Manager/Library Systems

Central Michigan University; Mount Pleasant (MI); On-site; USD 68,000 - 83,000; Full time

Job summary

Central Michigan University Libraries is seeking a Manager of Library Systems to provide strategic leadership for library systems across their lifecycle. The role includes hands‑on configuration, vendor coordination, and advising library leaders on strategy, risks, and budgets.

The 12‑month, non tenure track librarian position emphasizes collaboration with campus partners, continuous improvement, and alignment with university priorities.

Qualifications

• ALA accredited master's degree in library science.
• Four+ years of progressively responsible experience involving library systems.
• Project management across cross-functional teams and vendors.
• Ability to influence and lead without direct authority.
• Liaison with library vendors and IT partners.
• Ability to analyze system changes and communicate risks.
• Excellent written and verbal communication.
• Collaborative, independent problem solving in a dynamic environment.
• Commitment to continuous learning and evolving technologies.

Responsibilities

• Provide leadership for library systems across lifecycle and platforms.
• Establish strategic direction and priorities for library systems.
• Advise library leaders on systems strategy, risks, and upgrades.
• Coordinate with vendors and campus partners to align needs.
• Hands‑on configuration, testing, troubleshooting, and implementation.
• Manage cross‑functional library systems projects and milestones.
• Oversee system integrations, upgrades, and workflows.
• Monitor technology trends and advise on needs and approvals.
• Develop policies, procedures, and documentation for systems.
• Supervise one direct report and support professional development.
• Serve on committees and promote collaboration and service.

Skills

Project management

Cross-functional collaboration

Vendor coordination

Analytical thinking

Communication skills

Stakeholder engagement

Usability & assessment

Education

ALA accredited master's degree in library science

Tools

Ex Libris Alma/Primo

Library services platforms

Job description

CMU Libraries is currently hiring a Manager of Library Systems.

Posting Number S-3915.

Position Summary

Provides strategic leadership, coordination, and operational expertise for University Libraries systems in a collaborative, service oriented environment. This 12 month, non tenure track librarian position is responsible for the planning, implementation, oversight, and continued evolution of library systems across their full lifecycle, ensuring reliable services that align with library and university priorities. This position serves as a key advisor to library leaders on systems strategy, budget recommendations, and emerging technologies, while also performing hands on configuration, maintenance, and problem solving for core library platforms. The position is the primary connector among library units, library technology vendors, and campus partners, translating library technology needs, constraints, and opportunities into actionable solutions and supporting library services, staff workflows, and user needs. Supervises the Coordinator of Marketing and Branding.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Provides stewardship, coordination, and oversight of University Libraries systems and platforms ensuring they are reliable, sustainable, user-centered, and aligned with library and university priorities.
• Establishes strategic direction, goals, and priorities for library systems and leads coordinated progress toward achieving them through collaborative planning and shared responsibility.
• Serves as a member of the Deans Advisory Council, working closely with library leaders to advise on library systems strategy, risks, and long-term directions.
• Acts as the primary connector and translator among library units, library vendors, and campus partners (e.g., the Office of Information Technology or Marketing and Communications), to foster trust, transparency, and mutual understanding.
• Provides hands‑on operational expertise for core library systems (including the library services platform, discovery platform, and web‑based tools), performing configuration, testing, troubleshooting, and implementation as needed.
• Coordinates library systems project management by defining scope, timelines, and success measures; facilitating cross‑functional collaboration and input; communicating changes and impacts; and supporting effective adoption and continuous improvement.
• Provides oversight of system integrations, upgrades, and workflows, ensuring changes are thoughtfully planned, documented, tested, and communicated across affected units and campus partners.
• Serves as the primary point of contact with library systems vendors, coordinating relationships, upgrades, renewals, problem resolution, and escalation in partnership with library colleagues and campus partners (e.g., the Office of Information Technology).
• Works collaboratively with library staff to monitor library technology trends, assess technology needs, explore options, recommend solutions, and coordinate required approvals, ensuring inclusive decision‑making and shared ownership.
• Supports continuous improvement of online patron systems, including the discovery platform and website, through assessment and usability feedback.
• Gathers and reports data related to library systems use and performance to inform decision‑making and planning.
• Develops, maintains, and communicates library systems policies, procedures, standards, and documentation.
• Coordinates and supports cross‑departmental committees and work groups, ensuring library colleagues have meaningful opportunities for input, shared learning, and professional growth related to library systems.
• Supervises one direct report supporting professional development, accountability, inclusion, and a culture of continuous improvement.
• Serves on library‑wide and university committees as appropriate and contributes positively to a collaborative, innovation, and service‑oriented organizational culture.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Required

• ALA accredited masters degree in library science.
• Minimum of four years of progressively responsible experience involving library systems (e.g., integrated library systems, library services platforms, discovery platforms, or web platforms).
• Project management experience, including planning, coordinating cross functional work, communicating changes and impacts, and guiding implementation.
• Demonstrated ability to influence and lead without positional authority, including working effectively across departments and with stakeholders who do not report directly to the position.
• Experience serving as a liaison with library vendors, external service providers, or IT partners to coordinate upgrades and resolve issues.
• Demonstrated ability to analyze system changes holistically, anticipate operational impacts, and communicate risks and recommendations to a variety of audiences.
• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills, with the ability to translate complex technical concepts into clear, actionable information for non technical audiences.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively, consultatively, and independently in a dynamic environment with competing priorities.
• Demonstrated commitment to continuous learning, including the ability to adapt to evolving technologies, platforms, and organizational needs.

Preferred

• An additional advanced degree in a related field.
• Formal training or certification in project management, change management, usability, or service design.
• Recent experience working in an academic library in a related role.
• Recent experience providing strategic oversight of one or more major library platforms (e.g., Ex Libris Alma/Primo, SpringShare products, or digital collections platforms, such as Veridian or Omeka).
• Recent experience as a formal/positional leader or manager of library systems.
• Recent supervisory experience.
• Experience facilitating cross departmental committees or working groups focused on library technology, systems, or workflows.
• Experience developing or maintaining systems roadmaps or long term planning documents.
• Experience working closely with essential campus partners, such as central IT organizations or marketing/communications units.
• Experience using data or assessment tools to inform decisions, evaluate services, or report outcomes.
• Familiarity with user experience research, usability testing, or assessment methods as applied to library systems.
• Knowledge of cataloging and metadata standards commonly used in libraries such as MARC21 and RDA.

Pay Range: $68,000 – $83,000

This position will remain open until filled. The university reserves the right to close the recruitment process once a sufficient applicant pool has been identified. For best consideration, please submit application materials on or before Thursday, July 30th, 2026.

Find full details for the position at https://www.jobs.cmich.edu/postings/45098