JOB DESCRIPTION
JOB TITLE: Full-Time Systems and Discovery Librarian EMPLOYER: American Baptist Theological Seminary (DBA) American Baptist College DEPARTMENT: Department of Library Services REPORTS TO: Director of Library Services
EFFECTIVE DATE: 10/01/2026
SUMMARY:
This position is responsible for managing, maintaining, and optimizing the library services platform, discovery tools, and other library resources. This role ensures seamless access to electronic resources, troubleshoots technical issues, collaborates with IT staff, and supports digital initiatives. The librarian also provides training and support for library staff on system functionalities, assesses emerging technologies, and works to enhance user experience. ** This role is a temporary 1-year project, contingent upon the renewal and availability of grant-based funding.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Provide leadership in the development and enhancement of staff- and public-facing systems and collaborate to coordinate, assess, and improve LSP and discovery experiences.
- Manage the accessibility, maintenance, and organization of the library’s print and electronic serials collection, including databases, journals, periodicals, digital repository, eBooks, and streaming video.
- Manage the accessibility, maintenance, and organization of the library’s print and electronic serials collection, including databases, journals, periodicals, digital repository, eBooks, and streaming video.
- Maintain database holdings with the most current information in appropriate electronic resources. Maintain administrative accounts for electronic resource platforms and vendor databases to manage content and generate COUNTER reports.
- Collect order and usage data for electronic resources, compile and analyze customized reports in line with systematic, sustainable assessment procedures.
- Manage electronic resources in FOLIO, the OpenURL link resolver, and other library tools.
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- Monitor system outages and troubleshoot with vendors, library staff, and the IT department.
- Engage with the relevant professional organizations and consortia to keep abreast of library standards and best practices.
- Perform other related duties as assigned by management.
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:
- This job has no supervisory responsibilities.
QUALIFICATIONS:
- Master’s degree in library or information sciences from an ALA-accredited program (or equivalent credential) at the time of employment.
- Strong technical skills, including knowledge of library software and systems such as integrated library systems, discovery systems, authentication software, openURL linking standards, or metadata standards.
- Certificates, licenses and registrations required: o N/A
- Computer skills required: o Word Processing Software (Word); o Electronic Mail Software (Outlook); o Presentation software (PowerPoint);
- Other skills required: o OpenAthens and Folio experience is a plus.
COMPETENCIES:
- Adaptability - Adapts to changes in the work environment; Manages competing demands; Changes approach or method to best fit the situation; Able to deal with frequent change, delays, or unexpected events.
- Attendance/Punctuality - Is consistently at work and on time; Ensures work responsibilities are covered when absent; Arrives at meetings and appointments on time.
- Dependability - Follows instructions, responds to management direction; Takes responsibility for own actions; Keeps commitments; Commits to long hours of work when necessary to reach goals; Completes tasks on time or notifies appropriate person with an alternate plan.
- Initiative - Volunteers readily; Undertakes self-development activities; Seeks increased responsibilities; Takes independent actions and calculated risks; Looks for and takes advantage of opportunities; Asks for and offers help when needed.
- Judgment - Displays willingness to make decisions; Exhibits sound and accurate judgment; Supports and explains reasoning for decisions; Includes appropriate people in decision-making process; Makes timely decisions.
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- Problem Solving - Identifies and resolves problems in a timely manner; Gathers and analyzes information skillfully; Develops alternative solutions; Works well in group problem-solving situations; Uses reason even when dealing with emotional topics.
- Professionalism - Approaches others in a tactful manner; Reacts well under pressure; Treats others with respect and consideration regardless of their status or position; Accepts responsibility for own actions; Follows through on commitments.
- Project Management - Develops project plans; Coordinates projects; Communicates changes and progress; Completes projects on time and budget; Manages project team activities.
- Written Communication - Writes clearly and informatively; Edits work for spelling and grammar; Varies writing style to meet needs; Presents numerical data effectively; Able to read and interpret written information.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT:
- Continually required to sit.
- Frequently/Continually required to talk or hear.
- For the right candidate, position may be remote/work from home:
