, Business or related information technology field; three to five years of related and progressively more responsible or expansive work experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Desired Qualifications

• Demonstrated ability to work effectively at the intersection of library and campus IT organizations.
• Experience developing or implementing technology policies related to accessibility, copyright, privacy, or open source and open access.
• Experience managing budgets, vendor relationships, and consortial licensing arrangements.
• Understanding emerging technologies relevant to academic libraries, including responsible and ethical uses of machine learning and artificial intelligence, linked open data, and research information management systems.
• Familiarity with FOLIO or other library services platforms.
• Experience in managing hybrid infrastructure across on-premise and cloud environments, with familiarity in Windows, Mac, and Linux platforms and containerization tools.
• Previous experience supervising a team and unit operations.
• Ability to collaborate well with others and help to foster a welcoming environment.
  
  

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, age, disability or protected veteran status.

Required Application Materials

Interested applicants should provide a cover letter, resume, and three references (2 must be present/past supervisors

Work Hours

STANDARD 8-5

Website

lib.msu.edu

Bidding eligibility ends April 28, 2026, 11:55 PM