SYSTEMS & DISCOVERY LIBRARIAN

JOB DESCRIPTION

JOB TITLE: Full-Time Systems and Discovery Librarian

EMPLOYER: American Baptist Theological Seminary (DBA) American Baptist College

DEPARTMENT: Department of Library Services

REPORTS TO: Director of Library Services

EFFECTIVE DATE: 10/01/2026

SUMMARY:

This position is responsible for managing, maintaining, and optimizing the library services

platform, discovery tools, and other library resources. This role ensures seamless access to

electronic resources, troubleshoots technical issues, collaborates with IT staff, and supports

digital initiatives. The librarian also provides training and support for library staff on system

functionalities, assesses emerging technologies, and works to enhance user experience.

** This role is a temporary 1-year project, contingent upon the renewal and availability of

grant-based funding.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Provide leadership in the development and enhancement of staff- and public-facing

systems and collaborate to coordinate, assess, and improve LSP and discovery

experiences.

• Manage the accessibility, maintenance, and organization of the library’s print and

electronic serials collection, including databases, journals, periodicals, digital repository,

eBooks, and streaming video.

• Manage the accessibility, maintenance, and organization of the library’s print and

electronic serials collection, including databases, journals, periodicals, digital repository,

eBooks, and streaming video.

• Maintain database holdings with the most current information in appropriate electronic

resources. Maintain administrative accounts for electronic resource platforms and vendor

databases to manage content and generate COUNTER reports.

• Collect order and usage data for electronic resources, compile and analyze customized

reports in line with systematic, sustainable assessment procedures.

• Manage electronic resources in FOLIO, the OpenURL link resolver, and other library

tools.

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• Monitor system outages and troubleshoot with vendors, library staff, and the IT

department.

• Engage with the relevant professional organizations and consortia to keep abreast of

library standards and best practices.

• Perform other related duties as assigned by management.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• This job has no supervisory responsibilities.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Master’s degree in library or information sciences from an ALA-accredited program

(or equivalent credential) at the time of employment.

• Strong technical skills, including knowledge of library software and systems such as

integrated library systems, discovery systems, authentication software, openURL

linking standards, or metadata standards.

• Certificates, licenses and registrations required:

o N/A

• Computer skills required:

o Word Processing Software (Word);

o Electronic Mail Software (Outlook);

o Presentation software (PowerPoint);

• Other skills required:

o OpenAthens and Folio experience is a plus.

COMPETENCIES:

• Adaptability - Adapts to changes in the work environment; Manages competing

demands; Changes approach or method to best fit the situation; Able to deal with

frequent change, delays, or unexpected events.

• Attendance/Punctuality - Is consistently at work and on time; Ensures work

responsibilities are covered when absent; Arrives at meetings and appointments on

time.

• Dependability - Follows instructions, responds to management direction; Takes

responsibility for own actions; Keeps commitments; Commits to long hours of work

when necessary to reach goals; Completes tasks on time or notifies appropriate person

with an alternate plan.

• Initiative - Volunteers readily; Undertakes self-development activities; Seeks increased

responsibilities; Takes independent actions and calculated risks; Looks for and takes

advantage of opportunities; Asks for and offers help when needed.

• Judgment - Displays willingness to make decisions; Exhibits sound and accurate

judgment; Supports and explains reasoning for decisions; Includes appropriate people in

decision-making process; Makes timely decisions.

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• Problem Solving - Identifies and resolves problems in a timely manner; Gathers and

analyzes information skillfully; Develops alternative solutions; Works well in group

problem-solving situations; Uses reason even when dealing with emotional topics.

• Professionalism - Approaches others in a tactful manner; Reacts well under pressure;

Treats others with respect and consideration regardless of their status or position;

Accepts responsibility for own actions; Follows through on commitments.

• Project Management - Develops project plans; Coordinates projects; Communicates

changes and progress; Completes projects on time and budget; Manages project team

activities.

• Written Communication - Writes clearly and informatively; Edits work for spelling and

grammar; Varies writing style to meet needs; Presents numerical data effectively; Able

to read and interpret written information.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT:

• Continually required to sit.

• Frequently/Continually required to talk or hear.

• For the right candidate, position may be remote/work from home: