Vacancy Announcement
Integrated Library Systems Librarian
Located in historic and dynamic Richmond, Virginia, convenient to the beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains, the recreation destinations of the Atlantic Ocean and the Chesapeake Bay, and the cultural resources of Washington, D.C., Virginia Commonwealth University is Virginia’s largest university and one of the nation’s leading research institutions. The VCU Libraries advances the University’s teaching, research, service, and patient care mission with one of Virginia’s most outstanding research library systems, with holdings that exceed 1.97 million volumes, 23,715 serial titles, more than 3.18 million microforms, and nationally prominent collections in the health and biological sciences, social work, the arts, the history of medicine, and comic and book arts.
The Virginia Commonwealth University Libraries invites applications and nominations for the position of Integrated Library Systems Librarian responsible for providing exemplary discovery of our collections and increasing efficiencies for all aspects of technical and public services processing. In addition to being the lead agent for the integrated library system (Aleph 500), this position will manage related systems for statistics (ARC) and electronic resource management (Verde). The position offers maximum opportunity for professional growth and impact for a talented and creative individual. The successful candidate will join a culturally and academically diverse faculty of the highest caliber.
Responsibilities
Reporting to the Head of the Library Information Systems department, the Integrated Library Systems Librarian is responsible for managing major enterprise library applications, including Aleph 500, ARC, and Verde. Ensures availability of the Integrated Library System for two locations (VCU Richmond and VCU Qatar) and takes a lead role investigating next generation interfaces. Liaisons with the University Computer Center’s Database and Systems Administration Team. Works with other units of the library on system development and troubleshooting. Plans ongoing customization, maintenance, and periodic upgrades for Aleph 500. Continues development of ARC and serves as a lead in fielding Verde. Anticipates the need for design and programming enhancements to fulfill the information and research needs of the University community. Meets with Library Information Systems Managers on a regular basis to set priorities for the department. The Integrated Library Systems Librarian is expected to be active professionally and to contribute to developments in the field. Faculty with the VCU Libraries are evaluated, and promoted, on the basis of job performance, scholarship, and professional development and service.
Qualifications
Required: ALA-accredited graduate degree or accredited graduate degree in Information Systems or other related disciplines. Preferred: Experience implementing and/or supporting enterprise applications. Working knowledge of software applications needed to manage the Aleph environment, including UNIX command structure and system administration utilities, Apache, Perl, Oracle SQL, SFTP, XML, etc. Experience in a research library with knowledge of public and technical services operations as well as library standards (MARC, Z39.50, OAI-PMH). Proven ability to manage multiple projects and assignments concurrently and effectively. Strong analytical, troubleshooting, and problem solving skills. Excellent oral and written communication skills and the ability to interact professionally with a diverse group of clients and staff. Ability to work successfully with external vendor support and documentation. Availability and willingness to work a flexible schedule, including some nights, weekends, and holidays. Experience in training, customer support, and/or writing technical documentation. A passion and talent for creating easily understood systems that offer transparent yet complex functionality. Experience working in a culturally diverse environment highly preferred.Virginia Commonwealth University and the VCU Libraries
Virginia Commonwealth University is Virginia’s largest research university, enrolling nearly 32,000 students. Classified by Carnegie as Research University (high research activity), VCU offers 31 doctoral, 69 masters, 3 professional and 62 baccalaureate degree programs. Twenty of VCU's graduate, professional programs are ranked by U.S. News & World Report as among the best in the nation, with 13 programs ranking in the top 25 and two programs — sculpture and nurse anesthesia — ranked number one. Over 1,700 faculty comprise the University's teaching force. Research strengths at the University include health and life sciences, education, engineering, social work, behavioral sciences, public affairs, and the fine arts. Sponsored research funding totaled over $225 million in FY07, placing VCU among the top 100 research institutions in the United States. VCU completed a new strategic plan to guide the University’s development though 2020 (http://www.vcu.edu/vcu2020/). The plan embraces an acceleration in the growth of VCU’s library system and includes a new Master Site Plan that envisions additions to both library facilities operated by the VCU Libraries.
Libraries at Virginia Commonwealth University (including the James Branch Cabell Library on the Monroe Park Campus and the Tompkins-McCaw Library for the Health Sciences on the MCV Campus) employ 50 professionals and 94 support staff with an annual budget exceeding $14 million. VCU also operates programs in Doha, Qatar, including a library supporting the program there; Northern Virginia; and in various additional locations throughout the U.S. and the world. The VCU Libraries is a Resource Library in the National Network of Libraries of Medicine and a member of the Association of Southeastern Research Libraries, SPARC, CNI, BioMed Central, and the Virtual Library of Virginia (VIVA), a statewide networking consortium for shared access to electronic and print resources. The VCU Libraries uses Aleph 500, SFX, MetaLib, CONTENTdm, and DSpace as the foundation of its system architecture to enhance access to its collections and services.
Salary: Salary commensurate with qualifications, but not less than $48,000 annually. This is a full-time, non-tenured faculty position. Normal faculty benefits apply, including 24 vacation days annually and choice of retirement and annuity plans. For more information about benefits, see http://www.hr.vcu.edu/benefits/.
For more information about the VCU Libraries, please visit our home page at http://www.library.vcu.edu/. Review of applications will begin July 15, 2008, and will continue until the position is filled.Electronic submission is highly preferred. Submit cover letter, resume, and the names, addresses, and telephone numbers of three references to:
Katie McColgan
Personnel Administrator
VCU Libraries, Virginia Commonwealth University
901 Park Avenue
PO Box 842033
Richmond, VA 23284-2033
804-828-2730
804-828-0151 (fax)
mccolgankh@vcu.edu
Virginia Commonwealth University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer.
Women, minorities, and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply.