Software Development Librarian

Position number: 00001567

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The NC State University Libraries invites applications and nominations for the position of Software Development Librarian in the Digital Library Initiatives (DLI) department. DLI applies systems analysis, design, service development, and software development skills to the creation and improvement of a broad range of library products and services. DLI develops and supports the core systems that provide access to the Libraries’ print and electronic resources, including SirsiDynix Symphony, ILLiad, the Blacklight catalog, EZproxy, and the CORAL electronic resources management system. The department maintains a broad portfolio of prototype and production systems and services in areas including digital collections, high-technology spaces, researcher profiles and identifiers, machine learning, and assessment and analytics. DLI develops new research infrastructure support services focused on improving the efficiency and productivity of NC State researchers in collaboration with university partners including the Office of Information Technology (OIT) and the Office of Research and Innovation (ORI). Staff develop and support open source and locally developed applications that promote resource discovery and delivery, enable use of Libraries’ spaces, and improve staff workflows. For examples of some of the department’s projects and initiatives, visit: https://www.lib.ncsu.edu/dli/projects

Responsibilities
The Software Development Librarian works as an active participant in a team that advances library services through applied research and application development and manages the entire life cycle of projects, from requirements gathering to deployment. They provide technical leadership and hands-on programming expertise for a portfolio of library projects, based on their skills and interests and on current opportunities. In close collaboration with a variety of partners across the Libraries, they identify emerging technologies that have potential for new and improved library services. Working both independently and in team settings, the incumbent develops new digital library services through an iterative, data-informed, and test-driven process that emphasizes creativity, usability, sustainability, and performance. They maintain and provide enhancements to existing library applications and collaborate closely with Libraries Information Technology staff to develop and maintain supporting infrastructure. The position deeply considers how their approach to their daily work reflects and advances the Libraries’ Strategic Plan, creating an environment and community that is welcoming for both patrons and colleagues alike. They help set the direction of the department’s work, participate in library planning, and serve on library-wide committees, task forces, and teams. Librarians are expected to be active professionally and to contribute to developments in the field. This position reports to the Associate Head, Digital Library Initiatives.
 
This position is based in North Carolina. This position is eligible for flexible hours and a hybrid work environment, based on departmental and operational needs.
 
Required Qualifications
Applicants are encouraged to think broadly about and communicate how their skills and experiences transfer to the qualifications below in ways that may not be obvious, including how non-library-specific skills and experiences speak to the position qualifications and needs. We strongly encourage and welcome applicants with a range of experiences, backgrounds, and interests to apply for this position, including those new to the profession.
  • ALA-accredited MLS, MIS, or other relevant advanced degree
  • Potential to develop expertise in current and emerging digital technologies
  • Web application development experience with one or more server-side programming languages such as PHP, Python, or Ruby
  • Experience using client-side web technologies including HTML, JavaScript, CSS, and related technologies
  • Demonstrated ability to foster an environment of belonging and well-being
  • Ability to communicate clearly and knowledgeably
  • Ability to work creatively and effectively, both as a collaborative team member and independently
  • Evidence of ability for ongoing professional development and contribution
Preferred Qualifications
It is not required that candidates meet any of the preferred qualifications to be considered for this position. The following skills represent some of the areas in which this position could potentially grow and focus, based on the incumbent’s background and interests.
  • Experience developing database-backed applications
  • Knowledge of user-centered design processes
  • Experience working in an academic library
  • The Libraries, the University, and the Area

    The NC State University Libraries has been recognized with numerous national and international awards, including the first Association of College and Research Libraries Excellence in Academic Libraries Award, the ACRL Librarian of the Year Award; the Stanford Prize for Innovation in Research Libraries and the American Institute of Architects/American Library Association Building Award for the Hunt Library; the National Medal for Museum and Library Service; two John Cotton Dana Library Public Relations Awards; and Library Journal's Librarian of the Year, Paraprofessional of the Year, and 14 Movers and Shakers awards. The library system consists of the D. H. Hill Jr. Library, the James B. Hunt Jr. Library, and branch libraries for design, natural resources, and veterinary medicine. With a staff of more than 250 FTE, the Libraries has almost 3.3 million titles in its collection and has a total annual budget of over $30 million. The Libraries is the host site for NC LIVE, a multi-type library initiative making digital resources accessible to North Carolina residents. The Libraries is a member of the Association of Research Libraries (ARL), the Digital Library Federation, the Coalition for Networked Information, the Scholarly Publishing and Academic Resources Coalition, the Council for Library and Information Resources, the Center for Research Libraries, and the Triangle Research Libraries Network.

    The Libraries' Strategic Plan describes our mission and goals, which are aligned with those of the university. They include welcoming and engaging the whole university community through our services, spaces, and programs; empowering students for a lifetime of success and impact; supporting research, scholarship, innovation, and collaboration; fostering entrepreneurial thinking and problem-solving; and expanding our engagement with individuals and communities across North Carolina. The Libraries collections also reflect these commitments, from focused collecting efforts across disciplines to locating, capturing, and preserving the voices of our global communities through archival research and practice. The Libraries has acted to increase representation in the profession through the NC State University Libraries Fellows program; participation in ARL's strategic priorities and leadership development programs; and membership in the ACRL Diversity Alliance. The Libraries' Equity, Diversity, & Inclusion Committee sponsors many programs and helps to cultivate an atmosphere where all students, faculty, and staff are welcomed, valued, and respected.

    North Carolina State University was founded with a purpose: to create economic, societal, and intellectual prosperity for the people of North Carolina and the country. From its beginnings as a land-grant institution to its current position as a pre-eminent research enterprise that excels in science, technology, engineering, math, design, the humanities and social sciences, textiles, and veterinary medicine, NC State students, faculty, and staff take problems in hand and work with industry, government, and nonprofit partners to solve them. As the largest academic institution in the state, NC State enrolls almost 38,000 students, offering bachelor’s and master’s degrees in more than 120 fields of study and doctoral degrees in 60 disciplines. The university is ranked third among all public universities (without medical schools) in industry-sponsored research expenditures and has more than 660 active patents.

    North Carolina's Research Triangle of Raleigh, Durham, and Chapel Hill lies between the mountains of the Blue Ridge and the shores of the Outer Banks. The Triangle consistently ranks high on lists of desirable American communities. In 2022, Forbes ranked NC State University as the number-one best employer in North Carolina, after including Raleigh in its top-ten best cities for jobs in 2019. And in 2023-24, the Raleigh and Durham metro area was ranked by U.S. News & World Report as the third-best place to live among 150 United States cities.

Salary and Benefits

The Libraries offers a highly competitive salary in recognition of applicable education and experience for this position. Minimum salary: $81,000 annually. Librarians have non-tenure track Professional faculty status (without levels of rank). Benefits include:  24 days vacation, 12 days sick leave; State of NC preferred provider medical insurance, and state, TIAA/CREF, or other retirement options. Additional and optional dental, life, disability, deferred compensation, and legal plans are offered. Tuition waiver program for all campuses of The University of North Carolina is available. See the Benefits and Leave Administration page for more information.

Application Process

Applications will be reviewed upon receipt; applications will be accepted until finalist candidates are selected. Candidates are encouraged to apply as soon as possible to receive full consideration. The Libraries anticipates conducting virtual first-round interviews with full interviews happening in person. Appointment requires successful completion of background check. This position is available immediately; start date is negotiable. Applicants must apply through the NC State University online employment website at https://jobs.ncsu.edu. Search in the keyword box by position number 00001567. Complete application, attach cover letter and résumé, and provide contact information for four current, professional references. For assistance with this process, please contact Libraries Administration at (919) 515-7188.

Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer. NC State welcomes all persons without regard to sexual orientation or genetic information. Persons with disabilities requiring accommodations in the application and interview process please call (919) 515-3148.

Last Updated

5/15/2024

Nomination Committee

Position number: 00001567

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Information for Interviewers