Web Accessibility and Emerging Technology Librarian

The Web Accessibility and Emerging Technology Librarian actively collaborates with library staff to create and implement accessible web-based library services including online tutorials, videos, podcasts, blogs, web/mobile applications and consults with librarians and staff on the development of web-based services. The incumbent develops, maintains, and/or administers the Libraries’ websites and various third-party web applications utilized across the Libraries.

The SpringShare LibApps (including LibGuides, LibCal, and LibWizard) is a specific example. He/she helps troubleshoot and resolve website and web application related issues including accessibility needs as reported by librarians, staff, and patrons. He/she creates workshops and/or online video tutorials to inform and train patrons and library staff on various web accessibility and emerging technologies as appropriate. This position’s collaboration with librarians and staff on accessibility and metadata management is especially important to the Libraries’ strategic plan and digital library program.
Qualifications

Required:

• MLS (ALA-accredited) or equivalent combination of education and experience

• At least one year of professional experience as a librarian

Preferred:

• Minimum of two years of professional experience providing reference or public services in an academic library or research setting

• Minimum of two years professional experience working with a Content Management System (Cascade and/or WordPress is desired)

• Minimum of two years professional experience evaluating and applying web accessibility standards to existing or new websites

• Experience developing and delivering technology related training sessions (online and/or classroom)
Job Specific Qualifications

• Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills

• Demonstrated competence using electronic resources, including electronic and web-accessible databases

• Exceptional computer-based skills or experience with digital initiatives, and the ability to plan innovative services emphasizing electronic resources

• Ability to work cooperatively in a demanding and rapidly changing environment

• Ability to work effectively in a collegial, multi-disciplinary team environment to explore and promote the application of new technologies

• Effective time management and organizational skills

• Practical knowledge of web technologies including HTML5/CSS3, PHP, JavaScript, XSLT, XML, and JSON

• Practical knowledge of database systems and data structures such as MySQL

• Practical knowledge of WordPress and theme/plugin development

• Practical knowledge of web accessibility best practices, technologies, and policies including WCAG2.0/AAA

• Practical knowledge of web accessibility testing tools such as Compliance Sheriff, Site Improve, and Wave

• Hands-on experience using Jaws or other screen reader technologies

• Knowledge of contemporary issues in web development and responsive design
Responsibilities

Web Content Management & Support

• Manage and maintain the Libraries’ website content including third-party web applications such as the SpringShare’s LibApps suite utilizing existing University, Libraries, and commonly accepted web-based best practices that meet current accessibility policies and standards

• Provide daily support, upkeep, and content update for the Libraries’ website, research guides, blogs, etc.

• Troubleshoot and resolve Libraries’ owned web content and website related issues reported by patrons and staff

• Track work/issue requests by staff in OrangeTracker, SU’s IT issue tracking system

• Utilize information design and interface design principles to recommend and support the Libraries’ web site development initiatives

• Actively collaborate with library staff to create and implement web-based library services including online tutorials, videos, podcasts, blogs, mobile applications, and others as appropriate

Web Accessibility Support

• Collaborate closely with the Inclusion and Accessibility Librarian to ensure the Libraries’ owned web sites and content meets or exceeds existing University and Libraries accessibility policies

• Collaborate closely with the Inclusion and Accessibility Librarian to develop and maintain sustainable processes and audits to maintain current and future accessible web content

• Collaborate with third party web service providers to ensure that cloud-hosted content meets or exceeds existing accessibility policies

Training & Instruction

• Create workshops, tutorials, and videos to inform and train patrons, librarians, and other library staff on new web and emerging technologies

• Create system and program documentation as needed for new and existing systems

• Create user documentation including video for various web-based user applications and tools

Emerging Technologies and Consultation

• Participate in cross-functional library teams as assigned and work collaboratively and creatively to implement and enhance programmatic services that benefit the Libraries

• Applying web accessibility standards and best practices

• Provide support for the Libraries’ Digital Library Program focused on access and metadata management

• Inject appropriate emerging web-based technologies to advance project team goals

• Scan horizon technology trends, standards, and issues in academic libraries and higher education and proposes technologies for possible implementation in our various web-based user applications, for check-out at the User Technology Support desk, and/or implementation elsewhere in the Libraries
• Independently learn about new Libraries related technologies and share findings with Libraries staff via email and periodic information sessions

Professional Development & Service

• Engage in activities that contribute to the advancement of the Libraries, the university, and the library profession

• Maintain awareness of professional developments, issues, and practices through research and activities that increase one’s knowledge and abilities, and that positively impact one’s performance and service contributions