Department/Organization 219101 - University Libraries
Rank Assistant Professor
Position Summary The University of Alabama Libraries seeks an innovative and entrepreneurial librarian to work in a collaborative research-focused environment. Reporting to the Director of Library Technology, this position is responsible for providing technical project leadership within the unit. This position assists in planning and managing application development and will supervise and train staff and student programmers.
Detailed Position Information The University of Alabama Libraries seeks an innovative and entrepreneurial librarian to work in a collaborative research-focused environment. Reporting to the Director of Library Technology, this position is responsible for providing technical project leadership within the unit. This position assists in planning and managing application development and will supervise and train staff and student programmers. The position will also be responsible for working with University Libraries faculty on curriculum and pedagogical enhancements that support the Library Instruction and Data Services Programs. They will also work to train librarians on new technologies and will participate actively in faculty affairs.
This position will take a people centric approach in analyzing business needs and will provide recommendations for commercial and/or open-source options. The successful candidate will keep abreast of new technologies, particularly those that can bolster instruction. The position is also expected to create and support complex applications and customizations, as well as internal documentation. The successful candidate will maintain knowledge of current best practices in all areas of responsibility with special attention given to security and accessibility. They will identify promising new technologies, tools, and APIs that can positively impact services and curriculum or generate a better user experience while implementing, troubleshooting, and maintaining both proprietary and open-source software.
This position is also responsible for technical project management of existing platforms using EBSCO Discovery Service, SpringShare Suite, ILLiad, CONTENTdm, DSpace, ArchivesSpace, Omeka, and WordPress. Many of these tools require various forms of systems integration for full operation. The University Libraries is also a development partner in the FOLIO Library Services Platform, and this position may be engaged in development work for this international project. The candidate must also possess the ability to deal with change, ambiguity, and complex problems in an academic setting. This position may be eligible for remote work.
SALARY/BENEFITS: 12 month clinical faculty appointment at the Assistant Professor rank. Salary range is $80,000-$90,000, commensurate with qualifications, experience, and advanced degrees. Strong benefits, including professional development support, tuition fee waiver, and matching retirement contributions.
Minimum Qualifications • Master's degree in Library & Information Sciences from an ALA-accredited institution or advanced graduate degree in a related field. • Experience with web development and related tools, such as, HTML, CSS, and JavaScript (TypeScript, node.js, npm/yarn, and familiarity with at least one of the major JavaScript frameworks, such as, Angular, React, or Vue) • Experience supporting and developing for content management systems, such as Word Press and Omeka. • Ability to creatively perform analysis and problem solving as necessary to complete specific assignments; Aptitude for learning new technologies and working in a dynamic environment. • Demonstrated effective oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills. • Job duties continue to change with the evolving research library environment.
Preferred Qualifications • Demonstrated ability to work independently, collaboratively, and creatively in a software team environment with diverse constituencies. • Experience managing employees and/or students. • Familiarity with integrating WCAG standards into websites; familiarity with ADA/Section 508 accessibility standards. • Experience leading various phases of technology infrastructure projects (concept, investigation, deployment, operations, migration, decommission); in particular projects which require coordination with developers and service stakeholders. • Progressive programming and development experience in one or more programming languages, such as Java, PHP, Python, or Ruby. • Experience developing software functionality leveraging RESTful APIs and JSON arrays. • Working knowledge in one or more server-side programming languages, specifically, PHP, Java, Ruby, and Python • Experience supporting open-source library applications such as Omeka, ArchivesSpace, DSpace, etc. • Familiarity with Node.js, React.js, Bootstrap, Angular.js. • Familiar with UX methodologies and processes. • Familiarity with technologies such as Linux (SuSE Enterprise, CentOS, or RedHat), Apache/Tomcat, Solr, MySQL/PostgreSQL, and PHP.
Instructions and Required Materials for Application Prior to employment the successful candidate must pass a pre-employment background investigation. Applications are accepted online only at https://careers.ua.edu Click Search Positions, University Libraries in the drop down box. Please include your application, Curriculum Vitae, and names, addresses, phone numbers, and e-mail addresses for three references, including one current supervisor. Position open until filled. Applications received by October 16, 2023 are assured of receiving full consideration. For questions regarding the search, contact Michael Arthur, Senior Associate Dean at maarthur@ua.edu
About the Division/College/School The University of Alabama Libraries, a system of four separate discipline-related libraries, is proud to support the research enterprise at the University of Alabama via a comprehensive and integrated network of resources, services, and technologies designed to meet the academic and research needs of students, faculty, and staff. We take pride in serving as a hub for innovation, knowledge creation and dissemination, research assistance, and collaborative learning.
Members of the University of Alabama family visited our physical and virtual spaces over 10 million times in 2022. Our print collections span over 6 million volumes, and we offer access to 2.5 million E-Books, 220,000 AV titles, and 98,000 E-Journals via our 685 databases.
University Libraries provides strong mentorship for faculty and staff, with ongoing collaborative opportunities, and administrative support for innovative services and ideas. We provide excellent support for needed technology and conference travel, and we are invested in academic freedom with teaching and research.
Our staff routinely update and maintain cutting edge programs of service in support of our stakeholders. Our faculty librarians have developed a robust instruction program, including a series of research data services and workshops, that consistently performs at the top of the SEC. We are heavily invested in performing the same high value research that our stakeholders produce, and that assists us in our data-driven strategic planning for the future. Our librarians have produced 75 peer reviewed journal articles in Tier 1 journals in the last 2 years.
If working with a talented group of professionals who value service, innovation, and high achievement, earning a nationally competitive starting salary, in a thriving college town, with a low cost of living, close to Birmingham, Atlanta, Nashville, New Orleans, and the Gulf Coast sounds interesting to you, start your application process with us to learn more!
About the University The University of Alabama, part of The University of Alabama System, is the state’s flagship university. UA shapes a better world through its teaching, research and service. With a global reputation for excellence, UA provides an inclusive, forward-thinking environment and nearly 200 degree programs on a beautiful, student-centered campus.
A leader in cutting-edge research, UA advances discovery, creative inquiry and knowledge through more than 30 research centers. The University of Alabama has R1: Doctoral Universities – Very High Research Activity status by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education and is among the top doctoral research universities in the United States.
As the state’s largest higher education institution, UA drives economic growth in Alabama and beyond.
About Tuscaloosa Tuscaloosa is so much more than a college town.
It's a vibrant community that’s filled with legendary history. Located along the Black Warrior River, the city features a walkable downtown that’s complete with live music, locally owned shops, outdoor spaces to explore and local restaurants to meet every palate. With a geography ranging from suburban to rural, the area offers a variety of housing options along with excellent public and private schools and a wealth of recreational and entertainment options.
With a metro area population of 235,000, the Druid City lies about an hour southwest of Birmingham, in west-central Alabama. It’s within a few hours’ drive of Gulf Coast beaches and major cities like Nashville, New Orleans and Atlanta, making it a great base for growing better acquainted with the South’s finest offerings.
Background Investigation and EEO Statement Prior to hiring, the final candidate(s) must successfully pass a pre-employment background investigation and information obtained from social media and other internet sources. A prior conviction reported as a result of the background investigation DOES NOT automatically disqualify a candidate from consideration for this position. A candidate with a prior conviction or negative behavioral red flags will receive an individualized review of the prior conviction or negative behavioral red flags before a hiring decision is made.
The University of Alabama is an Equal Employment/Equal Educational Opportunity Institution. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, genetic information, disability or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against because of their protected status. Applicants to and employees of this institution are protected under Federal law from discrimination on several bases. Follow the link below to find out more. "EEO is the Law" https://www.eeoc.gov/sites/default/files/migrated_files/employers/poster_screen_reader_optimized.pdf
As the state’s flagship university, The University of Alabama family has always focused on being the best. After all, we are The Capstone of Higher Education. Founded in 1831 as the state’s first public college, The University of Alabama is dedicated to excellence in teaching, research and service. We provide a creative, nurturing campus environment where our students can become the best individuals possible, learn from the best and brightest faculty, and make a positive difference in the community, the state and the world. You’ll like what you find here. Become part of The University of Alabama family.