Website University of Arkansas Libraries
Systems and Discovery Librarian
This position is a tenure-track, twelve-month faculty appointment at the rank of Assistant Librarian / Assistant Professor or Associate Librarian / Associate Professor.
The University of Arkansas Libraries seeks 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 plays a vital role in the daily administration of the integrated library system (Alma), the library discovery platform (Primo VE), authentication systems (OpenAthens), Springshare’s LibApps suite of products, and related technologies. The librarian coordinates system workflows, monitors data integrity, leads troubleshooting efforts, and provides timely communication regarding system status and outages. This position is responsible for identifying and implementing user-focused improvements to library systems, supporting projects in collaboration with departments across the Libraries, and partnering with Campus IT on systems integrations (e.g., Workday). The Systems and Discovery Librarian supervises one staff member.
This position serves as a key liaison to Ex Libris and other library system vendors, and this position maintains excellent vendor relationships to support troubleshooting, system functionality, upgrades, and the assessment of new projects. The Systems and Discovery Librarian also maintains internal documentation and contributes to the Libraries’ efforts in accessibility, usability, and user experience (UX) design.
As a tenure-track faculty member, the incumbent is responsible for research, creative work, and service in alignment with the University of Arkansas Libraries’ faculty requirements.
Relocation allowance available. Benefits include TIAA or Fidelity Investments, 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 system configurations, user roles and permissions, and analytics.
• Monitor and troubleshoot daily scheduled jobs, data loads, and error reports; escalate issues to vendors or internal stakeholders as needed.
• Manage and optimize discovery layers, including indexing from ArchivesSpace, Digital Commons, and CONTENTdm.
• Serve as Chair of the Discovery Committee, providing leadership and coordination for discovery-related initiatives across the Libraries.
• Configure, monitor, and improve openURL linking to and from library collections and services such as ILLiad.
• Coordinate authentication services and integrations through OpenAthens.
• Configure and support LibApps tools including LibAnswers and LibGuides, manage ticket queues, and support communication around outages or issues.
• Serve as the primary contact for vendor support tickets related to systems (Ex Libris, OpenAthens, ProQuest, EBSCO, etc.).
• Develop internal documentation and workflows for system tasks, including regular reports and updates.
• Provide training and support to library staff on the effective use of Alma/Primo functionality, workflows, and new features.
• Supervise the work of the Circulation Systems Manager, offering guidance and oversight to ensure consistency in system support and service quality.
• Collaborate closely with the Libraries’ Web Developer and colleagues across the libraries on shared responsibilities related to discovery, user experience, accessibility, and web systems functionality.
• Lead or participate in meetings and working groups, including the ILS Steering Committee and Discovery Group.
• Stay informed on system enhancements and release notes; coordinate evaluation and implementation of new features.
• Provide usage statistics and system metrics for assessment and reporting purposes.
• Coordinate system maintenance tasks such as certificate renewals, sandbox refreshes, and patron data cleanup.
• Participate in faculty governance and scholarly activities appropriate to a tenure-track faculty appointment.
• Manage API integrations (Ex Libris APIs and other vendor APIs) for system interoperability.
• Supporting integrations with campus systems (student information system, financial systems like Workday, and LMS such as Blackboard/Canvas).
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
• Demonstrated familiarity with Springshare LibApps tools such as, LibAnswers, LibGuides and LibCal
• Demonstrated knowledge of web accessibility standards (WCAG), VPATs, and accessibility best practices
• Experience developing documentation or training related to library systems
• Demonstrated awareness of emerging technologies in discovery and scholarly communication
• Demonstrated 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 take responsibility for the health of the research and teaching collections and programs that further support the academic and land grant missions. The University Libraries are comprised of Mullins Library and three branch libraries: Chemistry & Biochemistry, Fine Arts, and Physics, as well as two off-site facilities.
For more information, visit the Libraries’ website: https://libraries.uark.edu
The University of Arkansas Libraries aspires to create a community built on collaboration, innovation, creativity, and belonging. Our collective success depends on the robust exchange of ideas—an exchange that is best when the variety of our perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences flourishes. To achieve this exchange, it is essential that all members of the community feel welcome, that the contributions of all individuals are respected, and that all voices are heard. All members of our community have a responsibility to uphold these values. We can strengthen our organization and institution by approaching each other and our work with intentional goodwill, honesty, and trust as we encourage others to hold themselves and each other accountable to do the same.
Salary Information:
Minimum salary: $65,000 commensurate with education and experience
Application Materials:
For the full posting, or to apply, please go to:
When completing your application, please upload the following: letter of application, curriculum vitae, and a list of three current references (names, addresses, emails, and telephone numbers). Candidates who received international degrees in library and information science not accredited by ALA will need to submit the foreign credential evaluation determination.
Application Deadline: November 17, 2025
The University of Arkansas is an equal opportunity, affirmative action institution. The university welcomes applications without regard to race/color, sex, gender, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability, religion, marital or parental status, protected veteran or military status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal or state law.
Persons must have proof of legal authority to work in the United States on the first day of employment. All applicant information is subject to public disclosure under the Arkansas Freedom of Information Act.
To apply for this job please visit uasys.wd5.myworkdayjobs.com.