Information Technology Librarian

Description

The Library and Learning Commons Department at Zayed University is seeking an experienced, innovative, and user-centered Information Technology Librarian to join its team. The main responsibilities include managing the Integrated Library System and its related applications, incorporating new technologies, and implementing innovative solutions to enhance learning and research for students, faculty, staff, and community users of the Zayed University Library. The Information Technology Librarian plays a key role in delivering effective information literacy instruction and collaborating with academic programs. Additionally, the librarian provides functional support and training for library faculty and staff in operating the library system and its associated applications.

Tasks And Responsibilities

• Lead the planning and implementation of the short and long-term technical projects in the library, and recommend innovative initiatives and technology to enhance and expand library services
• In collaboration with the Technical Services Team, Information Technology Department, Library vendors and other business partners, to implement or enhance the library system with the agreed project outcomes delivered on time, within the set budget and in optimal use
• Responsible for the routine system and database maintenance, coordinating the testing of upgrades and new functionalities, configuration changes and related technical tasks
• Manage bibliographic data loads, maintain logs of system programs and database integrity
• Develop, maintain and enhance the library’s web presence and discovery tool for effective search and retrieval of resources on and off campuses
• Handle troubleshooting and resolve hardware, software and network problems in the library
• Contribute to the analysis of supporting the development of the library system and associated applications, and the adoption of functional changes to improve the service and workflows
• Collaborate with the Information Technology Department and business partners to ensure system/database integrity and information security assurance
• Provide functional support and training for the ZU community, including library faculty, staff, and users, in the operation of the library system and associated applications, including updates to the library’s website and guides
• Lead the implementation of AI-enhanced library systems, including AI-powered search tools, chatbots, and personalized recommendation engines
• Contribute to the ongoing development of the library system by participating in user groups and forums locally, in the region and internationally

Other tasks and responsibilities as faculty librarian:

• Serve as liaison librarian to assigned academic programs for the provision of information and instructional services, collection management, subject guides, and engagement with faculty, staff, and students, promoting library resources and services
• Contribute towards course reviews in relation to the availability of course-related resources
• Collaborate with faculty on their research and participate in facilitating workshops for faculty on library resources available to support their teaching and research;
• Foster and contribute to an environment of collegiality, respect, trust, and teamwork to positively contribute to the goals of the university
• As an academic faculty position, active participation and engagement in scholarship, teaching, and service are expected
• Serve on relevant library teams, councils, and university committees
• Actively participate and demonstrate commitment in professional responsibilities that serve the Library, University, profession, and community
• Perform related duties and responsibilities as required 

Qualifications

Required Qualifications, Knowledge, Skills, and Experience

• A master’s degree is a minimum requirement. Master’s in Library and Information Science from an ALA-accredited program or its equivalent is desirable; Master’s in Information Technology, Information Systems Management, Computer Science or a relevant combination of education and experience will also be considered
•  minimum of 5 years of direct and relevant professional experience with Information Technology and/or library systems is required
• Experience in providing support in an academic library environment is preferred
• Knowledge of current library information technologies, library bibliographic standards and cataloging rules such as OpenURL, metadata, MARC and RDA
• Skilled in working with current web standards and application programming interface such as XML, CSS and JavaScript
• Expertise in APIs and their application within academic and research library environments
• Experience in system migration in an academic library setting or working as system administrator is desirable
• Evidence of effective project planning and management
• Evidence of effectiveness in teaching
• Experience in marketing, outreach, and the promotion of the library and library services
• Must be well organized and able to meet deadlines and multiple demands
• Demonstrated ability to communicate, both orally and in writing, to a variety of audiences 
• Must be results-oriented, flexible, self-motivated, and have an enthusiasm for teaching and technology, and an ability to collaborate with colleagues in a goal-oriented library team
• Experience in creating and maintaining documentation of policy and procedures
• Demonstrated history of flexibility, creativity and a strong customer service commitment
• Must show promise of advancing the mission of the University through scholarly or creative achievements
• Willingness to travel between Abu Dhabi and Dubai
• Experience working in a multi-cultural environment is an added advantage
• Fluency in written and spoken English is essential
• Arabic language fluency is strongly desired

Competencies

• Must be able to build and maintain relationships with key stakeholders and work as a team member in a diverse and dynamic environment
• Demonstrate effective interpersonal effectiveness, and able to communicate across groups and levels in a highly professional manner, both in verbal and in written
• Highly developed organizational, analytical and problem-solving skills are required
• Able to set and adjust priorities of work efficiently, contribute to the effectiveness of team, develop effective work processes and systems
• Able to demonstrate aptitude for accuracy and attentiveness to details
• Demonstrate the ability to work independently as well as part of a department
• Demonstrate a user-centered approach and spirit of service excellence

Application Instructions

Interested applicants are required to upload the following:

• CV.
• Cover letter (maximum two pages).
• Contact details of 3 references (HR will contact referees once the candidate passes the initial interview process). Upload and include for each reference 1) Name, 2) Position, 3) Organization, 4) Email address.
• A scanned copy of your highest degree and transcript
• One representative research publication or another writing sample.

Interview & Selection Process

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for an initial interview. Positions will remain open until filled.

About Zayed University

Zayed University, a premier university in the United Arab Emirates, is an innovative institution based on an international model of higher education. With its campuses in Abu Dhabi and Dubai, the University prepares graduates to become leaders in government, business, civil society, and family life. The University expects its graduates to be competent in English and Arabic, proficient in the use of computing technology, and strong in quantitative and research skills. English is the primary language of instruction and administration; Zayed University is fully accredited in the UAE and by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education in the US. The United Arab Emirates is a progressive country known for its high standard of living and its safe and family-friendly environment.