Position Overview 

Under the general direction of the Director of Library Services, and in specific collaboration with the library’s Chief Technology Officer and Chief of Communications, this role provides leadership for three essential service areas: the library’s digitization strategy & processes, digital engagement strategy, and the integrated online experience of the library across a range of platforms and technologies. 

Digitization includes planning, development, and implementation of digitization activities and services, including digital imaging, digital repository development and maintenance. Digital engagement includes metadata oversight, description of collections, and public engagement and use of the Boston Public Library’s digital collections in support of improved public access and service. This includes the statewide digitization program of BPL as the Library for the Commonwealth. Online services include responsibility for the strategic direction, design, development, implementation, and operation of the library’s online services, primarily delivered on web and mobile platforms, prioritizing ease of access over preservation goals. This work is done in concert with the institution’s communications and marketing goals for the online world. Strategies for patron-facing and staff-facing solutions are based on both library information science best practices for Knowledge Management and Information Architecture as applied specifically to online solutions, as well as Marketing & Communications standards for online engagement. This role is seen as a critical leadership role as well as a hands-on management role, informed by the ideal of online library services as a 24-7 function. The role must embody a customer service philosophy based on delivering services that are user-friendly, responsive, and reliable.

Reports to

Director of Library Services

Supervises

Professional and support staff

Scope of Responsibility

1. Provides strategic leadership regarding all online content, services, and technology platforms offered or planned by the Boston Public Library and/or its key programs of services such as the continued development of the library’s digital repository, and the Library for the Commonwealth program.
2. Oversees development of policies and procedures related to web and online library services and technologies. Assists in development, preparation, and management of grant and special projects and associated budgets. Oversees the BPL Digital Repository Development Project Team, in conjunction with key organizations and partners focused on areas such as content, access, and technology.
3. Works closely with the Director of Library Services to foster increased engagement by the staff and the public with the library’s digitized collections. Oversees and helps develop various programs to facilitate their use for educational and research purposes.
4. Works with the Director of Library Services on the Digital Commonwealth program and the partnership with the Digital Public Library of America to further enhance the use of both the BPL’s and partner organizations’ digital collections.
5. Oversees the development of the BPL’s strategy for offering library services across mobile platforms. Oversees the Web Services team.
6. Oversees the technology choices and online services to staff across web platforms, such as through the staff intranet and portal, and the implementation and maintenance of same, in conjunction with library service and budget priorities.
7. In cooperation with the IT and Special Collections teams, establishes policies and procedures to guide and facilitate BPL digital collections management, including archiving and preservation of digital content.
8. Manages web-based access to digitized and archival collections, including integration with the Integrated Library System.
9. Works with Collections Management and the Head of Special Collections on the enhancement and integration of the library’s electronic discovery and access platforms.
10. Works closely with staff to develop and implement projects, including digitization of existing physical collections, creation of unique and original digital resources in various formats, and the development of web-based interface to these digital resources. Oversees the management of a prioritized pipeline of BPL and partner digitization content.
11. Represents the Library at meetings with regional participating libraries, outside organizations, statewide and national initiatives, conferences, and vendors, as appropriate.
12. Works with managers and curators on innovative ways to expose collections online and through technology to fully enhance the research and reference experience.
13. Analyzes staff training needs and works with the library’s training program to develop appropriate staff development/training programs.
14. Works with the Director of Strategic Partnerships to engage educational institutions to incorporate the library’s digitized collections as part of their curricula.
15. Participates in operations and strategic planning, contributes to the development and implementation of an operating budget process that advances the BPL’s visions and principles, grant submissions, and collective bargaining discussions. Has particular oversight of key parts of the Library for the Commonwealth Budget.
16. Recruits, selects, and evaluates staff. Takes disciplinary action where warranted.
17. Performs other related and comparable duties as required.

Competencies

• Experience working with cataloging and metadata standards for all formats of materials.
• Ability to act as team leader and to work as part of team. Demonstrated ability to work in team environment and to be responsive to stakeholder needs.
• Demonstrated ability to analyze public service needs and to develop work processes designed to effectively support public services.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with all library units to improve library service delivery to the public.
• Excellent written and oral and communication skills.
• Knowledge of web application architecture, user experience design, and web application development methodologies.
• Thorough knowledge of, and ability to evaluate, select, and implement emerging technologies and processes designed to enhance ordering and selection process and procedures.
• Ability to plan and supervise the work of others.
• Demonstrates initiative and independent decision-making skills.
• Communicates effectively and presents ideas clearly.
• Ability to think creatively and innovatively.
• Identifies, plans, and prioritizes job responsibilities and tasks; determines and implements project timelines.
• Demonstrates flexibility and the ability to adapt to change.
• Ability to collaborate with library staff, external partners and resources.
• Initiative in generating new ideas; a proven ability to work well under pressure and meet inflexible deadlines.

Qualifications

Education

• A bachelor’s degree from a recognized college or university and a master’s degree in library science from an ALA accredited library school. 
• Relevant subject knowledge and/or specialized training required. 
• In exceptional instances, training and/or experience may be substituted for part or all of the educational requirements.

Experience

• Ten years of appropriate library experience, including a minimum of five (5) years supervisory and/or management experience, or any equivalent combination of education, experience and training sufficient to indicate ability to do the work. 
• Five (5) years’ experience working with cataloging principles.
• Technology skills appropriate to perform the duties of the job.

Requirements

1. Demonstrated knowledge of library automated systems; cataloging and metadata standards; digital library technologies, standards, issues and trends.  
2. Substantial knowledge of and experience with special collections and archival materials.  
3. Proven ability to work with staff to analyze workflow and to implement changes to improve service delivery.
4. Knowledge of Copyright Issues desired.
5. Residency – Must be a resident of the City of Boston upon the first day of hire.
6. CORI – Must successfully clear a Criminal Offenders Record Information check with the City of Boston.

Terms:

Union/Salary Plan/Grade:   Nonunion/PM-7

Hours per week:  35