Technical Services Librarian Job at UC Santa Barbara in California

The University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB) Library seeks a creative, user-focused, collaborative professional for an exciting opportunity to serve as the Technical Services Librarian within the Resource Acquisition and Discovery Services (ReADS) department.

The University of California has a deep commitment to its leadership role in the transformation of scholarly communications toward greater openness in the dissemination of scholarship. The mission of the Department of Resource Acquisition and Discovery Services (ReADS) is to support UCSB research, teaching, and academic success by making library resources discoverable and accessible. Implementing this mission requires innovative approaches to content acquisition and management services that meet and support evolving transformations of scholarly communication, ongoing changes in the publishing market, and the transition to Open Access.

We invite candidates with initiative, technical aptitude, inventive thinking, and a passion for collaboration to join the University's global mission of leadership and academic excellence.

The University is especially interested in candidates who can contribute to the diversity and excellence of the academic community through research, teaching, and service as appropriate to the position.

Position Overview:
Reporting to the Director of ReADS, the Technical Services Librarian will serve as the technical lead within ReADS for library systems and technologies related to content management, metadata management, and resource discovery. This role involves utilizing emerging technologies to enhance and streamline ReADS operations, focusing on workflow improvement process automation, and identifying opportunities for efficiency gains in metadata management, creation, and acquisitions. The successful candidate will be responsible for the integrated use of technical tools, cloud-based applications, acquisition platforms, metadata systems, and other technology applications within ReADS. They will lead both independent and collaborative initiatives aimed at optimizing workflows and integrating new technologies. Additionally, the role involves recommending, implementing, and maintaining advanced technologies, such as artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning, to drive efficiency and enhance the management and discoverability of library resources. Active engagement with these emerging technologies will be essential to advancing ReADS' technical services and supporting the library’s mission.

This position is eligible for hybrid work arrangements.

Key Responsibilities Include:

Technical Leadership:

• Serve as the technical lead for systems used within ReADS, including configurations, troubleshooting, and documentation.
• Oversee the integrated use of tools, cloud-based applications, acquisition platforms, and related systems within ReADS.
• Manage incoming data feeds, including bibliographic, holdings, and item data, ensuring optimal system performance.
• Test new functionalities and system upgrades before implementation, evaluating their impact on workflows and recommending necessary modifications.

Workflow Optimization:

• Lead efforts to streamline and automate ReADS workflows, with a focus on metadata management, creation, and acquisition processes.
• Develop, document, and implement best practices, policies, and procedures for technical services operations, emphasizing automation and workflow optimization.
• Identify opportunities for enhancing efficiency and automation, recommending and implementing solutions to improve operational effectiveness.

Technology Implementation:

• Recommend, implement, and maintain advanced technologies, including AI and machine learning, to boost efficiency and improve resource management and discoverability.
• Research, propose policies, and apply new and emerging technologies, including AI and machine learning, to streamline processes and improve discoverability.

Collaboration and Innovation:

• Collaborate with library stakeholders, Library IT, and Campus IT to integrate new systems, assess library tools, and find creative solutions to enhance the management of library resources.
• Work independently and collaboratively on initiatives to advance ReADS’ technical services and support the Library’s mission through innovative solutions.
• Represent the UCSB Library on internal and external committees related to technical services and collaborate with colleagues across the UC system and beyond.
• Participate in library-wide activities, committees, and special projects, and represent the Library in local, regional, and national organizations.