Discovery and Systems Librarian

Smith College; Northampton (MA); Remote; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

Smith College seeks a dedicated professional to oversee the technical infrastructure of its Libraries' discovery layer. The ideal candidate will possess a Master's degree and 1-3 years of experience in Library Management Systems. Responsibilities include enhancing user experience, troubleshooting access issues, and collaborating with colleagues across the Five Colleges. This position offers a fully remote work schedule and is part of a commitment to equity and inclusion in a diverse academic environment.

Qualifications

• 1-3 years experience with Library Management Systems.
• Experience working with diverse backgrounds.
• Strong technical skills in library software.

Responsibilities

• Oversee technical infrastructure of library discovery layer.
• Collaborate to resolve electronic resource access issues.
• Chair the Libraries Discovery Team.

Skills

Technical skills

Communication

Troubleshooting

Diversity awareness

Education

Master's degree or equivalent

Tools

SQL

PHP

Javascript

Python

Job description

If you have any questions about the position or our application process, reach out to us at [e-mail].

LibrariesJob Description

Essential Functions

Discovery and Systems (100%)

• Oversee the technical infrastructure of the Libraries' discovery layer. Continually evaluate and enhance services, emphasizing accessibility and overall user experience.
• Act as the primary contact point for FOLIO within the Five Colleges. Review and test upgrades, update Five Colleges on bugs and system problems, and inform the Smith community about new features.
• Advocate for the consortium's needs to EBSCO and other library software developers as well as publishers, in collaboration with Five College colleagues.
• Collaborate with the Electronic Resources Department to resolve on- and off-campus electronic resource access issues. Troubleshoot e-resource access barriers with library colleagues, students, and faculty, and resolve individual and large-scale access issues. Communicate potential issues to library stakeholders.
• Work with Learning, Research, and Technology staff to optimize the discovery of and access to the Libraries' online and print collections for students, faculty, and staff.
• Chair the Libraries Discovery Team and participate in the Five College Discovery Committee, serving as chair on a rotating basis.
• Provide system and technical guidance for additional systems used within the Libraries, including the institutional repository, preservation systems, digital repository, and additional systems when necessary.
• Continually develop expertise with emerging technologies and identify, assess, and relay information about trends and innovations in electronic resource access and discovery to colleagues.
• Serve as a contact point for library staff for questions related to discovery and systems. Provide support and training to library staff as needed.

Other Functions

• Other duties as assigned.

All employees are expected to participate in the College's efforts to create a respectful, inclusive, and welcoming work environment.

Minimum Qualifications (knowledge, skills, education, experience, certifications, licenses)

• Master's degree or equivalent
• 1-3 years experience working within Library Management Systems and discovery interfaces
• Experience working with individuals from diverse backgrounds.

Preferred Qualifications

• Strong technical skills, including knowledge of library software and systems, including integrated library systems, discovery systems, authentication software, openURL linking standards, and metadata standards
• Experience working in a consortial environment
• Excellent communication skills both written and verbal
• Ability to troubleshoot complex problems including system issues and access problems
• Understanding of accessibility standards and guidelines
• Knowledge of data privacy and security
• A basic understanding of digital preservation including concepts and tools
• Knowledge of metadata and cataloging formats including (MARC, Dublin Core, MODS, and METS)

Skills

Basic competency in SQL, PHP, Javascript, Python

Other Information

This position is eligible for a fully remote work schedule.

Remote workers may reside in the following States: Arkansas, Hawaii, Iowa, Kentucky, Nevada, North Dakota, South Dakota, South Carolina, Wisconsin, Wyoming.

Please attach BOTH a current resume and a cover letter in order for your application to be considered for this position . Be sure you have provided all attachments before submitting your application.

You will NOT be able to attach additional files after you have hit the Submit button.

Review of applications will begin

June 12, 2025

Position Type:

RegularAbout Smith College

Located in Northampton, MA, Smith College is one of the largest women's colleges in the country and is dedicated to excellence in teaching and research across the liberal arts. A faculty of outstanding scholars interact with students in small classes, as advisors, and through student-faculty research projects. The College is a member of the Five College Consortium with Amherst, Hampshire and Mt. Holyoke Colleges, and the University of Massachusetts Amherst.Students cross-enroll and faculty cross-teach across the Five Colleges.

Consistent with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Massachusetts General Law, Chapter 151B, it is the policy of Smith College to provide reasonable accommodation when requested by a qualified applicant or employee with a disability, unless such accommodation would cause an undue hardship. The policy regarding requests for reasonable accommodation applies to all aspects of employment, including the application process. If reasonable accommodation is needed, please contact our recruiting team at [e-mail].

As set forth in our mission and values, Smith College is committed to promoting a culture of equity and inclusion among students, staff and faculty. The College will not discriminate in employment on the basis of age, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, creed, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, genetic information, age, veteran status, physical or mental disability, or any other classification protected by law. Smith College is an equal opportunity employer and complies with all state and federal laws that prohibit discrimination.