Systems and Discovery Librarian (Open Rank) Job at University of Arkansas at Lit

Overview

Current University of Arkansas System employees, including student employees and graduate assistants, need to log in to Workday via MyApps.Microsoft.com, then access Find Jobs from the Workday search bar to view and apply for open positions. Students at University of Arkansas System two-year institutions will also view open positions and apply within Workday by searching for “Find Jobs for Students.”

All Job Postings will close at 12:01 a.m. CT on the specified Closing Date (if designated). If you close the browser or exit your application prior to submitting, the application process will be saved as a draft. You will be able to access and complete the application through “My Draft Applications” located on your Candidate Home page.

Job Details

• Closing Date: 11/17/2025
• Type of Position: Library
• Workstudy Position: No
• Job Type: Regular
• Work Shift:
• Sponsorship Available: No
• Institution Name: University of Arkansas, Fayetteville

Founded in 1871, the University of Arkansas is a land grant institution, classified by the Carnegie Foundation among the nation’s top 2 percent of universities with the highest level of research activity. The University of Arkansas works to advance the state and build a better world through education, research, and outreach by providing transformational opportunities and skills, fostering a welcoming climate, and nurturing creativity, discovery, and the spread of new ideas and innovations.

The University of Arkansas campus is located in Fayetteville, a welcoming community ranked as one of the best places to live in the U.S. The growing region surrounding Fayetteville is home to numerous Fortune 500 companies and one of the nation’s strongest economies. Northwest Arkansas is also quickly gaining a national reputation for its focus on the arts and overall quality of life.

As an employer, the University of Arkansas offers a vibrant work environment and a workplace culture that promotes a healthy work-life balance. The benefits package includes university contributions to health, dental, life and disability insurance, tuition waivers for employees and their families, 12 official holidays, immediate leave accrual, and a choice of retirement programs with university contributions ranging from 5 to 10% of employee salary.

Important Information

If you have a disability and need assistance with the hiring process, please submit a request via the Disability Accommodations | OEOC | University of Arkansas (uark.edu): Request an Accommodation. Applicants are required to submit a request for each position of which they have applied.

For general application assistance or if you have questions about a job posting, please contact Human Resources at 479-575-5351.

Department

Department: Content and Digital Initiatives

Department's Website: https://libraries.uark.edu/

Summary of Job Duties

This is a tenure-track, twelve-month faculty appointment at the rank of Assistant Librarian / Assistant Professor or Associate Librarian / Associate Professor. The Libraries seek a detail-oriented, service-driven, and analytically minded Systems and Discovery Librarian to support and enhance access to library collections and services through integrated system management, discovery optimization, and web-based applications.

As a member of the Library Systems and Web Services department, the Systems and Discovery Librarian administers the integrated library system (Alma), the discovery platform (Primo VE), authentication systems (OpenAthens), Springshare LibApps, and related technologies. Responsibilities include coordinating workflows, monitoring data integrity, troubleshooting, communicating outages, identifying user-focused improvements, collaborating with Libraries and Campus IT on system integrations (e.g., Workday), and supervising one staff member. The position serves as a liaison to Ex Libris and other vendors, maintains internal documentation, supports accessibility and UX efforts, and conducts research, service, and creative activity as a tenure-track faculty member. Relocation allowance is available. Benefits include retirement options, tuition reduction, and health insurance. Annual leave starts at 15 days per calendar year and increases with years of service.

Key Responsibilities

• Administer and maintain the Alma/Primo VE library services platform, including configurations, user roles, permissions, and analytics.
• Monitor and troubleshoot daily jobs, data loads, and error reports; escalate issues as needed.
• Manage and optimize discovery layers, including indexing from ArchivesSpace, Digital Commons, and CONTENTdm.
• Serve as Chair of the Discovery Committee and lead discovery-related initiatives across the Libraries.
• Configure, monitor, and improve openURL linking to library collections and services (e.g., ILLiad).
• Coordinate authentication services and integrations through OpenAthens.
• Configure and support LibApps tools (LibAnswers, LibGuides); manage ticket queues and outage communications.
• Serve as primary contact for vendor support tickets related to systems (Ex Libris, OpenAthens, ProQuest, EBSCO, etc.).
• Develop internal documentation and workflows for system tasks and reporting.
• Provide training and support to library staff on Alma/Primo functionality and features.
• Supervise the Circulation Systems Manager and coordinate with Web Developer and others on discovery, UX, accessibility, and web systems.
• Lead or participate in governance and working groups (ILS Steering Committee, Discovery Group).
• Stay informed on system enhancements; coordinate evaluation and implementation of new features.
• Provide usage statistics and system metrics for assessment and reporting.
• Coordinate system maintenance tasks (certificates, sandbox refreshes, data cleanup).
• Participate in faculty governance and scholarly activities appropriate to a tenure-track appointment.
• Manage API integrations for system interoperability and campus system integrations (including Workday).

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

• ALA-accredited Master’s degree in Library and Information Science or a terminal degree in a related field
• Experience with integrated library systems (e.g., Alma/Primo VE) and library discovery tools
• Demonstrated ability to manage complex technical workflows or systems
• Demonstrated familiarity with ticketing systems and vendor support platforms
• Demonstrated effectiveness in project management

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with Ex Libris products (Alma, Primo VE) and OpenAthens administration
• Familiarity with Springshare LibApps tools (LibAnswers, LibGuides, LibCal)
• Knowledge of web accessibility standards (WCAG), VPATs, and accessibility best practices
• Experience developing documentation or training related to library systems
• Awareness of emerging technologies in discovery and scholarly communication
• Ability to work effectively with cross-functional teams in an academic library setting

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills

Additional Information

The University Libraries share in the stewardship of the University’s goals and responsibilities for health of research and teaching collections and programs. The Libraries include Mullins Library and three branch libraries (Chemistry & Biochemistry, Fine Arts, Physics) and two off-site facilities. For more information, visit the Libraries’ website: https://libraries.uark.edu

The University of Arkansas Libraries aspire to a community built on collaboration, innovation, creativity, and belonging, where all voices are heard and respected. The institution emphasizes intentional goodwill, honesty, and accountability.

Salary Information

Minimum salary: $65,000 commensurate with education and experience

Required Documents to Apply

Cover Letter/Letter of Application, Curriculum Vitae, List of three Professional References (name, email, business title)

Optional Documents: Proof of Veteran Status

Recruitment Contact

Jessica Morales, Associate Dean for Collections and Open Initiatives, jmorale8@uark.edu

All application materials must be uploaded to the University of Arkansas System Career Site: https://uasys.wd5.myworkdayjobs.com/UASYS

Please do not send to listed recruitment contact.

Special Instructions to Applicants

Pre-employment Screening Requirements: Criminal Background Check, Sex Offender Registry. The University of Arkansas is committed to a safe campus community and conducts background checks as part of the employment process. Specific checks required are identified in the position listing. A criminal history alone does not disqualify an applicant unless related to the position.

The University of Arkansas is an equal opportunity institution and does not discriminate in education programs or activities, including employment, on the basis of protected status. Questions about Title IX can be directed to the Title IX Coordinator and the U.S. Department of Education Office for Civil Rights.

All application information is subject to public disclosure under the Arkansas Freedom of Information Act.

Benefits Eligible: Yes