University of Regina, Dr. John Archer Library Systems Librarian

April 13, 2011

The University of Regina Library invites applications from team-oriented, experienced candidates for the position of Systems Librarian.

Context

The University of Regina is a modern, comprehensive university with a growing national reputation for excellence in teaching and research. We prepare our students to excel in the global community and our research opportunities attract the best and brightest minds. Our campus, in the heart of one of North America’s largest urban parks, is energized by our students, faculty and staff making it an ideal place to make your career. The University of Regina’s Dr. John Archer Library is contained within the Wascana Centre, a 930 hectare area in the heart of Regina which is shared by many people for many purposes including work, education, research and recreation. The City of Regina is home to numerous museums and parks, the Kramer IMAX Theatre, and the Regina Symphony Orchestra. Regina features a relaxed lifestyle with short commute times.

The Dr. John Archer Library supports the research and teaching of faculty and students at the University of Regina through its services, collections and information technology infrastructure. Seventy Library staff connect users to the library’s collections through Technical Services, Access Services, Systems, and Research Services (includes reference services), which extends to the provision of librarian services on-site to academic departments and research centres. Both general class and specific orientations are offered to provide instruction in research skills. The Voyager catalogue lists the Library’s extensive collection of approximately 2.4 million items, including the holdings of the University’s three federated colleges: Campion College, Luther College, and First Nations University of Canada. The Library also administers the University Archives whose collections consist of original materials relating to the University, its faculty, staff, and students, dating from the inception of Regina College in 1911 to the present day. oURspace is a digital repository maintained by the University Archives which contains scholarly literature, research results, official communications, and materials which define the cultural context of the University of Regina. The Library is a partner with several external organizations, including CRKN (Canadian Research Knowledge Network), COPPUL (Council of Prairie and Pacific University Libraries), CARL (Canadian Association of Research Libraries), the Saskatchewan Multitype Library Board, and the RegLIN Consortium (Regina Library Information Network).

The Library’s 2010 staff-driven Strategic Plan outlines the Library’s course of action for a five year period. The plan is aligned with, mâmawohkamâtowin: Our Work, Our People, Our Communities, the University’s Strategic Plan.

About the Position:

Under the direction of the Associate University Librarian, Systems and Information Technology, the Systems Librarian will be responsible for a broad range of systems and projects blending traditional library information technology services with new initiatives. The incumbent will manage, maintain and support key existing Library technologies (including the Voyager Integrated Library System and Relais), and as a member of the Systems team, will contribute to the implementation of new software and information technologies.

Specific Responsibilities:

Manages and coordinates independently or as part of a team, the Voyager ILS, all modules used by the Library, the federated colleges and the RegLIN consortium members. System administration, training, ongoing maintenance, and support for the Voyager ILS may be included.

Analyzes, recommends, and updates system configurations and customizations for the Voyager ILS software capabilities in support of Library and RegLIN requirements.

Diagnoses and solves problems relating to the Voyager modules: OPAC, cataloguing, circulation, serials control, acquisitions, self-check, reporter, and Access reports and related networking or hardware issues, working with library staff to establish efficient workflows.

Upgrades and supports Ariel and the Relais Interlibrary Loan system. Troubleshoots networking and other connection issues to resolve problems related to 24/7 access to the system by staff and clients. Writes and generates customized SQL and Access reports for inventory, shelf lists, circulation transaction counts, and other decision making reports.

Trains staff in writing customized reports to achieve accurate and reliable results.

Installs ODBC drivers and solves ODBC and Oracle connection problems for the Library and RegLIN members.

Provides MARC-related technical expertise for the Voyager ILS to support the operations of technical services staff in multiple libraries, including but not limited to some or all of the following: evaluates Unicode, MARC21 and other MARC record formats provided by vendors for possible creation of new bulk import profiles for loading vendor records to the catalogue; creates and tests bulk import profiles; collaborates with technical services staff to set up bibliographic record load routines for loading vendor-supplied records to the catalogue; documents and facilitates the process of importing/ exporting/ interoperability testing of MARC records with other systems and trains staff in these processes; troubleshoots and identifies solutions to resolve record load errors.

Regularly extracts records and uploads them to vendors such as YBP and MARCIVE and union catalogue utilities in support of technical services projects; loads EDI records from YBP, Swets, EBSCO and other vendors.

Devises a method of extracting MARC-8 formatted records which the AMICUS union catalogue database can ingest, and regularly submits updated and deleted records to the Library and Archives Canada AMICUS database.

Provides support to Library and Federated Colleges Circulation staff on Voyager and other software or network related issues, e.g., troubleshoots Circulation daily reports problems, and renewals/holds/recalls issues; analyzes patron load errors and problems with fine/fees transfers to Banner; regularly updates Circulation calendars, term loans and other system administration policy matrices to ensure efficient and consistent circulation operations among all libraries.

Trains RegLIN Consortium library staff on specific maintenance and module use issues including use of the Voyager documentation, new system features and implementation options, bulk import, global headings changes, serials check-in, fiscal year close and rollover operations, patron record and barcode standards, and resolution of SQL and Access reporting errors.

Contributes to a team which supports and maintains an information resource discovery system.

Regularly updates the EZproxy database in collaboration with the Head, Technical Services; consults with the Distance Education and Outreach Librarian, Circulation staff or Information Services staff on user authentication issues.

Participates in evaluating proposed new software and IT applications and projects and makes recommendations on the feasibility, support issues and costs of pursuing such projects; maintains and supports new software applications in support of approved IT projects; writes web content, tutorials or documentation, and trains staff on use of new software.

Maintains and troubleshoots Library specific software, e.g. LibGuides, Zotero, mobile apps, widgets, browser plug-ins.

Required Qualifications:

The ideal candidate will present a strong combination of experience and knowledge in the following areas:

  • An ALA-accredited master’s degree in information/library science.
  • Minimum 3 years experience in Integrated Library System administration and maintenance (experience with Voyager preferred).
  • Proven experience navigating the UNIX ® operating system, and demonstrated ability to quickly analyse system failures and apply solutions in a timely manner.
  • Demonstrated skill in successful systems project management and proven ability to coordinate and implement complex technical projects, services and effective technology- based programs. Ability to effectively manage multiple projects concurrently.
  • Exceptional skills to work in both a team environment as a lead or a participant or independently.
  • Excellent oral and written communication skills.

Desirable Qualifications:

  • At least one year experience implementing and supporting an Interlibrary Loan system (Ariel and Relais preferred).
  • In-depth knowledge of ILS documentation and module capabilities.
  • Proven skill in writing SQL queries and creating customized Access reports for specific reporting needs; ability to teach the skill to staff in consortium libraries.
  • Proficient in installing ODBC drivers, and resolving ODBC and Oracle DBMS connection issues.
  • Professional experience in an academic library preferred.
  • Knowledge of Library standards including Unicode, MARC21, EOD, EDI, NCIP, SIP2, and Z39.50
  • Experience troubleshooting computer hardware and network problems; knowledge of network and server security principles.
  • Experience with both Windows and Mac platforms and ability to analyze various operating systems and browsers for optimal Voyager displays.
  • Familiarity with using standard internet technologies, and a working knowledge of HTML, JavaScript or other scripting languages.
  • Participation in professional library organizations.
  • Knowledge of relational database management principles.
  • Experience working in a consortium.
  • Knowledge of SPSS and GIS would be an asset.

Benefits:

  • Librarians are members of the University of Regina Faculty Association (URFA) and are encouraged to take part in scholarship, research and professional activities. As URFA members Librarians are also eligible for the following:
    • Two weeks of study leave per year
    • Sabbaticals
    • Accountable Professional Expense Account of $1400 annually
    • Vacation, sick leave, dental, extended health care, basic group life insurance plan and other benefits
    • A cost shared Academic and Administrative Pension Plan
    • For additional information please refer to the University of Regina Faculty Association Collective Agreement (U of R Academic Contract 2008-2011) and the Human Resources Benefits and Pensions web site (http://www.uregina.ca/hr/benefits- and-pensions)
  • Librarians also receive full support for Administrative travel and additional support for professional development according to the Library’s Travel Policy and Guidelines (available upon request).
  • Salary is based on the academic rank assigned which is commensurate with the candidate’s experience and qualifications.

Application Procedure: Applications must be made through the University of Regina Human Resource’s website: https://urcareers.uregina.ca/applicants/jsp/ shared/Welcome_css.jsp

Applications received before May 15, 2011 will receive preferential consideration.

The University of Regina is committed to achieving a representative workforce and qualified diversity group members are encouraged to self-identify on their applications. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority.

For further information, please contact:
William Sgrazzutti
University Librarian
Dr. John Archer Library
University of Regina
Regina, SK S4S 0A2
FAX: (306) 585-4878
E-mail: William.Sgrazzutti@uregina.ca