Systems Librarian

Position number: 00112318

Join the NC State University Libraries and help us create adventurous, innovative services and library spaces that delight students, faculty, and researchers. The award-winning James B. Hunt Jr. Library on NC State’s Centennial Campus, offers access to advanced technologies that are enabling revolutionary ways to see and use information. Capturing NC State’s spirit of innovation in education and research, the Hunt Library is recognized as one of the world’s most creative and inspirational learning and collaborative spaces and a model for “the library of the future.” The D. H. Hill Jr. Library, serving the main campus, combines the best of tradition and innovation, housing special collections and a beautiful gallery alongside vibrant, experiential spaces for making, digital media creation, data analysis and visualization, and collaboration. Three branch libraries focus on design, natural resources, and veterinary medicine.

The NC State University Libraries invites applications and nominations for the position of Systems Librarian in the Digital Library Initiatives department. The Digital Library Initiatives (DLI) department applies systems analysis, design, service development, and software development skills to the creation and improvement of a broad range of library products and services. As a collaborative and consultative partner, DLI works with stakeholders across the Libraries and university to bring new services to life and solve complex technical challenges. DLI develops and supports the core systems that provide access to the Libraries’ print and electronic resources, including Ex Libris Alma, the Primo discovery layer, ILLiad, and EZproxy. 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, exploratory applications of machine learning and AI, 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 the department’s projects and initiatives, visit: https://www.lib.ncsu.edu/dli/projects

Responsibilities

The Systems Librarian provides primary administration and project management for the Libraries’ Ex Libris Alma platform and public-facing Primo discovery layer. The position facilitates collaborative decision-making for these discovery tools, including chairing the Libraries’ Alma Product Team and working with all library services platform teams to align system policies with user and departmental needs. The position translates complex technical developments into clear, functional workflows for colleagues, helping to optimize processes across functional areas, including fulfillment, acquisitions, resource management, resource sharing, and user experience. They partner with other stakeholders to manage the Alma platform’s lifecycle, including monitoring software release schedules, assessing their impacts on library operations, utilizing analytics to generate reports for data-informed decision-making, implementing configuration updates, maintaining technical documentation, and providing functional support for library staff. The position acts as a primary technical liaison with Ex Libris and participates actively in professional communities such as ELUNA, the UNC System, and the Triangle Research Libraries Network (TRLN). They actively explore emerging services and technologies, including AI-driven improvements to library search, discovery, and internal workflows, working to enhance the library user experience.

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. The position works closely with colleagues throughout the Libraries and with university partners, participates in library planning, and serves on library and campus-wide committees, task forces, and teams. Librarians are expected to be active professionally and to contribute to developments in the field. The position reports to the Discovery Systems Manager in Digital Library Initiatives.

This position is based in North Carolina. This position is eligible for flexible hours with a hybrid work environment and will require occasional onsite work.

NC State promotes an integrated approach to problem solving that transforms lives and provides leadership for social, economic, and technological development across North Carolina and around the world. NC State’s land grant mission of teaching, research and service is dedicated to the service of North Carolina and its people. Applicants are encouraged to review the institution’s mission, vision and strategic plan, and consider how their background, interest and experience would enable them to support the university.

Required Qualifications

ALA-accredited MLS, MIS, or equivalent advanced degree, such as in Computer Science or Information Technology

Applicants are encouraged to think broadly about and communicate how their skills and experiences transfer to the qualifications below, including in ways that may not be obvious, such as how non-library-specific skills and experiences speak to the position responsibilities. We strongly encourage and welcome applicants with a variety of backgrounds, interests, and experiences to apply for this position.

Demonstrated experience providing support or administration for an integrated library system (e.g., Alma, Sierra)
Ability to manage multiple projects from planning to completion, including coordinating with cross-departmental collaborators, facilitating meetings, and maintaining project documentation
Experience diagnosing and resolving complex technical issues involving library software, data integrity, system performance, and user experience
Ability to foster an environment of belonging and well-being
Ability to communicate clearly and knowledgeably across audiences with varied technical backgrounds
Ability to work independently, creatively, and collaboratively in a team environment, including with colleagues across multiple functional specialties.
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 with Ex Libris Alma and Primo and related ExLibris products (e.g., Rapido, Leganto)
Experience with languages such as Python, SQL and with the Linux command line to automate routine tasks and create custom integrations via APIs
Experience serving as a lead technical liaison with product vendors

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 16 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 more than 3.2 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 (CNI), the Scholarly Publishing and Academic Resources Coalition (SPARC), the Council for Library and Information Resources (CLIR), the Center for Research Libraries (CRL), and the Triangle Research Libraries Network (TRLN).
The NC State University Libraries has a longstanding commitment to fostering and sustaining a welcoming and supportive environment and service ethic. The Libraries collections also reflect this commitment, from focused collecting efforts across disciplines to locating, capturing, and preserving community voices through archival research and practice. The Libraries has worked to build and attract and pipeline of talent into the profession through Fellows Program and through participation in a variety of initiatives sponsored by the Association of Research Libraries (ARL), the Association of College & Research Libraries (ACRL), and other professional organizations and partnerships. The Libraries sponsors many community-centered programs and activities and cultivates 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 over 40,000 students, offering more than 300 undergraduate and graduate degree programs through 68 departments. The university is ranked third among all public universities (without medical schools) in industry-sponsored research expenditures, with over 2,500 U.S. patents issued and over 650 products brought to market.
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 2023, Forbes ranked NC State University as one of the top employers in North Carolina. And in 2024-25, the Raleigh and Durham metro area was ranked by U.S. News & World Report as the sixth-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: $80,000 annually. Librarians have non-tenure track faculty status (without levels of rank). Benefits include: 26 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. More benefits information is available at https://benefits.hr.ncsu.edu. In addition, the Libraries offers generous support for ongoing professional development and training.

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 virtual first-round interviews with finalist 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 00112318. 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.

NC State University is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or status as a protected veteran. Persons with disabilities requiring accommodations in the application and interview process please call (919) 515-3148.