Systems Librarian

North Carolina State University at Raleigh

Raleigh, NC

ID: 7371413
Posted: Newly posted
Application Deadline: Open Until Filled

Job Description

About the Department
Join the NC State University Libraries and help us create adventurous, innovative services and library spaces that delight students, faculty, and researchers. The award-winning James B. Hunt Jr. Library on NC State’s Centennial Campus, offers access to advanced technologies that are enabling revolutionary ways to see and use information. Capturing NC State’s spirit of innovation in education and research, the Hunt Library is recognized as one of the world’s most creative and inspirational learning and collaborative spaces and a model for “the library of the future.” The D. H. Hill Jr. Library, serving the main campus, combines the best of tradition and innovation, housing special collections and a beautiful gallery alongside vibrant, experiential spaces for making, digital media creation, data analysis and visualization, and collaboration. Three branch libraries focus on design, natural resources, and veterinary medicine.

The NC State University Libraries invites applications and nominations for the position of Systems Librarian in the Digital Library Initiatives department. The Digital Library Initiatives (DLI) department applies systems analysis, design, service development, and software development skills to the creation and improvement of a broad range of library products and services. As a collaborative and consultative partner, DLI works with stakeholders across the Libraries and university to bring new services to life and solve complex technical challenges. DLI develops and supports the core systems that provide access to the Libraries’ print and electronic resources, including Ex Libris Alma, the Primo discovery layer, ILLiad, and EZproxy. The department maintains a broad portfolio of prototype and production systems and services in areas including digital collections, high-technology spaces, researcher profiles and identifiers, exploratory applications of machine learning and AI, and assessment and analytics. DLI develops new research infrastructure support services focused on improving the efficiency and productivity of NC State researchers in collaboration with university partners including the Office of Information Technology (OIT) and the Office of Research and Innovation (ORI). Staff develop and support open source and locally developed applications that promote resource discovery and delivery, enable use of Libraries spaces, and improve staff workflows. For examples of the department’s projects and initiatives, visit: https://www.lib.ncsu.edu/dli/projects
Wolfpack Perks and Benefits
As a Pack member, you belong here, and can enjoy exclusive perks designed to enhance your personal and professional well-being. As you consider this opportunity, we encourage you to review our Employee Value Proposition and learn more about what makes NC State the best place to learn and work for everyone.

What we offer:
Medical, Dental, and Vision
Flexible Spending Account
Retirement Programs
Disability Plans
Life Insurance
Accident Plan
Paid Time Off and Other Leave Programs
12 Holidays Each Year
Tuition and Academic Assistance
And so much more!

Attain Work-life balance with our Childcare benefits, Wellness & Recreation Membership, and Wellness Programs that aim to build a thriving wolfpack community.

Disclaimer: Perks and Benefit eligibility is based on Part-Time or Full-Time Employment status. Eligibility and Employer Sponsored Plans can be found within each of the links offered.
Essential Job Duties
The Systems Librarian provides primary administration and project management for the Libraries’ Ex Libris Alma platform and public-facing Primo discovery layer. The position facilitates collaborative decision-making for these discovery tools, including chairing the Libraries’ Alma Product Team and working with all library services platform teams to align system policies with user and departmental needs. The position translates complex technical developments into clear, functional workflows for colleagues, helping to optimize processes across functional areas, including fulfillment, acquisitions, resource management, resource sharing, and user experience. They partner with other stakeholders to manage the Alma platform’s lifecycle, including monitoring software release schedules, assessing their impacts on library operations, utilizing analytics to generate reports for data-informed decision-making, implementing configuration updates, maintaining technical documentation, and providing functional support for library staff. The position acts as a primary technical liaison with Ex Libris and participates actively in professional communities such as ELUNA, the UNC System, and the Triangle Research Libraries Network (TRLN). They actively explore emerging services and technologies, including AI-driven improvements to library search, discovery, and internal workflows, working to enhance the library user experience.

The position deeply considers how their approach to their daily work reflects and advances the Libraries’ Strategic Plan, creating an environment and community that is welcoming for both patrons and colleagues alike. The position works closely with colleagues throughout the Libraries and with university partners, participates in library planning, and serves on library and campus-wide committees, task forces, and teams. Librarians are expected to be active professionally and to contribute to developments in the field. The position reports to the Discovery Systems Manager in Digital Library Initiatives.

This position is based in North Carolina. This position is eligible for flexible hours with a hybrid work environment and will require occasional onsite work.

NC State promotes an integrated approach to problem solving that transforms lives and provides leadership for social, economic, and technological development across North Carolina and around the world. NC State’s land grant mission of teaching, research and service is dedicated to the service of North Carolina and its people. Applicants are encouraged to review the institution’s mission, vision and strategic plan, and consider how their background, interest and experience would enable them to support the university.
Other Responsibilities
Other duties as assigned.
Qualifications
Minimum Education and Experience
ALA-accredited MLS, MIS, or equivalent advanced degree, such as in Computer Science or Information Technology
Other Required Qualifications
Applicants are encouraged to think broadly about and communicate how their skills and experiences transfer to the qualifications below, including in ways that may not be obvious, such as how non-library-specific skills and experiences speak to the position responsibilities. We strongly encourage and welcome applicants with a variety of backgrounds, interests, and experiences to apply for this position.

Demonstrated experience providing support or administration for an integrated library system (e.g., Alma, Sierra)
Ability to manage multiple projects from planning to completion, including coordinating with cross-departmental collaborators, facilitating meetings, and maintaining project documentation
Experience diagnosing and resolving complex technical issues involving library software, data integrity, system performance, and user experience
Ability to foster an environment of belonging and well-being
Ability to communicate clearly and knowledgeably across audiences with varied technical backgrounds
Ability to work independently, creatively, and collaboratively in a team environment, including with colleagues across multiple functional specialties.
Evidence of ability for ongoing professional development and contribution
Preferred Qualifications
It is not required that candidates meet any of the preferred qualifications to be considered for this position. The following skills represent some of the areas in which this position could potentially grow and focus, based on the incumbent’s background and interests.

Experience with Ex Libris Alma and Primo and related ExLibris products (e.g., Rapido, Leganto)
Experience with languages such as Python, SQL and with the Linux command line to automate routine tasks and create custom integrations via APIs
Experience serving as a lead technical liaison with product vendors