About the Georgia Public Library Service

Georgia Public Library Service empowers libraries to improve the lives of all Georgians.
We provide innovative, scalable library technology and services; staff training and best practices; grant administration and more to create equity in library experience for patrons, no matter where they live.
We also work with elected officials to ensure they understand the critical role that libraries play in meeting the immediate and long-term needs of citizens.
Georgia Public Library Service is the state library administrative agency and a unit of the Board of Regents, University System of Georgia.

Our Mission

The Georgia Public Library Service: Empowering libraries to improve the lives of Georgians

We achieve our mission by:

• Providing and encouraging visionary leadership;
• Ensuring equal access to information and technology;
• Promoting the value and joy of lifelong reading and learning; and
• Facilitating collaboration and innovation in the broader library community.

About USG

The University System of Georgia (USG) is comprised of 26 higher education institutions as well as the University System Office (USO). Within the USO, our administrative operations are primarily housed in the Trinity Washington Building located in downtown Atlanta. Our Information Technology Services (ITS) division is located in Athens. The University System of Georgia Shared Services Center (SSC) is located in Sandersville. The Georgia Public Library System is located in Atlanta. The Georgia Archives is located in Morrow. The State of Georgia Records Center is located in Austell.

Georgia Public Library Service

2872 Woodcock Blvd, Suite 250

Atlanta, GA 30341

Under supervision of the IT Director, plans, directs, and coordinates a diverse range of IT programs and operations for the Information Technology (IT) department of the Georgia Public Library Service (GPLS). This position will be primarily responsible for IT outreach and technology planning, helping libraries develop long term strategies to meet the technology needs of their staff and patrons. This includes multi year tech plan development and identifying new, scalable IT solutions to be implemented statewide.

The position will also be responsible for state-level tech fund management. Incorporating knowledge of current library trends, needs, and tech plans, this position will help manage the direction of state technology funds for libraries, and will assist with, review, and approve library project plans.

Finally. the position will coordinate (and, where necessary, develop) IT training and related platforms as well as IT event management, including a lead role in the annual GPLS-hosted technology conference for Georgia’s public library IT staff.

Helps libraries develop multi-year technology plans that will inform tech purchases. Works with libraries to carry out plans through funding streams such as GPLS-managed state-level funding, local-level funding, and other applicable grants.

• Multi year tech plans, grant purchase plan development, liaise between Georgia's public libraries and GPLS IT
• Coordinate with Director of LSTA and Grant Management to manage and distribute state-level funding for technology in libraries.
• Tech vendor relations and negotiating discounts

Tech outreach to Georgia’s public libraries. Help libraries connect their IT needs to existing GPLS services or identify viable solutions. Coordinate requested tech training for GPLS and Georgia’s public libraries.

• IT Outreach for libraries including as needed training, staff days, managing external training providers, managing and assisting with development of training on existing IT programs. Includes internal (GPLS) tech training coordination and management.
• Manage IT supported training videos & platforms, live streams, training/IT event coordination.
• Lead role in the planning, organization, and management of the annual GPLS-hosted IT conference for Georgia’s public libraries.

More information:

• Will be expected to research, develop, and suggest training internally and externally. Will be expected to have a “finger on the pulse” of library tech needs, and develop action plans for libraries and GPLS funding that have large, scalable impact. Will be expected to suggest new programs and improvements or changes to current managed programs.
• Will manage planning and execution of state-level funding earmarked for library IT needs. Will work with Director of LSTA and Grant Management to develop and approve library plans and necessary contracts. Annual budget planning for individual programs and input for GPLS IT team.
• This position is heavily involved in training and outreach, primarily for public library staff. Helps integrate new technologies, educates GPLS and library staff on technology solutions. Presents training sessions at annual technology conference, staff days, and as needed. Develops training materials for programs hosted by GPLS IT, manages development of training materials alongside GPLS IT staff.
• Other duties as assigned.

Educational Requirements

• Bachelors in information science, technology, or library-related degree

Required Experience

• Five years of experience in one or a combination of: public libraries, library technology applications, and/or technology training
• Requirements include knowledge of and preferably experience with public libraries and library management, reporting and analysis, information management, project management, and competence development (training)

Preferred Experience & Education

• ALA-accredited MLS preferred
• Public library experience preferred

Abilities

• Must have the ability to analyze and solve complex problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables
• Synthesizes extremely complex or diverse information; Collects and organizes data; Uses intuition and experience to complement data; Designs and documents workflows, procedures and reports
• Generates creative solutions; Translates concepts and information into images; Demonstrates attention to detail
• Assesses own strengths and weaknesses; Pursues training and development opportunities; Strives to continuously build knowledge and skills; Shares expertise with others
• Identifies and resolves problems in a timely manner; Gathers and analyzes information skillfully; Develops creative and alternative solutions
• Works well in group problem solving situations; Uses reason even when dealing with emotional topics. Skill in interpersonal relations and working with people of varying skill levels and types of expertise
• Excellent verbal and written communications and training skills
• Strong decision making and problem-solving skills

Knowledge

• A basic working knowledge of computer hardware/software, networking, and operating systems is preferred and/or A+ or similar certifications
• Maintains comprehensive knowledge of current library trends, emerging technologies, and how they can be applied in a library setting

Skills

Requirements include knowledge of and experience with:

• public libraries and library automation
• systems monitoring
• help desk and support platforms
• reporting and analysis
• information management
• project management
• competence development (training)

The University System Office is an equal employment, equal access, and equal educational opportunity, and affirmative action institution. It is the policy of the University System Office to recruit, hire, train, promote and educate persons without regard to race, color, national or ethnic origin, age, disability, gender, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity or veteran status as required by applicable state and federal laws (including Title VI, Title VII, Title IX, Sections 503, and 504, ADEA, ADA, E.O. 11246, and Rev. Proc. 75-50).

For questions or more detailed information regarding this policy please contact the University System Office Human Resources at 404.962.3242. Individuals requiring disability related accommodations for participation in any event or to obtain print materials in an alternative format, please contact Human Resources.

Work Environment

• The work is normally performed in an office, remotely, or on location
• The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate
• Will require moderate travel

Physical Demands

• The work is typically performed while sitting at a desk or table or while intermittently sitting, standing, bending, walking, crouching or stooping
• The employee occasionally lifts light objects
• The employee occasionally lifts/moves heavy objects (computers, servers, etc.)

This position may be approved for a hybrid (remote/on-site work schedule).