DISCOVERY LIBRARIAN - LIBRARIAN II - University Libraries #00089935

University Libraries

Missouri University of Science and Technology (Missouri S&T), one of the world's leading technological research universities, seeks a dynamic and creative Discovery Librarian. Reporting to the Associate Dean of Libraries the Discovery Librarian plays a key role in ensuring seamless access to the library's electronic and physical collections by managing, optimizing, and enhancing discovery systems and metadata workflows. This position focuses on user experience, systems integration, metadata quality, and collaborative problem-solving to improve how students, faculty, and researchers discover and use library resources.

The Discovery Librarian works closely with colleagues across technical services, systems, public services, and digital initiatives to develop, maintain, and continuously refine the library's discovery environment.

Description of Duties

Discovery Services, Systems Management, and Supervision

• Administer and configure the library's discovery layer (e.g., EBSCO Discovery Service, WorldCat Discovery, Institutional Repository) to ensure accurate, intuitive resource discovery
• In collaboration with UM system site coordinators, manage ILS and other services platforms and participate in decision making for settings, configuration, and optimization
• Communicate regarding updates and known issues and coordinate testing and troubleshooting for the S&T campus. Provide input and feedback for how the UM system interacts with consortia
• Maintain integrations among the discovery layer, knowledge bases, link resolvers, ILS/LSP systems, e-resource management systems, and external platforms
• Troubleshoot access issues related to metadata, authentication, holdings, and linking
• Hires, supervises, trains, and evaluates direct reports

Metadata & Catalog Optimization

• Collaborate with cataloging and e-resources teams to monitor metadata quality and ensure accurate indexing, and record consistency
• Develop policies, procedures, and documentation for metadata workflows that support effective discovery
• Analyze usage patterns and search analytics to identify and address discovery gaps

User Experience & Assessment

• Conduct ongoing assessment of the discovery environment for external and internal reporting
• Serve as a point of contact for discovery-related feedback from library users and staff

Collaboration & Communication

• Work closely with librarians, catalogers, and digital initiatives staff to support integrated access to resources
• Communicate system updates, changes, and best practices across the library
• Participate in committees, working groups, and vendor-led community forums

Professional Engagement & Development

• Stay current with trends in library discovery, metadata standards, linked data, user experience, accessibility, AI and library systems
• Engage with professional organizations and communities of practice

Required Education

Master's degree in Library and Information Science from an ALA-accredited program (or equivalent)

Minimum Qualifications

• A minimum of two years (2) experience with integrated library systems (ILS) or library services platforms (LSP), discovery layers, or knowledge bases
• Understanding of metadata standards such as MARC, RDA, Dublin Core, and linked data concepts
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Ability to work collaboratively across units and communicate clearly with technical and non-technical colleagues
• Ability to meet the requirements of the University's promotion guidelines for non-tenure track faculty
  

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with systems such as Alma/Primo VE, Sierra, FOLIO, EBSCO, or OCLC platforms
• Knowledge of authentication technologies such as EZproxy, OpenAthens, or SAML-based systems
• Experience conducting usability testing or analyzing system usage data
• Familiarity with scripting or tools for automation (e.g., SQL, Python, OpenRefine, API interaction)
• Experience in an academic or research library environment

Salary is determined by a variety of factors, including but not limited to, the individual's particular combination of education, skills, and experience, as well as organizational requirements. Your total compensation goes beyond the number on your paycheck. The University of Missouri provides generous leave, health plans, and retirement contributions that add to your bottom line.

Interested candidates should apply using the link provided. Please provide a cover letter, a current curriculum vitae, and a list of 5 current references. Acceptable electronic formats are PDF and MS Word. Review of applications will be ongoing and continue until the position is filled. For more information or questions please contact the Search Committee Chair, Sherry Mahnken at mahnkens@mst.edu.

Applications will be accepted until this position is filled.

Visa Sponsorship Information:
Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States. The University will not sponsor applicants for this position for employment visas.

University Information
Missouri S&T is one of the nation's leading research universities with over 100-degree programs in 39 disciplines. It was founded in 1870 as one of the first technological institutions west of the Mississippi River. Located about 100 miles west of St. Louis in the vibrant community of Rolla, Missouri S&T is an accessible, safe, and friendly campus surrounded by Ozarks' scenery. Missouri S&T offers undergraduate degrees in engineering, the sciences, liberal arts, humanities, and business, with M.S. and Ph.D. programs available in many of the science and engineering programs. With over 7,000 students and 300 faculty, Missouri S&T is big enough to accommodate a broad population, yet small enough for individuals to build high visibility and impactful careers.

KUMMER COLLEGE
Established in 2022, The Kummer College serves as a pathbreaking model for social impact, technology transfer, and interdisciplinary collaboration within a future-oriented STEM-focused university. Supported by the Kummer Institute Foundation at Missouri S&T, this unique college integrates key academic, co-curricular, and administrative activities related to technology commercialization, business innovation and entrepreneurship, systems thinking, and economic development. Within The Kummer College lives several departments: Department of Business and Information Technology (BIT), Department of Economics, Department of Engineering Management and Systems Engineering (EMSE) and Kummer Student Programs.

COLLEGE of ENGINEERING & COMPUTING (CEC)
Missouri S&T's College of Engineering and Computing is the largest of three colleges at S&T, accounting for approximately 80% of the total enrollment (about 4,500 undergraduates and 800 graduate students). The college includes more than 170 ranked faculty members who serve in 16 undergraduate programs, all with master's and doctoral equivalents organized into nine academic departments. The college recently added a bachelor's degree in biomedical engineering and a Ph.D. in bioengineering, both starting in fall 2024. Missouri S&T, supported by the College of Engineering and Computing, is nationally recognized for its career outcomes and ROI.

COLLEGE of ARTS, SCIENCES, & EDUCATION (CASE)
The College of Arts, Sciences, and Education is a catalyst of innovation, creativity, and discovery, where students and faculty work side-by-side to create and share knowledge and understanding. From arts and humanities to the natural and social sciences, the College of Arts, Sciences, and Education has a program for everyone. The College of Arts, Sciences, and Education (CASE) is made up of eleven units including Air Force ROTC, Army ROTC, Arts, Languages and Philosophy, Biological Sciences, Chemistry, English and Technical Communication, History and Political Science, Mathematics and Statistics, Physics, Psychological Science, and Education. The college is home to over 90 tenured/tenure-track and 44 non-tenure-track faculty members. CASE offers more than 85 different academic options including certificates, minors, bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees.

About Rolla
Rolla, Missouri offers several great advantages that help individuals enjoy a high quality of life. Rolla is an ideal place for families, with its low cost of living, excellent schools, safe neighborhoods, and a range of recreational activities suitable for all ages. The Ozark Scenic Riverways and beautiful landscapes offers abundant opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts of every lifestyle. With its vibrant community, Rolla hosts multiple events, concerts, art exhibitions, and theater performances throughout the year. The university's Leach Theatre showcases nationally renowned performers for campus and community alike. Overall, living in Rolla offers a high quality of life with a supportive community, affordable living, beautiful natural surroundings, and numerous opportunities for personal and professional growth.

This position is eligible for University benefits. As part of your total compensation, the University offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental and vision plans, retirement, and educational fee discounts for all four UM System campuses. For additional information on University benefits, please visit the Faculty & Staff Benefits website at https://www.umsystem.edu/totalrewards/benefits.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The University of Missouri is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

To request ADA accommodations, please call the Office of Equity & Title IX at 573-341-7734.