The Library Systems Supervisor is responsible for library and IT systems management, implementation, and maintenance. The incumbent collaborates with WRLC staff and contractors to ensure that the cloud and on-premises systems and networks are secure, cost effective, and meet the evolving priorities of the WRLC. Reporting directly to the Deputy Director, the Library Systems Supervisor also participates in the administration of our virtual servers and Library Services Platform, and will provide support to WRLC staff. Please email your resume, a cover letter outlining your relevant experience, and contact information for at least three professional references to: personnel@wrlc.org
Full position description also available here (PDF)
For best consideration submit materials by: FEBRUARY 14, 2025
Duties and Responsibilities
- Information Technology Management:
- Coordinate IT staff to analyze, design, maintain, and evolve the application architecture supporting library systems and services, ensuring security, extensibility, maintainability, and performance requirements are met.
- Collaborate with library services staff, IT personnel, and stakeholders to identify tools and platforms to support innovative services for the consortium.
- Manage and monitor IT security protections and detections/responses at all levels: devices (endpoints), applications, networks, data and users; utilize software updates/patches, system backup/recovery, vulnerability scans, endpoint protections, and other means to ensure system security and compliance with institutional policies.
- Systems Administration:
- Ensure that core services infrastructure (authentication, authorization, web apps, etc.) is available, operational, and aligned with the organization’s short and long term goals.
- Perform database administration tasks, such as implementing security controls, tuning performance, managing backups, and ensuring data recovery capabilities.
- Monitor and analyze production systems; troubleshoot and resolve issues to maintain optimal performance and reliability; develop and maintain system documentation, including architectural designs, system interfaces, and user support materials.
- Library Services Platform (LSP) Administration and Support:
- Play a lead role in technical support and problem resolution for the LSP.
- Monitor and support LSP integrations with external systems and the Ex Libris Remote Storage App.
- Utilize scripting languages and APIs to report on errors and other statistics with fulfillment in the automated fulfillment network, the Shared Collections Facility, and other consortial resource sharing; create, run and export analytical reports as required.
- Supervision and Collaboration:
- Supervise a small IT development & operations (DevOps) team consisting of WRLC and contractor staff.
- Act as the primary liaison between library services staff and IT teams to ensure alignment of systems with library goals and operational needs.
- Works closely with the Deputy Director to manage the WRLC IT budget, staff and contractors and implement software development projects and system enhancements
Required Qualifications
- Degree(s) in Library & Information Science (LIS), Computer Science, Information Technology or a related field.
- Experience working with consortia, libraries, special collections/archives, or in higher education
- Ability to troubleshoot and resolve system-related technical problems.
- Supervision and leadership capabilities that include collaboration between organizational departments and a diverse group of stakeholders
- Demonstrated ability to prioritize tasks in a complex and changing environment, including balancing long-term projects and being responsive to more immediate support needs.
The ideal candidate will also possess some or all of the following professional competencies:
- Proficiency with scripting and web app development languages and platforms such as Python, PHP, JavaScript and Perl.
- Experience with database management systems, including SQL and database optimization.
- Working knowledge of cloud platforms like Azure, AWS or Google Cloud for deploying and managing applications.
- Strong understanding of network protocols, security best practices, and system integration principles.
- Experience with library services and discovery platforms, such as Alma/Primo.
- Knowledge of metadata standards and library interoperability protocols (e.g., MARC, Dublin Core, OAI-PMH).
- Experience with open source operating systems (Linux), software, and applications.
Physical/Occupational Conditions
- Occasional weekend or evening hours may be required
- Hybrid work schedule with some weekly in-office days
- Serve on committees, working groups, and task forces as appropriate to advance library and institutional technology objectives
- Attend professional development to stay ahead of emerging solutions to enhance and secure consortium and library operations
The Washington Research Library Consortium (WRLC) was established as a non-profit 501 (c)(3) organization in 1987 to support and enhance the library and information services of universities in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area. It aims to do this through expanding coordination of a cooperative network between research libraries in and around Washington. Major services provided include information technology supporting library operations and resource sharing, access to online resources, shared collection management, and an offsite storage facility that supports access and preservation of materials. The WRLC staff work from a facility located around Bowie, MD.