[Web4lib] Posting: Library Automation Consultant

[Gloriane Peck]

Please contact David C. Namkung, Clarity Partners, LLC, dnamkung at claritychicago.com for additional information on this posting.

CPS: Department of Libraries and Information Services: Library Automation Consultant
I.          Overview of the Position
The Department of Libraries is implementing SOAR,  a centralized library automation system, in school libraries across the district. The system is built and maintained by The Library Corporation (TLC) and includes web-based OPAC and cataloging modules and a centrally maintained patron record database. Currently, 240 schools have implemented the system.
The Library Automation Consultant works directly with TLC, interfacing with both an onsite vendor consultant and with off-site technical and administrative TLC personnel, as well as the CPS technology department (ITS). The consultant reports to the Director of the Department of Libraries.

II.          Responsibilities of the Position:

*           Manage implementation of SOAR centralized library system to all CPS libraries.
*           Maintain project management plan including deliverables, dependencies, and deadlines.
*           Manage communication with TLC including scheduling each cycle of implementation, bug fixes, enhancement requests, data integrity (MARC).
*           Supervise TLC onsite support staff.
*           Manage communication with the schools during implementation to make sure that tasks are understood and completed on time.
*           Manage and implement policy decisions.
*           Provide technical assistance to librarians.
*           Provide end-user training on various modules.
*           Provide (minimal) technical assistance to librarians on legacy system including completing tasks needed to convert to SOAR (inventory, ISBN update, deleting lost and missing items, etc.) and importing patrons from IMPACT.
*           Manage budget.  Mediate invoicing process.
*           Liason with CPS technology department (ITS) to schedule  ongoing maintenance. Troubleshoot when system is down.  Manage system integration processes to make sure that all process work, e.g. authorization, student information transfer, help systems, etc.
*           Identify and provide professional development to librarians as needed, e.g., using the system for functions such as inventory, reporting, instruction.
*           Manage online discussion forums for document sharing and asynchronous support.
*           Report on system usage, budget, etc.

III.         Qualifications
5-10 years of project management experience in environments relevant to school libraries. Proven ability to plan, organize and deliver projects collaboratively in a matrixed organization across numerous departments.
A Masters in Library Science with an emphasis in IT skills preferred. Other technology-related degrees with commensurate knowledge and skills will be considered on an equal footing.
Excellent  verbal and written communication skills.
Excellent  facilitation skills and creativity to bring issues to resolution.
Confident, organized, curious, self-motivated and persistent individual who enjoys "connecting the dots" between people and getting things accomplished as a team.
Experience working in an urban educational setting a plus.
Desire to contribute to public school education (K-12) are especially welcome.