Digital Technologies Development Librarian, Montana State University (MSU) Library

Community Information
Founded in 1893 as a Land Grant University, Montana State University (MSU) is composed of nine academic colleges and a graduate school and boasts a friendly, supportive faculty and campus environment. Currently, the University hosts an enrollment of over 15,000 students, including approximately 2,000 graduate students. MSU is classified as one of 108 U.S. Research Universities (very high research activity) by the Carnegie Foundation.

MSU is located in Bozeman, Montana, an extended community of about 70,000 nestled in the Rocky Mountains in Southwest Montana. In addition to providing access to an extraordinary ecosystem for teaching and research programs, Bozeman is renowned for year-round recreational and cultural opportunities to include access to world class ski areas, multiple blue ribbon trout streams and the Gallatin National Forest. The Bozeman-Yellowstone International Airport is served by several major airlines and is the busiest airport in the state.

Named an All American City, Bozeman boasts high-quality medical facilities, a very low crime rate, many fine restaurants, acclaimed public and private schools, a symphony orchestra and choir, an annual opera, and nationally known events such as the Sweet Pea Festival of the Arts held in early August of each year. Bozeman is listed as one of National Geographic’s “World’s 25 Best Ski Towns.” Bizjournals.com ranked Bozeman #2 on the list of American Dreamtowns – small towns that offer the best quality of life without metropolitan hassles. The K-12 educational system, growing reputation of Montana State University, and pristine natural environment of the area combine to make Bozeman one of America’s most desirable university towns. Bozeman is located in the beautiful Gallatin Valley, 90 miles north of Yellowstone National Park.

Overview
The Digital Technologies Development Librarian has primary responsibility for the development and maintenance of the software that supports the library’s data services and digital scholarship programs including data management, scholarly publishing, and data visualization. Located in the Library Informatics and Computing (LIC) department, the position is a 12-month, tenure track, faculty appointment with rank as Assistant Professor. Reporting to the head of the LIC department, the Digital Technologies Development Librarian is responsible for building and maintaining MSU’s digital library systems and working with the MSU Research Computing Group to integrate current best practices in data management and preservation. The Digital Technologies Development Librarian will also envision and create the tools that allow our digital library applications to grow and thrive with emphases on discovery, data visualization and data mining. As a member of the Library faculty, the Digital Technologies Development Librarian is expected to meet the University’s research and service requirements for promotion and tenure.

Duties and Responsibilities

  • Provide tactical development of digital library systems.
  • Design and develop digital initiatives with specific focus on repository development and digital scholarship applications.
  • Design and develop digital initiatives that optimize discovery by search engines and on data visualization and data mining applications.
  • Collaborate across the library to create new and innovative online experiences for our users.
  • Provide project planning, management, and expertise for digital library projects.
  • Participate in the library’s liaison program to create data services and digital scholarship opportunities and conduct other forms of liaison work.
  • Develop a research agenda that results in publications/presentations to meet promotion and tenure requirements.

Required Qualifications

  1. A masters degree from an ALA (American Library Association) accredited graduate program.
  2. Experience with programming languages and database query languages (e.g., PHP, Python, and SQL).
  3. Experience with scripting and stylesheet languages (e.g., JavaScript, CSS, and XSLT).
  4. Awareness of issues surrounding scholarly communication, data management, and open access.

Preferred Qualifications

  1. Experience with software development and software maintenance, with preference for DSpace software development and software maintenance experience.
  2. Experience working with diverse forms of library and special collections resources, particularly with regard to how to visualize and mine these resources for broad research audiences.
  3. Experience with digital initiatives development and maintenance in an academic or research library.
  4. Experience with structured data formats (e.g., JSON, XML) and applying these formats in API and data harvesting routines.
  5. Familiarity with a Version Control System such as Git or SVN.
  6. Experience with Linux/Unix system administration in development and production environments.
  7. Demonstrate an interest/aptitude in training and educating peers in the library and around campus about digital scholarship and its associated skills.
  8. A degree in a related information technology field, such as Computer Science (CS), Management of Information Systems (MIS), or Information Management.

The Successful Candidate will

  • have a passion for libraries, archives, and open source/open data culture.
  • have excellent communication skills, especially when discussing technical work with non-technical people.
  • have a strong interest in learning on the job and applying new skills to meet library needs.
  • have a strong interest in supporting the land grant mission of MSU and outreach to academic units and citizens of Montana.
  • thrive in an environment of risk-taking, experimentation, and change.
  • have strong collaborative skills with a complementary ability to work independently when needed.
  • show potential in scholarly research and grant activity as well as active engagement in the library profession.

Additional Requirements

  1. In accordance with MSU policy, hiring will be conditional upon successful completion of a pre-employment background check.

Application Deadline
Screening of applications will begin on October 15, 2014 and will continue to be accepted until an adequate pool is established.

Application Procedure
To apply, submit the following:

  1. a letter of application addressing all of the above required and preferred qualifications, and
  2. a current curriculum vitae, and
  3. the names, addresses, telephone numbers and email addresses of three current professional references.

An application packet addressing all of the above requirements and qualifications as listed is highly encouraged. Missing materials and information may not be requested and may result in your application not being considered for the position. Electronic submissions in PDF format are preferred, and must have the applicant’s signature on the letter of application. For electronic submittals, please indicate “Applicant – Search # FAC – VA – 15105” in the subject line of the email.

Submit materials to:
Robin Francis
Assistant to the Dean
MSU Library
Montana State University
PO Box 173320
Bozeman MT 59717-3320
Phone: (406)994-4997
robin@montana.edu

In order to receive Veterans Preference during the application review process, it is highly recommended that the required forms are included at the time you submit your application materials. Click here for the forms and information regarding Veterans Preference. Important note: Your preference form is submitted to a different location than your application materials. A DD214 is not a required document.

Appointment
Full-time (1.0 FTE) tenure track, fiscal year appointment (12 month).

Salary
Salary commensurate with experience.

Benefits (Eligible)
Montana State University (MSU) values diverse perspectives and is committed to continually supporting, promoting and building an inclusive and culturally diverse campus environment. MSU recognizes the importance of work-life integration and strives to be responsive to the needs of dual career couples.

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