Information Retrieval List Digest 324 (September 16, 1996) URL = http://hegel.lib.ncsu.edu/stacks/serials/irld/irld-324 IRLIST Digest ISSN 1064-6965 September 16, 1996 Volume XIII, Number 37 Issue 324 ********************************************************** II. JOBS 1. NC State U.: Digital Resources, Ass't. Head of Systems/Librarian 2. Cornell U.: IT: Senior Programmer/Analyst 3. RAND Corporation: Systems Librarian III. NOTICES A. Publications 1. FARNET's Washington Update B. Meetings 1. Conference on Leveraging Cyberspace 2. Library Research Seminar I ********************************************************** II. JOBS II.1. Fr: Jennifer O'Brien NC State U.: Digital Resources, Ass't. Head of Systems/Librarian NORTH CAROLINA STATE UNIVERSITY LIBRARIES Assistant Head of Systems/Librarian for Digital Resources North Carolina State University Libraries, a member of the Association of Research Libraries and the Center for Research Libraries, is seeking applications for the newly defined position of Assistant Head of Systems/Librarian for Digital Resources. The successful candidate will join a library focused on the use of information technology to extend and enhance client-centered services. Located in Raleigh, North Carolina State University is the state's largest academic institution, with 27,000 students and doctoral degree programs in 53 fields. The Raleigh/Durham area was rated by Money magazine (September 1994) as the "Best Place to Live in America," and by Fortune (November 1993) as the "Best City for Knowledge Workers." With a staff of 5 librarians, 7 technical support staff, and 3 FTE temporary staff, the Systems Department develops, implements, and supports advanced automated information systems for the NCSU Libraries. The Libraries operates in an open and integrated computing environment with Windows-based, Macintosh, and Unix-based workstations connected by high speed, dual fiber-optic backbone network. The Libraries uses software from Data Research Associates, Inc., running on a Digital AXP 4000/610 for online catalog, acquisitions and serials, circulation, and database access. Software from Ameritech Library Systems and SilverPlatter Information Services running on a Digital AXP 7000/610 provides access to a wide array of databases. RESPONSIBILITIES: Under direction of the Head of Systems, assists in the administration of the department; has management responsibilities for three operational units; assumes responsibility for departmental management in absence of department head. Working with other Systems staff, leverages existing technologies and combines them with emerging technologies to build content-oriented components of the digital library. Works with Libraries staff in team settings to incorporate new, digital library resources into appropriate delivery mechanisms, including Web services, Z39.50 support, and proprietary interfaces. Coordinates and provides education for Libraries staff in digital library resources and services. Occasionally acts as technical resource to library staff for problems and issues related to use of network navigation tools, electronic mail, routine office-automation tools, and program-oriented tools. Maintains active dialogue with colleagues at peer institutions, learns and applies technical skills in hardware and applications support, network communications technologies, and user education. Participates in library-wide committees and task forces, and is expected to be active professionally. QUALIFICATIONS: Required: ALA-accredited MLS or equivalent advanced degree in Information Science or related-field. Significant professional experience with computing in a library setting and with networked environments. Demonstrated successful supervisory experience. Exposure to and understanding of issues related to development of electronic reserves and other digital library resources. Excellent oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills. Demonstrated systems analysis and design skills. Ability to work independently and as a team member in a highly interactive, cross-functional environment. Able to set priorities effectively and resolve competing demands. Open to an atmosphere of continual change. Preferred: Minimum 3 years' relevant professional experience. Familiarity with management and operation of integrated library management software. The Libraries offers a competitive salary commensurate with experience. Position is available immediately; applications will be reviewed upon receipt. For full consideration, apply as soon as possible. Request complete vacancy announcement via e-mail from: wendy_scott@ncsu.edu or call 919/515-3522. To apply, send resume and the names, addresses, and telephone numbers of four current, professional references to: Wendy L. Scott, Office of Personnel Services, NCSU Libraries Box 7111, Raleigh, NC 27695-7111 North Carolina State University is dedicated to equality of opportunity within its community. ********** II.2. Fr: Susan Barnes Re: Cornell U.: Programmer We have 2 programmer/analyst positions open, one a permanent position and the other a 1-year temporary position. Details follow: Senior Programmer/Analyst (TA2302) Information Technology Section Albert R. Mann Library Cornell University, Ithaca NY http://www.mannlib.cornell.edu BASIC PURPOSE OF THE POSITION: Under general direction of the Head, Information Technology Section, create innovative & imaginative information systems for scholars through systems analysis, design & programming; provide consultative support to technicians to maintain the Library's network & computer systems; make presentations describing the Library's information systems & research projects; assist with proposal writing; work with a team of information professionals, application programmers & technicians to design & implement information systems involving the application of emerging technologies; develop strategies for the maintenance & support of a large collection of electronic data files. RESPONSIBILITIES: 1. Systems Analysis and Design: 70% Work with information professionals, systems analysts, applications programmers, and technicians within the library and Cornell Information Technologies in the development and support of electronic information systems. a. Participate in the conceptualization of imaginative and innovative solutions to the electronic delivery of scholarly information. b. Participate in the systems analysis, systems design, and programming activities associated with the library's information system development projects. c. Provide systems-level and application-level consultative support to systems analysts and applications programmers working on information system research and development projects. d. Provide technical expertise and consultative support to technicians in the configuration, installation, and maintenance of network hardware and software used for development of information system research and development projects. 2. Systems Management: 15% Assist with maintenance of software on the library's production system computers in support of the delivery of electronic information systems. a. Configure and maintain library networking hardware and software utilized by the library's minicomputer production systems. b. Train and assist library technical staff and information professionals in accessing data files stored on magnetic tape and other media. c. Work with library technical staff and information professionals to develop strategies and methodologies for the management of and access to data files on magnetic tape and other media. 3. Maintain and Support the Electronic Library: 15% Provide general workstation support, troubleshooting, and consultation to library staff and patrons. a. Provide technical consultative support to information professionals in the implementation of the Electronic Library. b. Participate in the Mann Library Instructional Workshop series. EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS: a. Master's degree with computer-related courses highly desirable. b. At least two year's experience with local area networks and telecommunications software required. c. In-depth knowledge of the UNIX operating system required. d. In-depth knowledge of and experience with the C programming language and shell-scripting required. e. Experience with the support of software development projects required. f. Experience in computer systems management and network management highly desirable. g. Experience with multi-user computer systems highly desirable. CHARACTERISTICS SOUGHT: a. Excited by the significance of the Electronic Library. b. Effective interpersonal skills and a sense of excellence in service and instruction. c. Ability to express oneself clearly and concisely in both the written word and orally. d. Willingness to adapt to rapidly changing project requirements and priorities. e. Ability to manage many simultaneous activities and tasks. TO APPLY: Send cover letter and references (refer to job# TA2302) via US Mail to: Theresa Rapacki Employment Services 20 Thornwood Drive, Suite 101 Cornell University Ithaca, NY 14850-1265 FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THIS JOB: Contact Tim Lynch, Head, Information Technology Section, Mann Library, (607)255-9570 or tjl3@cornell.edu. ********** II.3. Fr: Libby Gill Re: RAND Corporation: Systems Librarian The RAND Corporation 1700 Main Street P.O. Box 2138 Santa Monica, CA 90407-2138 POSITION TITLE: Systems Librarian GRADE: Senior Librarian STATUS: Exempt, Full-time REPORTS TO: Director, Library Services Department POSITION SUMMARY: Overall planning, management, operation, maintenance and training of all library operated computer systems including the integrated on-line system (STILAS/UNICORN), CD-ROM databases, Internet tools, library related PC and Unix applications and other networked resources. DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES: 1. manage the day-to-day operations of the STILAS/UNICORN integrated system 2. plan and implement system enhancements and new applications 3. troubleshoot connectivity and data communication problems with micro-based information services (CD-ROM) and external database services 4. coordinate and conduct staff training 5. act as primary liaison with external library automation vendors and with RAND's internal computing services. 6. provide Internet tools expertise and maintain library web site 7. design desktop information delivery systems 8. order and track library software and hardware 9. keep current with library systems and emerging technology in order to assist Library Director with future directions of the library 10. assist Library Director in development of automation policies 11. perform special projects and other related duties as assigned EDUCATION/WORK EXPERIENCE: MLS or MIS from an ALA accredited graduate program or a BS in computer science with 2 years of professional systems experience in an automated library environment. Working knowledge of a UNIX-based on-line integrated library system, CD-ROM networking technology, Internet tools and resources, and a variety of other library applications running under DOS and Windows operating systems. Experience managing an automated system preferably in a complex library setting; thorough knowledge of bibliographic control standards and MARC record structure; and knowledge of telecommunications and networking as they relate to library applications. Preference will be given to experience with SIRSI's STILAS/UNICORN system. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: Ability to work effectively in a demanding and rapidly changing information services organization; demonstrated service orientation; ability to think creatively and problem solve; ability to meet deadlines; excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to communicate complex information effectively, both orally and in writing, to a variety of audiences. SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: U. S. Citizenship. SALARY AND BENEFITS: RAND offers a competitive salary commensurate with education and experience. Benefits include 15 days vacation, 8 paid holidays, medical, dental, disability and life insurance, TIAA/CREF and Vanguard retirement plans, tuition reimbursement, and a unique sabbatic vacation pay program paid when a vacation day is taken. RAND: RAND is a nonprofit institution that is dedicated to improving public policy through non-partisan and independent research and analysis. Its broad research agenda helps policy makers strengthen the nation's economy, maintain its security, and improve its quality of life by developing innovative solutions to complex problems in education, health care, national defense, and criminal and civil justice, and other areas. A more detailed description of RAND can be found at http://www.rand.org. THE LIBRARY: The Library provides effective and responsive information services in support of RAND's research activities using a broad array of printed and electronic resources and services. With a staff of 30.5 FTE, the library has more than 290,000 volumes in its collections and acquires more than 3500 current serials. The Library has a state of the art on-line catalog system (Sirsi's STILAS/UNICORN System) with full integration of acquisitions, circulation, accountability, OPAC, serials management, WebCat and several other utilities. It also maintains a central data facility which has more than 900 archived datasets and related documentation. APPLICATION: This position is available immediately and will be filled as soon as possible. Send a letter of application, resume and your salary history to: Pat Shinaberger Library The RAND Corporation PO Box 2138 Santa Monica, CA 90407-2138 Telephone inquiries for further Library-specific information may be directed to the Library Administrative Office (310) 393-0411, ext. 7572 RAND is an EOE/Affirmative Action Employer. ********************************************************** III. NOTICES III.A.1. Fr: Heather Boyles Re: FARNET's Washington Update FARNET's Washington Update --- September 13, 1996 IN THIS ISSUE: o Committee vote on pro-encryption bill put on hold o House tries for language prohibiting FCC regulation of Internet again >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Written from FARNET's Washington office, "FARNET's Washington Update" is a service to FARNET members and other interested subscribers. We gratefully acknowledge EDUCOM's NTTF and the Coalition for Networked Information for additional support. If you would like more information about the Update or would like to offer comments or suggestions, please contact Heather Boyles at heather@farnet.org ********** III.B.1. Fr: Judi Moline Re: Conference on Leveraging Cyberspace EVENT: Conference on Leveraging Cyberspace DATE: October 8-9, 1996 PURPOSE: People with shared interests are using the Internet to solve problems, accomplish tasks, and create resources that would be well beyond the reach of any one person or organization. The ability to leverage the efforts of large numbers of networked users has important economic, social, and political consequences. This conference is designed to explore this phenomenon from both a technical and social science perspective. Additionally, the closing session of the conference will cap off several weeks of virtual discussions on the conference's web site. LOCATION: Xerox Palo Alto Research Center (PARC) Palo Alto, Calif. KEYNOTE BY: John Seely Brown, Vice President and Chief Scientist, Xerox PROGRAM:WEB: http://nii.nist.gov/cyber/cyber_conf.html REGISTRATION: $200 SPONSORS: White House National Economic Council Commerce's National Institute of Standards and Technology; Xerox Palo Alto Research Center TECHNICAL CONTACT: Judi Moline, NIST (301) 975-4601 email: jmoline@nist.gov INFORMATION: Web: http://nii.nist.gov/cyber/cyber_conf.html TO REGISTER: Print registration form from web site and return with payment to: Office of the Comptroller NIST A807 Administration Building Gaithersburg, Md. 20899-0001 USA Or fax to: Lori Phillips, NIST fax: (301) 948-2067 ********** III.B.2. Fr: Admin Library