Applications Administrator

Alsip-Merrionette Park Public Library District; Naperville (IL); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Vacation accrual 3 weeks yearly

7 holidays yearly

12 days sick leave

Parental leave 12 weeks

Job summary

Naperville Public Library is seeking an Applications Administrator to manage the Sierra ILS and related components, oversee configurations, schedule updates, and integrate software solutions to improve automation and workflows, while supporting reporting and usability enhancements.

The role involves collaborating with stakeholders to optimize discovery and access, testing upgrades, and serving as liaison with vendors to ensure timely resolutions.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in computer science or related field preferred.
• Minimum 2 years’ experience creating queries, preferably with Create List and SQL.
• Minimum 3 years’ experience managing or coordinating an Integrated Library Management Solution or other enterprise‑based digital ecosystem.
• Minimum 3 years' experience with Machine Readable Cataloging (MARC) Standards.

Responsibilities

• Serves as the administrator and lead for the Libraries Sierra/Integrated Libraries System (ILS) including administration, data backup and retention, maintenance, and monitoring of the application database.
• Coordinate patching, upgrading, testing, and troubleshooting with vendor.
• Develop and communicate upgrade schedule based on vendors upgrade roadmap.
• Leads regularly scheduled end-user meetings that provide updates on enhancements, changes, ongoing issues and optimal workflow related practices.
• Set and update system configurations to increase efficiency.
• Review and test system upgrades through best practice change management.
• Coordinate, manage incoming datafeeds, including but not limited to patron data.
• Troubleshoot problems with the ILS suite of solutions and acts as a liaison between vendors and Library staff to report problems and ensure timely resolutions.
• Consult with key stakeholders to identify potential workflows and enhancements that allow for increased user experience.
• Provide instructions for creating custom reports and consultation for improving workflows.
• Acts as the Libraries representative to various local and national user groups.
• Act as the ILS liaison with committees and task forces both internally and externally.
• Develop expertise in emerging technologies and changing modes of search and discovery. Researches, identifies and makes recommendations for issues regarding process improvement, system support, upgrades, implementation and interfaces, systems integrity and related technological advancements.
• Lead the development of strategies to improve the discovery of Libraries collections by designing, developing, and implementing solutions that integrate existing tools with new technologies and approaches.
• Gather and report statistics and data from the system to inform decision‑making related to Libraries services.
• Support and participate in usability testing of search, discovery and user interface.
• Upholds the highest standards of customer service with polite, helpful, and efficient interactions with vendors, customers, and staff.
• Participate in the development of policies and procedures as needed to ensure the efficient operation and management of ILS environment.
• Consult across the Libraries with regard to system capabilities and functionality, forwarding requests for system modifications and/or enhancements to the vendor as appropriate.
• Provides a responsive experience for internal business partners while also managing realistic expectations.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Skills

SQL queries

ILS administration

MARC standards

Project management

Customer service

Microsoft Office/Outlook

Communication

Troubleshooting

Education

Bachelor's degree in computer science

3+ years experience with ILS/enterprise digital ecosystem

3+ years experience with MARC standards

Tools

SQL

Job description

TheApplications Administratormanages andmaintainsthe Integrated Library Management Solution (ILS) and all integrated components. This positionis responsible formanaging system configurations,reviewingand scheduling software updates, integration of software solutions into the ecosystem that allow for greater automation and workflow, and enhancing access and discovery. Provides instruction for creating reports and consultation for improving workflows. Working both independently and collaboratively with key stakeholders, they develop, implement, and assess tools and services by focusing on usability, accessibility, sustainability, stability, scalability,securityand overall performance. The Applications Administrator position is the libraries’ primary contact for Sierra,Bibliocore,BiblioApps, Library IQ, Backstage LibraryWorks,Syndeticsand Patron Point.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Serves as the administrator and lead for the Libraries Sierra/Integrated Libraries System (ILS) including administration, data backup and retention, maintenance, and monitoring of the application database.
• Coordinate patching, upgrading, testing, and troubleshooting with vendor.
• Develop and communicate upgrade schedule based on vendors upgrade roadmap.
• Leads regularly scheduled end-user meetings that provide updates on enhancements, changes, ongoing issues and optimal workflow related practices.
• Set and update system configurations to increase efficiency.
• Review and test system upgrades through best practice change management.
• Coordinate, manage incoming datafeeds, including but not limited to patron data.
• Troubleshoot problems with the ILS suite of solutions and acts as a liaison between vendors and Library staff to report problems and ensure timely resolutions.
• Consult with key stakeholders to identify potential workflows and enhancements that allow for increased user experience.
• Provide instructions for creating custom reports and consultation for improving workflows.
• Acts as the Libraries representative to various local and national user groups.
• Act as the ILS liaison with committees and task forces both internally and externally.
• Develop expertise in emerging technologies and changing modes of search and discovery. Researches, identifies and makes recommendations for issues regarding process improvement, system support, upgrades, implementation and interfaces, systems integrity and related technological advancements.
• Lead the development of strategies to improve the discovery of Libraries collections by designing, developing, and implementing solutions that integrate existing tools with new technologies and approaches.
• Gather and report statistics and data from the system to inform decision‑making related to Libraries services.
• Support and participate in usability testing of search, discovery and user interface.
• Upholds the highest standards of customer service with polite, helpful, and efficient interactions with vendors, customers, and staff.
• Participate in the development of policies and procedures as needed to ensure the efficient operation and management of ILS environment.
• Consult across the Libraries with regard to system capabilities and functionality, forwarding requests for system modifications and/or enhancements to the vendor as appropriate.
• Provides a responsive experience for internal business partners while also managing realistic expectations.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS/ABILITIES

• Proficient in relevant computer software programs including Microsoft Office and Outlook.
• Demonstrates strong written, verbal communication and interpersonal skills working effectively with diverse cultures, interpersonal styles, abilities, and backgrounds.
• Demonstrates exceptional customer service, providing quality assistance to vendors, customers, and staff.
• Uses multiple tools to answer questions, uses relevant computer software including spreadsheets for daily tasks and communication and troubleshooting integrated library system issues. Stays current in relevant technology and exhibits good project management skills.
• Ability to manage competing priorities and needs through collaboration with Director of IT and internal strategic business partners.
• Service‑oriented with the ability to establish and maintain effective relationships with staff and the public.
• Uses problem solving skills in determining priorities, finding timely solutions to departmental or system‑wide issues.
• Demonstrates strong organizational skills, time management skills, and attention to detail.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively on projects and programs with staff members.
• Takes responsibility for consistent completion and follow‑up on all tasks.
• Responsive to change and demonstrates adaptability.
• Maintains a positive approach while doing daily tasks and when faced with adversity.
• Exhibits sound and accurate judgment.
• Stays current in relevant technology and exhibits good project management skills.
• Demonstrates a broader understanding of the job and looks for ways to improve Library services and support coworkers.

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE/QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree in computer science or related field preferred.
• Minimum 2 years’ experience creating queries, preferably with Create List and SQL.
• Minimum 3 years’ experience managing or coordinating an Integrated Library Management Solution or other enterprise‑based digital ecosystem.
• Minimum 3 years' experience with Machine Readable Cataloging (MARC) Standards.

BENEFITS

The benefits for this position include:

• Annual Vacation Accrual: 3 weeks per year.
• Holidays: 7 days per year.
• Annual Sick Accrual: 12 days per year.
• Up to 5 personal days per calendar year, prorated based on the hire date.
• 12 weeks paid parental leave
• Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund (Pension Plan).
• Health Benefits (Medical, Dental, Vision).

Naperville Public Library- 95th Street Library, Will County