Digital Library Systems Specialist Visa Sponsorship Uk
Job Description
Job Purpose
The Digital Library Systems Specialist, who reports to the Head of Library Systems & Platforms, will assist with the operational management and development of library-related IT systems such as Sierra (Library Management System), Summon (Discovery Layer), and other ancillary digital systems in order to improve the Library Services offered to students and staff.
This position demands a thorough understanding of all library-related systems and how they interact, as well as the ability to assist end-to-end procedures across many teams and functional areas. It will also include the implementation of new, innovative digital library services at the institution. As the library transitions to a system landscape increasingly based on the Software as a Service model, the emphasis in this role will be on a thorough understanding of library workflows and the potential of IT systems to enhance and improve library services, rather than software development abilities. The position holder will collaborate closely with Library Services colleagues who specialise in specific parts of the service (“functional experts”), IT Services colleagues, and system vendor representatives.
Main duties and responsibilities
1. Manage, develop, and promote digital library services, collaborating closely with IT Services to ensure a strong IT infrastructure to support these services.
2. Oversee the Library Management System, which includes all modules that support circulation, cataloguing, acquisitions, and discovery; assist with the maintenance and integration of systems within Archives & Special Collections.
3. Negotiating with vendors and taking the lead in implementing new applications and updates to ensure service continuity.
4. Make configuration changes to systems that may affect several functional areas/teams and/or require extensive system knowledge to complete safely.
5. Collaborate closely with members of the Digital Library Team and throughout Information Services to assist the development of new system linkages while assuring the maintenance of existing ones.
6. Collaborate with the Head of Library Systems & Platforms and the Assistant Director (Digital Library) to investigate, consult on, and implement innovative digital library services and solutions (such as library management systems, web services, repositories, and discovery systems).
7. Investigate, address, and communicate system concerns raised by colleagues, escalating as needed to either IT Services or the provider.
8. Monitor and investigate (with IT Services) security and e-resource access issues, manage their resolution, and communicate with users whose security has been breached.
9. Evaluate the usefulness of resource discovery solutions and capitalise on their federated search capabilities, while identifying and monitoring potential difficulties caused by (bibliographic) data quality fluctuation.
10. Monitor, review, and evaluate new developments in the HEI sector, particularly in the areas of Library Management Systems and discovery services, and provide professional assistance to senior colleagues, making informed recommendations on new services and opportunities.
11. Serve as the Library’s representative on University Committees and external groups.
12. Show a commitment to ongoing personal development and self-directed learning, including the acquisition of technical skills, knowledge, and understanding.
Knowledge, Qualifications, Skills, and Experience
Knowledge/Qualifications
Essential:
A1 Either: The ability to demonstrate the competencies required to do the duties connected with this level of post, having gained the relevant knowledge and abilities in a similar or a variety of roles.
Or: Scottish Credit and Qualification Framework level 9 (Ordinary Degree, Scottish Vocational Qualification level 4), or equivalent (containing professional accreditation and necessary formal training), as well as personal development experience in a similar or related capacity.
A2 Professional understanding of how digital library systems work, including library management systems, discovery layers, web technologies, and ancillary technologies like OpenURL resolvers.
A3 Understanding of metadata schemas, data interchange, and semantic interoperability concerns.
A4 Understanding of the Higher Education industry and the IT needs of large research libraries.
Desirable:
B1 Postgraduate qualification in Library/Information Studies.
B2 Experience managing digital repository software platforms that distribute digital things to users.
B3 Professional knowledge of API connectors for improving end-user services.
B4 Professional expertise with library management system software migration.
Skills
Essential:
C1 Demonstrates authoritative knowledge of a relevant library or information field.
C2 Analytical and skilled in problem solving and troubleshooting, demonstrating ingenuity, adaptability, and resilience.
C3 Excellent IT abilities, including system management, data integration, and web technologies.
C4 Ability to interact and collaborate with immediate team members and technical support staff to provide ‘best in class’ digital library services.
C5 Demonstrates the ability to apply current practice and increasing knowledge to provide new services.
C6 Excellent organisational skills, including the ability to plan, manage, set priorities, and schedule responsibilities.
C7 Demonstrates strong presenting and training skills that may be tailored to the needs of the end user audience.
C8 Excellent verbal and written communication abilities.
C9 Confidence in making educated decisions rapidly in the face of critical IT challenges or problems.
Experience
Essential:
E1 Extensive expertise in the library, archive, and/or cultural heritage sectors.
E2 IT experience working in a customer-focused environment.
E3 Leadership experience in managing, licencing, and delivering electronic library materials.
E4 Demonstrated experience in efficient interaction with diverse stakeholder groups and cultivating fruitful professional relationships.
E5 Experience in project planning and adhering to project deliverables and timelines.
E6 Experience collaborating and negotiating with system suppliers to deliver new features or services.
Desirable:
F1 Proven experience running day-to-day system operations for library management or digital archive applications.
F2 Experience moving library management software and associated data to new technologies.
Terms & Conditions.
The annual salary for Grade 7 will range between £39,347 and £44,263.
This position is full-time (35 hours per week) and open-ended (permanent).
As a member of Team UofG, you will be part of a globally changing, inclusive community that values ambition, excellence, integrity, and curiosity.
The University of Glasgow is responsible for ensuring that all personnel are eligible to reside and work in the UK. If you need a Skilled Worker visa to work in the UK, you must first complete the visa route’s eligibility conditions before being awarded a Certificate of Sponsorship.
Please keep in mind that if tradeable points are allowed under the Skilled Worker visa criteria, this post may be eligible for sponsorship. For further information, go to https://www.gov.uk/skilled-worker-visa.
As a respected part of our team, you should expect:
1 A friendly and engaging organisational culture in which your skills are fostered and cultivated, and success is celebrated and shared.
2 An good employment package with generous terms and conditions, including 41 days of leave for full-time employees, a pension (pension handbook: https://www.gla.ac.uk/myglasgow/payandpensions/pensions/), benefits, and discount packages.
3. A flexible approach to employment.
4 A commitment to your health and well-being, including a complimentary 6-month UofG Sport membership for all incoming University personnel (https://www.gla.ac.uk/myglasgow/staff/healthwellbeing/).
We think that we can only attain our greatest potential by combining the talents of everyone. Our ideals prioritise equality, diversity, and inclusion. Applications are encouraged from all members of our communities, particularly those from the Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic (BAME) groups, as well as those with other protected characteristics who are underrepresented at the University. Read more about how the University encourages and integrates all aspects of equality and diversity into our community at https://www.gla.ac.uk/myglasgow/humanresources/equalitydiversity/.
We support the concepts of Athena Swan https://www.gla.ac.uk/myglasgow/humanresources/equalitydiversity/athenaswan/ and have bronze, silver, and gold awards throughout the University.
We are investing in our company, and we will also invest in you. More information can be found on our website at https://www.gla.ac.uk/explore/jobs.
