Library Support Specialist

What we’re seeking:
We are looking for an individual with a blend of experience with various library management platforms, discovery and access systems and library metadata to serve as part of the technology support and management team for our services and programs. You employ that knowledge and experience as well as your creativity to provide front-line technical support and training to our members and their staff, to solve day-to-day issues and to support the ongoing management of these systems, their configurations and the associated data and metadata upon which these systems rely.

You have experience managing projects and responding to support inquires and are comfortable communicating with library staff of varying technological backgrounds. You are also enthusiastic about technology and enjoy using and building your technology and troubleshooting skills.

At the same time, you also recognize the need to complete routine tasks that are essential to effective system operations and support; your schedule will also allow time for other work that is more inspiring to you as you support our members and serve as an integral member of the Technology Service team. This is the work you came here to do – helping our members use technology to solve the challenges they are facing.

A typical day:
Your primary function will be to support the daily and on-going needs of our members for the library systems and management platforms we support, with focus on supporting the needs of the Ohio Private Academic Libraries (OPAL) consortium and their shared Sierra library management system.

In that capacity, a typical day would begin with reviewing and following up on system logs and reports. It would also include receiving, acknowledging, investigating, and resolving support or service requests from our members. Generally speaking, this would require using your broad technology knowledge and troubleshooting and communication skills to address these requests.

You might also be modifying system configurations and ensuring consistency with established operating protocols and parameters. You may also be generating system reports, employing your knowledge of and expertise in metadata and technical services to support the on-going record loading and data maintenance, or overseeing data output for third-party systems or services.

Another key aspect of your work will involve coordinating consortium or individual library projects. You may be called upon to establish a project plan and corresponding timeframes and to ensure progress toward those plans. You may also be working on multiple projects simultaneously and be called upon to balance those based on priorities established in consultation with the Director of Technology Services.

Other things on your agenda will include:
• Working with other members of the Technology Services team as needed for complicated or highly technical projects or issues.
• Using your communication skills to prepare regular reports or internal documentation.
• Attending consortium meetings and participating in other group initiatives as needed.
• Serving in a secondary support role for other department services.

Starting salary $50,000 per year

About you:
You have a bachelor's degree, at least one year of experience supporting library systems, and an understanding of library metadata standards and practices. You also have a breadth of technology knowledge and experience, preferably knowledge of relational databases and SQL and familiarity with scripting and programming languages. At the same time, you have a strong desire to learn and build your skills and can work independently and without constant supervision, although you don’t hesitate to ask for guidance or help when you need it. You have a strong public or customer service orientation, are an excellent communicator, and can explain technical issues or provide instruction to individuals with diverse technological backgrounds.

About us:
Our physical offices are in Westerville, Ohio and our staff are spread out throughout the state and adjoining states. We work remotely much of the time, so your specific geographic location is flexible. Our culture is one of collaboration and connection, with each other and our members. We work hard and enjoy what we do, while recognizing that work is just one aspect of our lives. We support healthy boundaries between work and personal life.

We offer a range of benefits including health, vision, and dental insurance, long- and short-term disability, and life insurance. You may contribute to our retirement plan at any time, and after a year of service, you are eligible for the employer match. We have generous time off policies and offer vacation, sick time, and personal days. We provide support for professional membership dues, conference attendance, and continuing education.