New York Botanical Garden

Systems Librarian

New York Botanical Garden  •  $75k/yr  •  New York (Onsite)  •  2 days ago
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Job Description

NYBG Job Description

Title

Reports to

Systems Librarian

Head of Acquisitions & Technical Services

The New York Botanical Garden seeks a creative and collaborative individual for the Systems Librarian position at the LuEsther T. Mertz Library.

The Mertz Library collects and preserves works of merit in botany, horticulture, and landscape design. The Library provides high-quality resources and services to meet the needs of the Garden's research staff, botanists, horticulturists, and graduate students as well as scientific, scholarly, and artistic communities worldwide.

The Systems Librarian manages the administration, support, maintenance, and strategic development of the Library's systems infrastructure, applications, hardware, web services, electronic resources platforms, discovery tools, and collections management systems. The position is responsible for planning, evaluating, implementing, and assessing library technologies; ensuring system reliability, security, accessibility, and interoperability; and collaborating with Library staff, institutional partners, and vendors to support the Library's mission and priorities.

The Systems Librarian monitors developments in library and information technology, including artificial intelligence and machine learning tools, and evaluates their potential application for Library systems, metadata management, discovery, workflow organization, research services, and operational effectiveness.

Specific Duties & Responsibilities

  • Administer, configure, maintain, troubleshoot and support integration among the Library's core systems, including the integrated library system, discovery services, electronic resource platforms, authenticationsystems such as EZproxy, ArchiveSpace, digital collections platforms, Springshare services and related technologies.
  • Collaborate with NYBG Information Technology staff, Library personnel, and external vendors to evaluate, implement, enhance, and support library technologies, services, and workflows.
  • Collect, analyze, and report system usage statistics and performance data to support assessment, planning, and strategic decision-making.
  • Develop and maintain technical documentation, procedures, standards, and best practices related to library systems and services.
  • Maintain the Library's website and related web services in collaboration with Library staff and institutional partners.
  • Provide training, consultation, and technical support to Library
  • staff regarding systems, applications, and technology-based workflows.
  • Lead and manage system upgrades, migrations, testing, implementation projects, and other major library technology initiatives, including the potential implementation of a new integrated library system.
  • Evaluate emerging technologies, including AI-enabled tools, for potential application in library services, discovery, metadata management, workflow automation, and research support.
  • Provide scheduled public service coverage for 2-3 hours per week.
  • Coordinate the work of interns, student assistants, and project staff as assigned.

Qualifications

  • Master's degree in Library and Information Science from an American Library Association (ALA) accredited program.
  • Demonstrated flexibility and ability to learn, adapt to, and implement new technologies and systems.
  • Demonstrated knowledge of integrated library systems (Innovative Sierra or comparable ILS), discovery platforms, electronic resource management systems, authentication technologies (including EZproxy), and web-based library services.
  • Knowledge of data modeling, SQL, APIs, system integrations, and interoperability frameworks.
  • Proficiency with web technologies, including website development and maintenance using HTML and CSS.
  • Experience with archives, library, and cultural heritage management systems such as ArchivesSpace, Springshare products, CONTENTdm, or comparable platforms.
  • Understanding of metadata standards and schemas, including MARC, EAD, MODS, METS, Dublin Core, XML, and related standards.
  • Familiarity with server environments, SSH, FTP, command-line tools, scripting languages (such as Python, JavaScript, or PHP), and related system administration technologies.
  • Knowledge of digital preservation principles, practices, and technologies.
  • Ability to support digitization and imaging workflows and software, such as Capture One, Phocus, or related applications.
  • Awareness of emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence and machine learning, and their potential applications in library services, metadata management, discovery systems, and workflow optimization.
  • Familiarity with OCLC products and services, including bibliographic and metadata management workflows.
  • Ability to create and maintain technical documentation, communicate technical concepts effectively to non-technical audiences, and provide training and support.
  • Strong analytical, organizational, problem-solving, and project management skills.
  • Commitment to accessibility, inclusion, and user-centered approaches to library services and technology.

Physical Demands & Work Environment:

While performing the duties of this position, the employee is required to, at minimum, have the ability to climb ladders, lift boxes up to 25lbs, and push loaded book carts; Have the ability to sit or stand for extended periods.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position.

Baseline Work Schedule:

Monday-Friday 9:00 am to 5:00 pm

Salary$75,000

Benefits

  • 15Vacation Days
  • 13 Paid Holidays
  • 12 Sick Days
  • Health and Dental Insurance Coverage
  • 401K
  • Pension Plan

If you require an accommodation for any part of the application process, please notify the Human Resources department atHR@nybg.org

If you are interested in applying for a position at the New York Botanical Garden, please go tohttp://www.nybg.org/employmentto submit your application.

EOE

New York Botanical Garden

About New York Botanical Garden

The New York Botanical Garden has been a connective hub among people, plants, and the planet since 1891. We’re rooted in the cultural fabric of New York City, here in the heart of the Bronx—its greenest borough. For more than 130 years, we’ve invited millions of visitors to make the Garden a part of their lives, exploring the joy, beauty, and respite of nature. NYBG’s 250 acres are home to renowned exhibitions, immersive botanical experiences, art and music, and events with some of the most influential figures in plant and fungal science, horticulture, and the humanities. We’re also stewards of globally significant research collections, from the LuEsther T. Mertz Library collection to the plant and fungal specimens in the William and Lynda Steere Herbarium, the largest such collection in the Western Hemisphere.

At NYBG, we’re plant people—dedicated horticulturists, enthusiastic educators, and scientific adventurers—committed to helping nature thrive so that humanity can thrive. We believe in our ability to make things better, teaching tens of thousands of kids and families each year about the importance of safeguarding our environment and healthy eating. Our expert scientists work across the city, the nation, and the globe to document the plants and fungi of our world—and find actionable, nature-based solutions to our planet’s dual climate and biodiversity crises. And our eyes are always looking forward as we train the next generation of botanists, gardeners, landscape designers, and environmental stewards, ensuring a green future for all. At NYBG, we know that it’s nature—or nowhere.

Industry
Arts & Entertainment
Company Size
501-1,000 employees
Headquarters
Bronx, NY
Year Founded
1891
Website
nybg.org
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