Michigan State University
Head of Libraries Systems — Information Technologist II/S
Edtech.com's Summary
Michigan State University is hiring a Head of Libraries Systems — Information Technologist II/S. This role leads the IT operations supporting academic library systems, overseeing a team of technical professionals, managing diverse platforms like FOLIO and digital repositories, and collaborating with campus and external partners to maintain reliable, secure library technologies aligned with institutional goals.
Highlights
- Lead day-to-day technical operations of library systems, supervising eight technical staff members.
- Manage library technology platforms including FOLIO, digital repositories, discovery tools, and ERM systems.
- Oversee authentication, security frameworks, and compliance with university protocols and vendor licenses.
- Collaborate with librarians, digital scholarship teams, MSU IT, and external partners to integrate and advocate for library-specific IT needs.
- Develop and enforce technology policies related to openness, data security, and user privacy.
- Requires a bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, Business, or related field with 3-5 years of relevant progressive experience.
- Preferred experience includes familiarity with FOLIO or similar library services platforms, hybrid infrastructure management (on-premise and cloud), and supervision of teams.
- Knowledge of emerging academic library technologies such as AI, linked open data, and research information management systems is desirable.
- Experience with budgeting, vendor coordination, and consortial licensing arrangements is advantageous.
- Standard work hours are 8 AM to 5 PM, full-time position within a unionized professional supervisory group.
Head of Libraries Systems — Information Technologist II/S Full Description
Working/Functional Title
Head of Libraries Systems
Position Summary
The Michigan State University Libraries and MSU IT invite applications for a collaborative, forward‑thinking Head of Libraries Systems to lead the IT operations that power discovery, access, preservation, and delivery of scholarly information across the University. This role oversees the Libraries Systems unit, providing direct supervision to eight technical professionals whose expertise spans desktop support, DevOps practices, and systems administration across Windows, Linux, and containerized environments. The position, reporting to the Assistant Chief Information Officer and dotted line to the Associate Dean of Libraries Digital Initiatives, guides the development, maintenance, and enhancement of a diverse ecosystem of platforms, including the FOLIO library services platform, digital repositories, research information systems, and public‑facing discovery tools relied on daily by students, faculty, staff, and researchers around the world.
Working closely with librarians, campus partners, and external collaborators, the Head of Libraries Systems ensures that library technologies remain reliable, secure, interoperable, and aligned with institutional goals. The successful candidate will help shape technology strategy for the MSU Libraries, champion library‑specific requirements within enterprise environments, and help envision and implement solutions that support evolving research practices, new modes of scholarship, and the long‑term stewardship of digital and physical collections.
Job Duties & Responsibilities
- Coordinate day-to-day technical operations of library systems, providing supervision to staff, providing guidance and technical support to staff, and collaborating with MSU IT and library administration on assigned initiatives.
- Contribute to the planning and continuous improvement of library technology services by recommending enhancements that support discovery, research workflows, teaching, and digital collections.
- Oversee the library technology ecosystem, including FOLIO, institutional repositories, digital asset management systems, discovery interfaces, and ERM tools.
- Ensure reliable and interoperable systems that support metadata workflows, cataloging, course reserves, and special collections of digital asset management.
- Manage public‑facing library technologies such as research guide platforms, room booking systems, equipment checkout services, and assistive technology environments.
- Create and maintain technology policies aligned with MSU Libraries values related to openness, data security, and user privacy.
- Implement and manage authentication and security frameworks, including off‑campus access, guest accounts, and compliance with university protocols and vendor license terms.
- Serve as a technical liaison to librarians, digital scholarship teams, MSU Press, and the University Archives, supporting publishing, preservation, and digital project infrastructure needs.
- Collaborate with MSU IT and external partners to integrate enterprise services and advocate for library‑specific requirements in authentication, networking, storage, and other shared systems.
- Assist with technology purchasing and vendor coordination, including supporting procurement activities, tracking subscriptions, and maintaining documentation related to licensed and consortial systems.
Minimum Requirements
Knowledge equivalent to that which normally would be acquired by completing a four-year college degree program in Computer Science, Information Systems, Business or related information technology field; three to five years of related and progressively more responsible or expansive work experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Desired Qualifications
- Demonstrated ability to work effectively at the intersection of library and campus IT organizations.
- Experience developing or implementing technology policies related to accessibility, copyright, privacy, or open source and open access.
- Experience managing budgets, vendor relationships, and consortial licensing arrangements.
- Understanding emerging technologies relevant to academic libraries, including responsible and ethical uses of machine learning and artificial intelligence, linked open data, and research information management systems.
- Familiarity with FOLIO or other library services platforms.
- Experience in managing hybrid infrastructure across on-premise and cloud environments, with familiarity in Windows, Mac, and Linux platforms and containerization tools.
- Previous experience supervising a team and unit operations.
- Ability to collaborate well with others and help to foster a welcoming environment.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, age, disability or protected veteran status.
Required Application Materials
Interested applicants should provide a cover letter, resume, and three references (2 must be present/past supervisors
Work Hours
STANDARD 8-5
Website
lib.msu.edu
Bidding eligibility ends April 28, 2026, 11:55 PM
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