Systems Librarian

NYBG Job Description

Systems Librarian

Reports to: Head of Acquisitions & Technical Services

Position Summary

The New York Botanical Garden seeks a creative and collaborative individual for the Systems Librarian position at the LuEsther T. Mertz Library.

The Mertz Library collects and preserves works of merit in botany, horticulture, and landscape design. The Library provides high-quality resources and services to meet the needs of the Garden's research staff, botanists, horticulturists, and graduate students as well as scientific, scholarly, and artistic communities worldwide.

The Systems Librarian manages the administration, support, maintenance, and strategic development of the Library's systems infrastructure, applications, hardware, web services, electronic resources platforms, discovery tools, and collections management systems. The position is responsible for planning, evaluating, implementing, and assessing library technologies; ensuring system reliability, security, accessibility, and interoperability; and collaborating with Library staff, institutional partners, and vendors to support the Library's mission and priorities.

The Systems Librarian monitors developments in library and information technology, including artificial intelligence and machine learning tools, and evaluates their potential application for Library systems, metadata management, discovery, workflow organization, research services, and operational effectiveness.

Specific Duties & Responsibilities

• Administer, configure, maintain, troubleshoot and support integration among the Library's core systems, including the integrated library system, discovery services, electronic resource platforms, authentication systems such as EZproxy, ArchiveSpace, digital collections platforms, Springshare services and related technologies.
• Collaborate with NYBG Information Technology staff, Library personnel, and external vendors to evaluate, implement, enhance, and support library technologies, services, and workflows.
• Collect, analyze, and report system usage statistics and performance data to support assessment, planning, and strategic decision-making.
• Develop and maintain technical documentation, procedures, standards, and best practices related to library systems and services.
• Maintain the Library's website and related web services in collaboration with Library staff and institutional partners.
• Provide training, consultation, and technical support to Library staff regarding systems, applications, and technology-based workflows.
• Lead and manage system upgrades, migrations, testing, implementation projects, and other major library technology initiatives, including the potential implementation of a new integrated library system.
• Evaluate emerging technologies, including AI-enabled tools, for potential application in library services, discovery, metadata management, workflow automation, and research support.
• Provide scheduled public service coverage for 2-3 hours per week.
• Coordinate the work of interns, student assistants, and project staff as assigned.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Library and Information Science from an American Library Association (ALA) accredited program.
• Demonstrated flexibility and ability to learn, adapt to, and implement new technologies and systems.
• Demonstrated knowledge of integrated library systems (Innovative Sierra or comparable ILS), discovery platforms, electronic resource management systems, authentication technologies (including EZproxy), and web-based library services.
• Knowledge of data modeling, SQL, APIs, system integrations, and interoperability frameworks.
• Proficiency with web technologies, including website development and maintenance using HTML and CSS.
• Experience with archives, library, and cultural heritage management systems such as ArchivesSpace, Springshare products, CONTENTdm, or comparable platforms.
• Understanding of metadata standards and schemas, including MARC, EAD, MODS, METS, Dublin Core, XML, and related standards.
• Familiarity with server environments, SSH, FTP, command-line tools, scripting languages (such as Python, JavaScript, or PHP), and related system administration technologies.
• Knowledge of digital preservation principles, practices, and technologies.
• Ability to support digitization and imaging workflows and software, such as Capture One, Phocus, or related applications.
• Awareness of emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence and machine learning, and their potential applications in library services, metadata management, discovery systems, and workflow optimization.
• Familiarity with OCLC products and services, including bibliographic and metadata management workflows.
• Ability to create and maintain technical documentation, communicate technical concepts effectively to non-technical audiences, and provide training and support.
• Strong analytical, organizational, problem-solving, and project management skills.
• Commitment to accessibility, inclusion, and user-centered approaches to library services and technology.

Physical Demands & Work Environment

While performing the duties of this position, the employee is required to, at minimum, have the ability to climb ladders, lift boxes up to 25lbs, and push loaded book carts; Have the ability to sit or stand for extended periods.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position.

Baseline Work Schedule

Monday-Friday 9:00 am to 5:00 pm

Salary: $77,000

Benefits

• 15 Vacation Days
• 13 Paid Holidays
• 12 Sick Days
• Health and Dental Insurance Coverage
• 401K
• Pension Plan

EOE