Web Services Librarian
- Title: Web Services Librarian
- Class: Academic Professional
- Exempt Status: Exempt
- Level: 4
Nature and Scope of Work
Under the direction of the Library Technology Manager, leads the Library’s effort to enhance its virtual spaces, working closely with library reference and instructional faculty to develop and expand online library services. Participates in the selection, implementation, and maintenance of new web-based library instruction tools, including developing and delivering training. Interpersonal contacts extend to library management and staff, faculty, students, public users and library staff from external institutions.
Principal Accountabilities
- Functions as the primary contact for and assists library faculty with the development of online learning objects and research support tools, including but not limited to content, design, and technical development. Collaborates with library faculty in the production of appropriate research and reference focused material for the web.
- Uses a content management system to create, update and validate content that adheres to institutional standards for the library website; supports the integration of applications that improve the user experience in discovering and accessing library resources. Works as a member of the Digital Services Team to develop high-level structures for content areas; adds and updates content. Systematically checks existing content on a regular basis and updates as needed. Develops and documents processes.
- Provides leadership and expertise in improving and increasing Library offerings across a variety of devices.
- Designs and leads ongoing usability testing on the library website. Works with library management, students, faculty and other stakeholders to coordinate and administer tests, analyze feedback, incorporate changes to the library website and communicate results. Ensures the library’s web-based content adheres to web accessibility standards.
- Acts as a liaison between Library Digital Services Team and other stakeholders (e.g. faculty librarians, library staff, college faculty, etc.). Provides education about library resources and services to outside departments.
- Provides leadership in digital repository efforts; investigates and recommends technical approaches and solutions, develops procedures, workflows and timelines for digital repository projects and advises on metadata development and maintenance of local digital collections. Enhances awareness of digital copyright issues college wide.
- As a member of the Digital Services Team, supports online discovery of library resources via the integrated library system (ILS) and associated products. Activities may include service configurations, integrations, upgrades, enhancements or other fixes; day to day management, maintenance, troubleshooting and user support. Particular attention is paid to discovery environment with a focus on interface usability and accessibility.
- Supports and/or leads a variety of digital initiative projects.
- Serves as liaison to vendors of web-based resources peripheral to the library website. Investigates problems received from library users; documents, troubleshoots and resolves errors. Coordinates interactions with vendor technical support. Communicates issues or outages to stakeholder groups as they arise as well as resolutions.
- Maintains current awareness in web and digital content technologies.
- Provides independent decision making and trend analysis in areas of responsibility. Investigates new technology solutions for information delivery.
- Actively participates in library, college, and consortia committees and working groups. May serve as library representative on a number of consortia committees in the Orbis Cascade Alliance.
- Performs other related duties as assigned.
Work Environment and Physical Requirements
Work is performed primarily in a team environment in the library and occasionally in a classroom setting. Interruptions are expected and occur on a regular basis. Exposure to video display terminals occurs on a regular basis. Work schedules may be adjusted during breaks and summer terms. Must stay abreast of library technology changes.
Minimal physical exertion is required. Learned physical skill is required to perform keyboarding function. Standing, walking, bending and occasional lifting may be required.
Minimum Qualifications
Masters degree in library science, information science or related field required. Relevant experience may substitute for the degree requirement on a year for year basis
Demonstrated experience in website design and/or mobile applications; experience supporting a content management systems and experience working with XHTML, HTML, CSS and various software applications such as Adobe Creative Suite and other text and image editing software.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Knowledge of:
- Current web and digital content technologies
- Standards of interoperability, usability and accessibility for the web
- Metadata standards and digital repository best practices
- Library and information science principles and current developments
Skills in:
- Project management including communication, organization, facilitation and independent decision making
- Identifying and resolving problems
- Communicating technical information to non-technical audience
- Applying software application development tools
- Designing and performing usability testing on library website
Ability to:
- Learn and respond quickly to constant changes in technology
- Remain current in online library services and trends
- Communicate technical and complex information both in oral and written form
- Effectively plan, organize and prioritize work assignments
- Coordinate multiple projects concurrently and work with minimum guidance and direction
- Work creatively, collaboratively and effectively as a team member and independently
- Establish cooperative working relationships and promote teamwork among colleagues
Reviewed: 12/2018
- New: 4/2013