Job: Columbus – Applications Designer – Columbus Metropolitian Library

COLUMBUS METROPOLITAN LIBRARY POSITION PROFILE

Position Title: Applications Designer
Department: Digital Services
FLSA Status: Exempt
Reports to: Digital Experience Manager
Pay Range: 2500
Approved: Executive Director
Effective Date: 1/27/2009
PURPOSE OF JOB:
Responsible for developing design and web code for applications that enhance the online experiences for library customers.  Serves a role to create connections between customer inputs, library business leads, digital experience analysis, and web code development. Works to integrate functions of library tools/applications into highly-useable, digital interfaces.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Provides leadership and drive for the prototyping and development of UI designs and functional components for web applications that integrate technology solutions with Library software and/or third party software. 
2. Develops web code that maximizes the usefulness of the tool to the end user by optimizing the design of the product’s functionality, navigational elements, and visual impact. Responsible for project and product development.
3. Prepares technical documentation for programs and modules.
4. Analyzes inputs and requirements from internal and external customers and quickly translates them into user friendly designs that adhere to the library’s digital strategies and CML’s brand stylebook. 
5. Supports a collaborative and iterative development process by implementing visual/functional design elements through the use of rapid prototyping, specifications, wireframes, and other methods.
6. Continually enhances and maintains system applications, including project follow-up and ongoing review of error logs to ensure identified systems are functioning as expected. Investigates and resolves problems if found.
7. Participates in the development and adherence of technology standards and development process. Applies expertise of web trends, web browser specifications, best practices for web security, data formats, compression techniques and more to ensure proper integration of the application code layer to the data layer and other components of comprehensive web environment.  
8. Utilizes computer applications and library equipment, maintains current knowledge of system wide and location specific procedures, processes, policies and operations. Utilizes e-mail and voicemail to maintain open channels of communication.
9. Performs additional duties as assigned including serving on task forces, committees, etc.
    

INTER-ACTION: 

Interaction with staff, customers, agencies or vendors.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

1. Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college or university in computer science, or related discipline; four (4) years of progressive experience in the design and development of complex user interfaces and internet applications/websites; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
2. Knowledge of cascading style sheets (CSS). 
3. Knowledge of functions of applications programming, including storage/retrieval of data, markup languages, client side scripting, best practices, accessibility, and cross browser compatibility. 
4. Ability to provide rigorous analyses to solve difficult problems with creative, effective, resourceful solutions. Can see hidden problems.
5. Strong conceptual and visual skills with design sense that generates vibrant, original designs within parameters of the library’s marketing and brand. 
6. Ability to operate library technology systems, in addition to personal computer, software programs and other job related equipment. 
7. Familiarity with MS Office products.  Keyboarding/windows proficiency.
8. Ability to attend system-wide meetings and events, provide personal transportation as needed.

HIGHLY PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS AND COMPETENCIES:

1. Two years development experience working in conjunction with a team of developers and software development cycle processes to support coordinated development efforts, such as source code repository.
2. Proficiency with more than one of the following: HTML, CSS, JavaScript, XHTML, AJAX, XML. 
3. Knowledgeable in current and possible future policies, practices, trends, technology, and information affecting the library organization and related marketplaces.
4. Gains technical skills quickly.  Well capable of learning new organization, product or technical knowledge. (Technical Learning)
5. Future oriented, can articulate vision of possibilities and likelihood of their success.  Has broad knowledge and perspective. (Strategic Agility) 
6. Skilled at judging which ideas and suggestions will work and bringing them to market.  Can manage the creative processes of others. (Innovation Management)
7. Adept at process management; knows how to organize people and activities. Can simplify complex processes, see opportunities for synergy and integration and apply appropriately to get more out of fewer resources. (Process Management)
8. Ability to evaluate and recommend systems for process automation. (Total Works Systems)
9. Knows how businesses work, especially libraries. Knowledgeable in current and possible future policies, practices, trends, technology, and information in the library industry and field of library and information science. (Business Acumen)

COMPUTER/TECHNOLOGY SKILLS/EQUIPMENT/SOFTWARE SKILLS:
The following is the common technology used in this position and is not all inclusive.

GroupWise eMail, Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft PowerPoint, Microsoft Visio, Intranet (CMLsi), Internet, Integrated Library System (Discovery Place ILS). Various equipment including Laptop With LCD Projector or other Misc. CML Related Software Applications. See categorized list below. The entire group will all apply these skills. There is the potential that individuals will develop some specializations within the group, but all will hold at least general knowledge of the systems listed below. 

Develops and Maintains:
ILS, Web Sites, Financial System (IFAS), and other organization applications.

Standards/Programming Languages: 

• Visual Design Implementation Web Coding: Database 
•  Scripting Languages 
•  Search Standards: Circulation Exchange Standards
• Information Sharing
• Authentication Standards: Resource Sharing Standards

Tools: 

• General
• Web

Specific programming languages and tools will be determined on a position by position basis.

SUPERVISORY/MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITY: No direct reports.

TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS: Frequency of travel: Periodic.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: Must be on call 24 hours a day to accept and respond to emergency calls.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
Nature of work requires an ability to effectively communicate and exchange information, collect, compile and prepare work documents operating standard business office equipment. Periodic travel by automobile is required for position responsibilities and/or training.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:
Majority of the work performed in a general office/library environment. Requires availability for extended or non-traditional hours as needed to perform job duties. Requires periodic participation and attendance at related library events and training.

DISCLAIMER:
The information in this summary indicates the general nature and level of work performed within this role. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees assigned to this position.

Copyright© 1996, 1998, 2000, 2002, 2004 by Robert W. Eichinger and Michael M. Lombardo.  ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.  This work is derived from the FYI FOR YOUR IMPROVEMENT Coaching and Development Guide developed and copyrighted by Robert W. Eichinger and Michael M. Lombardo for Lominger Limited, Inc.  Without the prior written permission of Lominger Limited, Inc., no part of this work may be used, reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means by or to any party outside of Columbus Metropolitan Library, except as required by law.