[Hiring] Systems & Data Research Librarian @UL Research Institutes

Role Description

The Systems and Data Research Librarian provides operational and strategic support for the ULRI Library’s systems, digital resources, and data services. This role oversees the administration, maintenance, and optimization of library platforms; ensures reliable access to digital collections; and develops analytics, dashboards, and reporting to support research and organizational priorities. Working collaboratively with IT, vendors, and internal stakeholders, this position advances secure, scalable, and user-centered technologies while contributing to institutional data governance and evidence-based decision-making.

• Administer, monitor, and maintain core library systems (OpenAthens, EDS, Stacks, SharePoint, LibGuides, Zotero) and supporting platforms (Power BI, Power Automate, Power Apps).
• Diagnose and resolve system, access, indexing, and authentication issues, communicating clear resolutions and interim workarounds to stakeholders.
• Partner with IT teams to maintain a secure, stable, and scalable technology infrastructure that supports library operations and research initiatives.
• Establish and document standardized processes for testing, troubleshooting, and resolving system issues to improve efficiency and reliability.
• Conduct user research and usability testing to assess library technologies and recommend enhancements that improve user experience and workflow effectiveness.
• Serve as the primary vendor liaison, coordinating system performance, access troubleshooting, product updates, and new implementations.
• Manage the LRIS SharePoint portal to ensure alignment with ULRI branding, accessibility requirements, and user-centered design principles.
• Maintain seamless access to digital resources by managing access points, metadata workflows, APIs, and discovery platform integrations.
• Support institutional data initiatives by contributing to data governance efforts, documentation, and the development of shared data standards.
• Design, implement, and maintain metadata schemas, controlled vocabularies, taxonomies, and ontologies to enhance discovery, interoperability, and long-term access.
• Ensure metadata quality and consistency, collaborating with data engineers to integrate taxonomies and ontologies into data pipelines, knowledge graphs, and AI-enabled systems.
• Develop and maintain dashboards, reports, and analytics that integrate usage data, bibliometrics, altmetrics, and engagement metrics to support evidence-based decision-making.
• Serve as a Data Steward for library and knowledge-domain data, ensuring compliance with enterprise data governance standards, definitions, and quality expectations.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated experience designing, implementing, and maintaining metadata strategies, policies, and workflows.
• Familiarity with authentication and access technologies, including single sign-on (SSO) and OpenAthens.
• Working knowledge of APIs, system integrations, and data exchange processes.
• Proven experience troubleshooting access to electronic resources and clearly communicating solutions to users.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with diverse stakeholders.
• Demonstrated initiative, adaptability, and the ability to work both independently and as part of a collaborative team.
• Strong commitment to staying current with emerging trends and best practices in data management and research data services.
• Strong project management skills, with a high level of initiative and attention to detail.
• Demonstrated problem-solving abilities, including identifying issues, analyzing root causes, and delivering effective solutions.

Requirements

• Master’s degree in Library and Information Science (MLIS) or equivalent from an ALA accredited program.
• Minimum 2 years of experience post-masters degree in metadata management, library systems management, electronic resource management, and discovery interfaces.
• Demonstrated experience with project management leading cross-functional projects.
• Knowledge of scholarly communication, metadata principles and practices.

Benefits

• All employees at UL Research Institutes are eligible for bonus compensation.
• Comprehensive medical, dental, vision, and life insurance plans.
• A generous 401k matching structure of up to 5% of eligible pay.
• Investment of an additional 4% into your retirement saving fund after your first year of continuous employment.
• Flexible working arrangements may be discussed with your manager.
• Paid time off, including vacation, holiday, sick, and volunteer days.