Librarian, Data & Systems

The Nelson Gallery Foundation; Kansas City (MO); On-site; USD 54,000 - 61,000; Full time

Job summary

The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art seeks a Librarian, Data & Systems to support Library and Archives technology, data, and digitization practices. You will administer Ex Libris Alma, manage in-house digitization, and lead data quality, metadata standards, and documentation efforts.

You will develop reports and dashboards, collaborate with IT and vendors, and provide technical guidance to staff for current and emerging technologies, with a standard full-time schedule and occasional evenings/weekends.

Qualifications

• Master’s in library or information science (ALA-accredited) or equivalent experience.
• At least three years in digital initiatives, technical services, or archives.
• Experience administering a Library Services Platform; Alma strongly preferred.
• Alma Administration Certification or ability to obtain within six months.
• Experience managing technical projects/workflows in cultural institutions.
• Knowledge of MARC21, Dublin Core, XML, or XSLT.
• Familiarity with data, reporting, metadata transformation, or automation tools such as Power BI, SQL, Python.

Responsibilities

• Administer Ex Libris Alma and related applications, including configuration, access, testing, updates, and data-quality controls.
• Collaborate with vendors and IT to ensure reliable system operations.
• Evaluate and maintain digital platforms for management, discovery, access, and preservation.
• Develop reports, dashboards, and data extracts to support collection management and planning.
• Establish and maintain metadata standards, mappings, and quality-control practices.
• Coordinate metadata creation, migration, and authority control.
• Manage in-house digitization for archival and museum materials; set workflows and priorities.
• Support rights management and long-term digital preservation.
• Provide technical training and consultation for Library staff.

Skills

Data governance

Metadata handling

Technical communication

Project coordination

Cross-functional teamwork

Education

Master’s in library or information science (ALA-accredited)

Tools

Ex Libris Alma

Airtable

Power BI

MARCEdit

SQL

Python

XML/XSLT

Job description

Starting Salary Range: $53,766 to $60,533

The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art is seeking a collaborative and technically skilled Librarian, Data & Systems to support the technology, data, metadata, and digitization practices of our Library and Archives.

In this role, you will serve as the functional administrator and subject-matter resource for the Library Services Platform, Ex Libris Alma, and related digital systems. You will help ensure reliable operations, accurate and accessible data, effective discovery, and long-term preservation of digital resources. You will also lead technical projects, manage the Library’s in-house digitization program, develop documentation and standards, and help colleagues make effective use of evolving technologies.

What You’ll Do

Administer Ex Libris Alma and related applications and integrations, including configuration, user access, testing, updates, troubleshooting, reporting, batch processes, and data-quality controls.

Partner with vendors and the Museum’s Information Systems team to resolve issues and support reliable system operations.

Evaluate, implement, integrate, and maintain digital platforms supporting the management, discovery, access, and preservation of Library and Archives resources.

Develop reports, queries, dashboards, and data extracts to support collection management, operational planning, projects, and decision-making.

Establish and maintain metadata standards, mappings, documentation, and quality-control practices.

Coordinate metadata creation, enhancement, migration, batch remediation, and authority control.

Manage the Library’s in-house digitization program for archival, special-collection, and Museum-related materials.

Establish digitization workflows and quality standards, coordinate project priorities and volunteer assignments, and support rights management and long-term digital preservation.

Provide technical consultation, troubleshooting, documentation, and training for Library and Archives staff.

Provide scheduled reference services to Museum staff, researchers, and other Library users, including rotating weekend coverage.

What You Bring

A master’s degree in library or information science from an ALA-accredited program, or an equivalent combination of advanced education and directly related professional experience.

At least three years of experience in digital initiatives, technical services, or related library or archives work.

Experience administering a Library Services Platform. Experience with Ex Libris Alma is strongly preferred.

Alma Administration Certification or the ability to obtain certification within six months of employment.

Experience managing technical projects and workflows in a library, archive, museum, or other cultural institution.

Knowledge of metadata standards and digital-collection practices, such as MARC21, Dublin Core, XML, or XSLT.

Familiarity with data, reporting, metadata-transformation, or automation tools such as Airtable, Microsoft Excel, Power BI, MARCEdit, SQL, Python, or command-line tools.

Knowledge of digital-preservation principles and emerging technologies.

Strong project-management, organization, communication, and problem-solving skills.

The ability to translate technical information for a variety of audiences and work effectively as part of a collaborative, cross-trained team.

Curiosity, adaptability, and a demonstrated ability to learn and integrate new technologies.

Schedule and Physical Requirements

This position works a standard full-time schedule and may occasionally require evening or weekend work, including rotating weekend reference coverage. Minimal travel of approximately 0-10% may be required.

Work is performed primarily in an office environment with extended periods of computer use. Occasional lifting of up to 30 pounds, movement of materials, and physical activity related to collections handling may be required. Reasonable accommodations may be provided to enable qualified individuals to perform the essential functions of the position.

Compensation

This is an exempt Grade 6 position. The anticipated hiring range is $53,766 to $60,533, based on qualifications and experience.

About the Nelson-Atkins

The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art invites all people to explore the art in its care and, through its broad collection, the depths and complexities of human experience. We welcome everyone to enjoy and contemplate artistic creations spanning 5,000 years. With art as our focus, we strive to create a sense of belonging for all people.

The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art is an equal opportunity employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. We are committed to fostering an inclusive workplace where employees are respected, supported, and able to contribute their talents.