Systems Librarian

Job Details

Dallas Campus - Dallas TX

Full Time Hourly Non Exempt

$50000.00 - $50000.00 Salary / year

On Campus

Description

Job Summary

The Systems Librarian is responsible for managing and supporting technology products and services used by the library. The systems librarian also designs develops and maintains software applications for the library.

Some Abbreviations

DTS Dallas Theological Seminary

WMS OCLC WorldShare Management Systems a SaaS product that enables library functions including acquisitions cataloging circulation discovery etc.

Mosaic / GOBI the main print book and ebook ordering system we use

PSL Public Services Librarian

SL Systems Librarian

Duties / Responsibilities

Evaluate recommend implement support and maintain technology products and services used by the library. Document key configuration choices and processes.

Serve as lead contact with DTS IT and with various technology vendors. (Most systems used by the library are vendor-hosted. DTS IT is responsible for DTS servers network services authentication and staff computers.)

Configure support and maintain WMS EZProxy and databases from many vendors and publishers. Configuration of WMS is a special case. The SL makes most configuration changes to WMS. However the PSL maintains the calendar (among other things) and Metadata Services Librarian maintains holdings locations (among other things). The SL must ensure members of the team work in harmony and discuss non-trivial changes.

Work with DTS IT to deal with security privacy and authentication issues. (We use Azure / SAML SSO authentication as well as WMS native authentication.)

Work with DTS and vendors to deal with data exchange issues. Example one : verify data extracted from Student Information System and securely transfer that data to WMS daily. Example two : configure Mosaic / GOBI to query WMS by API so Mosaic can instantly verify our bibliographic holdings to prevent duplicate orders.

Troubleshoot technology problems for staff and students. Solve problems if possible; otherwise report problems to campus IT or vendors as needed. Devise workarounds while waiting for vendor solutions.

Help PSL to help students use databases. Help maintain instructional documentation about databases.

Design and maintain the library website. Work with campus IT to configure update maintain and backup website infrastructure (operating system webserver WordPress DBMS). Markup content using HTML and CSS. Work with library staff to create / update content.

Design develop test document and deploy software. This might include writing javascript code for the website writing and managing plugins and PHP functions for WordPress and writing bash / python scripts.

Submit an annual report. Throughout the year generate reports based on data analytics.

Stay current on IT library and educational trends.

Perform other duties as assigned. We are small enough that staff must occasionally assist outside their specialties.

Qualifications

Knowledge education and experience

We prefer applicants with a library degree (e.g. MLS) but we will consider applicants with library work experience.

We prefer applicants with a work history of successful teamwork customer service and vendor relations. This work history does not have to be in a library environment.

We require applicants with excellent oral and written communication skills.

We require applicants able to design develop and maintain websites and simple software scripts. For examples of what we mean by simple scripts see Appendix below. We require applicants able to markup and code from scratch without AI assistance but on the job we will allow disciplined use of AI to generate code. We prefer applicants with a degree in software engineering but we are willing to consider self-taught applicants who can prove competency with a software portfolio backed up by endorsements from customers or employers.

Additional ( preferred) knowledge education and experience

Demonstrated ability and willingness to perform the following specific technical and project responsibilities :

Managing Systems

• Gather and interpret usage data. For example tabulate use of each page of website. Tabulate EZProxy logins based on user home location. Become expert with WMS analytics module.
• Keep track of major changes in software and update staff and / or students. Update configuration options. Work with Public Services Librarian concerning changes that affect students (e.g. the switch to new eBook reader apps for DRM protected eBooks on both ProQuest and EBSCO platforms).
• Work with IT to include custom fields in data loaded into WMS. Examples are degree program user home region and expected year of graduation. Work with OCLC so the custom fields are reportable.
• Develop a better way to send batch email to all various groups of students (e.g. new students).
• Work with staff to evaluate SpringShares LibGuides and deploy if approved. Evaluation requires cost benefit analysis and benefit analysis requires documenting how much LibGuides are actually used by students at peer institutions.
• Work with staff to evaluate 1) archival repository software (supports hierarchical organization of collections) and 2) institutional repository software (supports textual documents like books and dissertations) and 3) EZProxy Analytics and 4) Discovery Web Analytics. Base evaluation on cost benefit analysis as for LibGuides.
• With staff explore ways AI might be useful in the library and describe library AI products. Study how seminary students are using AI for searching researching and writing. Assess quality of AI translation from English into Chinese Spanish and Arabic. Investigate legal issues related to translation of copyrighted materials. Assess AI products made for pastors.

Website

Completely replace website using WordPress. This will be the main special project for 2026. Here we provide specific detail about how the SL might work with other library staff to get the job done. Below steps 1-3 and 8-9 are collaborative. Steps 4-7 and 10-11 are done by the Systems Librarian.

Coding & Migrating Data

This consumes only a small portion of work-time but it is the most technical aspect of the job. Here are some examples.

Physical Requirements

Must work on Dallas campus not remotely

Must be able to work prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer

Must be able to lift a 30 pound box (but very rarely)

Key Skills

Organisational skills,Customer Service,Communication skills,Critical thinking,Research skills,Teamwork,Computer and Internet Literacy,Leadership Experience,Attention to detail,Adaptable

Employment Type : Full-Time

Experience : years

Vacancy : 1

Monthly Salary Salary : 50000 - 50000