Library Information Systems Assistant Manager

Library Information Systems Assistant Manager

The Library Information Systems Assistant Manager serves as the technical lead and deputy to the Information Systems (IS) Manager. This senior technical role focuses on system optimization, workflow integration, and architectural problem‑solving.

• Serve as the primary technical lead for the Evergreen ILS Postgre
  
  SQL database, focusing on optimizing native functionality and "set-it-and-forget-it" reliability.
• Audit legacy customizations and lead the migration of custom‑built tools (Perl/PHP) to native Evergreen features or modern vendor‑supported platforms (e.g., RFID, Self‑Checkout, Hold Lockers).
• Act as the lead technical liaison with external support partners (Equinox) to implement upgrades, troubleshoot database interactions, and refine staff workflows.
• Develop and maintain complex Evergreen reports, enabling non‑technical departmental staff to access and interpret data independently.
• Identify opportunities to reduce "technical debt" by favoring maintainable, native system configurations over bespoke code.

• Lead the migration of End‑of‑Life (EOL) on‑site servers to modern, up‑to‑date in‑house hardware and robust open‑source virtualization platforms (XCP‑ng or Proxmox).
• Administer and modernize Ubuntu‑based application, database, and utility servers (DNS, DHCP, cron jobs, automation scripts).
• Execute hardware refreshes and server consolidations, ensuring high availability for on‑premise mission‑critical systems.
• Maintain and support existing Xen/KVM virtualization environments.
• Plan and execute hardware refreshes, operating system upgrades, and server consolidations.

• Partner with library departments to analyze workflows and provide guidance on using technology to solve operational bottlenecks.
• Design and implement lightweight internal tools or scripts (Python, SQL, Bash) only when necessary, ensuring they are fully documented and maintainable by the broader team.
• Champion "IS Transparency" by creating documentation and training that removes IS as a bottleneck, allowing staff to manage their own routine system tasks.
• Serve as the IS Manager’s full technical backup, with authority to approve designs and elevate vendor issues.

• Perform hands‑on network configuration and maintenance, including firewall rules, VLAN design, and routing changes.
• Serve as a second set of eyes on network security decisions, patching strategies, vulnerability remediation, and incident response.

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, or a related field; three (3) or more years of progressively advanced experience in systems administration; or equivalent combination of training and experience as determined by GRPL management.

• Expertise in SQL and Relational Databases.
• Deep experience with Postgre
  
  SQL.
• Experience administering Linux‑based server environments, particularly Ubuntu and Debian.
• Proven ability to manage virtualization (XCP‑ng), networking (VLANs/Firewalls), and hardware refreshes simultaneously.
• Prior experience with Evergreen ILS or other library‑specific technologies.
• Experience working effectively with third‑party support (e.g., Equinox) to deliver projects.
• A track record of performing updates to systems with clean, documented, and vendor‑supported solutions.
• Prior work in a public‑sector, library, or highly mission‑driven organization.

• Systems Thinking & Architecture: Architects fault‑tolerant, scalable solutions that prioritize long‑term resilience over quick‑fix patches.
• Empowerment‑Focused: Values teaching and documentation; seeks to make IT processes transparent to the rest of the organization.
• Pragmatic Integration: Ability to connect disparate vendor tools (RFID, Lockers, API integrations) into a cohesive, functional ecosystem.
• Technical Communication: Can explain the "why" behind a change to non‑technical staff to get buy‑in for new workflows.

Grand Rapids Public Library
111 Library St NE
Grand Rapids, MI 49503
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