Discovery Librarian

Job Description

 

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

 

Qualifications

 

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

 

Anticipated Hiring Range

 

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.

 

Application Materials

 

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 [email protected].