Systems Management Librarian - Ursinus College

Palibraries; Collegeville (PA); On-site; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Ursinus College is seeking a Systems Management Librarian to oversee its library systems, ILL operations, and data-driven support for science and sustainability research. The role requires MLS/MLIS and hands-on experience with ILS platforms, resource sharing, and instruction.

The position includes managing licenses, accessibility, and campus collaborations; occasional travel may be required.

Qualifications

• ALA-accredited MLS/MLIS.
• Experience administering an ILS or library services platform (OCLC WMS and WorldCat Discovery).
• Experience with ILL/resource sharing, technical services and library instruction.
• Experience maintaining content in LibGuides or a CMS.
• Detail-oriented with strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

Responsibilities

• Administer and maintain library systems (OCLC WMS, WorldCat Discovery, Tipasa, LibGuides, EZproxy, ArcGIS, etc.).
• Process ILL borrowing and lending end to end; manage licenses and vendor relationships.
• Maintain the library’s online presence and accessibility standards.
• Provide teaching and liaison support for Sciences; collaborate with centers and hubs.
• Generate reports and data for collection management and assessment.
• Train student assistants and document procedures.

Skills

Attention to detail

Analytical thinking

Communication skills

Education

MLS/MLIS degree

Tools

OCLC WMS

WorldCat Discovery

Tipasa

LibGuides

EZproxy

Job description

The Systems Management Librarian is responsible for Myrin Library’s electronic resource management and operates its interlibrary loan and resource sharing service. This is a hands‑on role requiring a holistic understanding of all library systems — including the library services platform, discovery layer, proxy/authentication, research guides, and resource sharing tools — and the ability to make them work together reliably day to day.

The position administers and troubleshoots systems, maintains the library’s online presence, and runs ILL end to end. It manages licenses and access rights for e-books, online journals and databases. It also serves as Sciences liaison to academic departments and APEX hubs such as the Parlee Center for Science and the Common Good, providing data, statistical, and geospatial support (including ArcGIS). Strategic direction rests with the Director; this position supplies the technical execution, operational judgment, and data that inform those decisions.

Governing faculty status includes participation in Faculty Meetings and eligibility to serve on faculty committees.

Normal office conditions, with a heavy amount of detail‑intensive computer work. Resource sharing and technical services responsibilities involve regular handling of physical materials, including retrieving and shelving items, packing and unpacking shipments, moving loaded book trucks, and lifting or carrying packages of up to 40 pounds. Occasional travel for professional development opportunities.

Responsibilities

Specific Responsibilities:

Systems and Online Presence

• Administer and maintain library systems: OCLC WMS, WorldCat Discovery, Tipasa, LibGuides, EZproxy, ArcGIS, StackMap, EZBorrow, and others as adopted.
• Manage upgrades, configurations, and integrations with campus systems (SSO, SIS, LMS).
• Troubleshoot technical issues for students, faculty, and staff; coordinate with IT and vendors through resolution.
• Manage licenses, support agreements, and vendor relationships for systems and continuing electronic resources.
• Maintain the library’s website and Library/IT knowledge base; update content, navigation, and usability in coordination with the Director.
• Ensure library content meets accessibility standards, working with the Office of Disability & Access as needed.
• Monitor trends and emerging technologies; recommend future initiatives to the Director.
• Generate reports and statistics for collection management, resource sharing, and assessment (including ACRL and MISO surveys).
• Maintain documentation sufficient for continuity of operations.

Collections and Interlibrary Loan

• Execute collection decisions set by the Director; flag gaps, cost changes, and renewals requiring attention; provide usage data and analysis to support collection decisions.
• Process ILL borrowing and lending requests end to end (Tipasa, EZBorrow): placement, sourcing, receiving, shipping, renewals, invoicing, and problem resolution.
• Serve as primary contact for patrons and partner/consortial libraries; ensure copyright and licensing compliance; maintain consortial agreements, policies, and turnaround standards.
• Streamline ILL workflows for sustainability; track and report volume and turnaround statistics; coordinate with the Director on purchase‑on‑demand decisions.
• Train, schedule, and direct student assistants across ILL; maintain procedural documentation.

Teaching and Liaison Work

• Serve as Sciences liaison: provide instruction, research help, and research guides within the Digital Fluency program.
• Partner with the Parlee Center for Science and the Common Good, supporting its Fellows Program, consultation projects, and science communication work.
• Support APEX project teams with research strategy, source identification, and data discovery; build project‑and‑challenge‑based research guides alongside traditional department guides.
• Provide data and geospatial support, including ArcGIS, for APEX policy labs and student/faculty research in sustainability, public health, and civic and global leadership.
• Contribute workshops to APEX Experiential Learning Week and hub/center programming.

Other Duties:

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by the individual(s) assigned to this position. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified.

Job responsibilities and activities may be modified or changed at any time with or without notice. Job descriptions will be audited periodically by the Ursinus Human Resources department to ensure they are up‑to‑date and reflect the essential responsibilities and duties of the job.

Requirements and Qualifications

• ALA‑accredited MLS/MLIS.
• Experience administering an ILS or library services platform, particularly OCLC WMS and WorldCat Discovery.
• Experience with ILL/resource sharing, technical services and library instruction.
• Experience maintaining content in LibGuides, a CMS, or comparable platform.
• Detail‑oriented, with strong analytical and problem‑solving skills.
• Able to support applied, interdisciplinary research across project teams and subject areas.
• Flexible, self‑directed, and responsive to changing priorities.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills and a strong service orientation.

Preferred Skills and Competencies

• Experience with Tipasa, ILLiad, or comparable ILL platforms and consortial borrowing (e.g., EZBorrow).
• Experience managing electronic resources, including proxy configuration and access troubleshooting.
• Experience with MARC editing, batch metadata, vendor APIs, or workflow automation/scripting.
• Experience with GIS, particularly ArcGIS, and data‑intensive research support.
• Experience supporting undergraduate research, experiential learning, or interdisciplinary programs.
• Background in an academic library or merged library/IT organization.

Ursinus College is a selective, independent, co‑educational, residential liberal arts college of approximately 1500 students located about 25 miles northwest of center city Philadelphia. With a diverse community of students, it is an expectation of all faculty to contribute to the inclusion, engagement, and success of all students. Ursinus is an EEO employer. Ursinus College does not discriminate on grounds of race, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, religion, age, creed, ancestry, veteran status, marital status, disability, or other classification protected by applicable law in the administration of any of its educational programs or activities or with respect to employment.

E-Verify:

Ursinus College participates in the federal E-Verify program to confirm the identity and employment authorization of all newly hired employees. Employment is contingent upon completion of the Form I-9 and verification through E-Verify.

This position may be offered at a different title or level, depending on the background, qualifications, and experience of the candidate selected.

Additional Info

Job Type : Full-Time

Education Level : Masters in Library Science

Experience Level : 1-2 years

Job Function : Customer Service

Type of library : Academic Library

Hourly or salaried position? : Salaried position