We've recently made some of our library systems jobs MLS optional. In one
particular case only the job title differs between someone with and without
an MLS degree. Here's a snippet from a recent job posting
<https://jobs.code4lib.org/jobs/54001-systems-librarian>:

Hiring range
> We’re looking to make the right addition to our team. Salary is
> commensurate with your experience implementing Library systems in a
> Linux/Unix environment. Regardless of your experience level, we’re
> committed to supporting your growth in this role.
>
>    - Less than 3 years: Associate Systems Librarian - $59,550 - $74,450
>
>
>    - 3-5 years: Systems Librarian - $69,100 - $86,350
>
>
>    - 5 or more years: Senior Systems Librarian - $78,100 - $97,650
>
> Candidates without the MLS degree will have Systems Administrator for
> title.


We've also noticed that since we've made some systems jobs MLS optional
(and changing the overall language of the job posting to encourage folks
with overlapping/equivalent technical skills to apply) we've been able to
recruit people from more diverse, underrepresented, and nontraditional
backgrounds. There's definitely an expectation of on-the-job training since
we're casting a wide net, but we've broadened our focus to candidates that
have a good technical aptitude, an affinity to learn, and complementary
skills that can be applied to this position. Overall, I'd say it's been a
positive experience!

Jesse

On Thu, Feb 16, 2023 at 6:24 PM Martin, Will <[log in to unmask]>
wrote:

> All,
>
> We're considering taking our Systems Librarian position and removing the
> requirement for a library degree, making it a technician position instead.
> The job's primary focus is in working with Alma configuration and
> troubleshooting the perennial off-campus access issues.  The hope is that
> removing the library degree requirement will make recruiting easier. In
> past we've had difficulty getting candidates who had both the library
> degree and the requisite technical proficiency.
>
> I am curious to hear from other universities: do you require your systems
> person to hold a library degree?  Why or why not?  If you do require one,
> do you find you have to do extensive technical training with new hires?  If
> you don't, do you wind up having to train people on library-related stuff?
> Either way, how has your approach worked out?
>
> Will Martin
>
> Head of Digital Initiatives, Systems and Services
> Chester Fritz Library
> University of North Dakota
> he/his/him
>
> 701.777.4638
>


-- 
Jesse Martinez
Senior Library Applications Developer
O'Neill Library, Boston College
[log in to unmask]
617-552-2509
he/him/his