Electronic Resources Librarian

Columbia College Chicago; Chicago (IL); Hybrid; USD 50,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking an Electronic Resources Librarian to lead the management and acquisition of electronic resources. This pivotal role involves collaborating with various library teams to enhance the accessibility and usability of online tools, ensuring that students and faculty have seamless access to vital resources. The successful candidate will manage vendor relationships, support staff development, and contribute to the library's instructional services. If you are passionate about technology and library services, and eager to make a significant impact in an academic environment, this opportunity is perfect for you.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in library science required, with a focus on electronic resources.
• 1+ years of experience in an academic library preferred.

Responsibilities

• Manage electronic resources cycle including budgeting and procurement.
• Provide reference service and develop online instructional content.

Skills

Interpersonal Skills

Communication Skills

Research Skills

Project Management

Problem Solving

User-Centered Services

Technical Troubleshooting

Time Management

Adaptability to New Technologies

Education

Master’s Degree in Library and Information Science

Tools

Alma

Primo VE

OpenAthens

HTML/CSS

Content Management Systems

Online Collaborative Productivity Tools

Job description

POSITION SUMMARY

Reporting to the Head of Reference and Instructional Services, the Electronic Resources Librarian provides leadership in the acquisition, management, and discovery of electronic resources and serves as a member of the Reference and Instruction team. This position works closely with the Metadata and Systems Librarian on the integration of electronic resources and the library discovery system. The Electronic Resource Librarian works with other Library staff to improve accessibility of online instructional and research tools. As a member of the Reference and Instruction Department, this librarian participates in a broad range of research and instructional services.

The Electronic Resources Librarian collaborates to support staff development related to technology and e-resources.

Flex work option is available.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Manage the annual electronic resources cycle including budgeting, procurement, implementation, and promotion of databases.
2. Lead the Electronic Resources Committee in the evaluation and selection/deselection of databases; works with liaison librarians to gather database feedback from faculty.
3. Serve as the main library contact with database vendors; work with vendor representatives to set up database trials, obtain price quotes, procure new resources after committee selection, and manage invoices. Work closely with the Library Director to ensure database licenses and invoices are approved through the procurement process.
4. Participate in the information literacy program and the development and delivery of online instructional content and classroom instruction.
5. Work with the Instruction and Online Learning Librarian to support development and evaluation of online instructional components including research guides, widgets, videos, modules, etc.
6. Provide reference service, including in-depth research and research consultations, via email, chat, phone, video conferencing, and/or in-person.
7. Work with the Metadata and Systems Librarian to ensure electronic resources are accessible through the library catalog, discovery system, authentication system, and link resolvers.
8. Assist the Metadata and Systems Librarian in evaluating and customizing the library discovery system including the user interface and search scopes to ensure an optimal user experience.
9. Review accessibility of online library products to ensure usability for persons with disabilities.
10. Integrate web-based library products into the library website, including the discovery system, electronic resources, virtual reference tools, research guides, forms, etc.
11. Provide training and development for library staff, supporting technology awareness and learning of new electronic resources and other research and reference service delivery tools.
12. Troubleshoot technical problems with user access to electronic resources.
13. Serve as liaison between the Library and the Digital Group for Library website content management; perform updates and revisions to website content.
14. Serve as liaison for assigned schools, including collection development responsibilities in relevant subject areas.
15. Serve on Library and campus committees, when needed.
16. Participate in local, state, and/or national professional organizations.
17. Perform other related duties and responsibilities as assigned or required.

QUALIFICATIONS

1. Master’s degree in library and information science from an ALA-accredited institution, or equivalent degree.
2. Minimum one year of professional experience in an academic library with a thorough understanding of academic user needs or equivalent experience in other types of libraries (public, special, etc.). Reference and Instruction experience in an academic library a plus.
3. Familiarity with a variety of electronic resources and ability to work with database vendors.
4. Experience with electronic resources management.
5. Awareness of current issues and trends in information technology and public services.
6. Familiarity with standard practices and standards of usability and accessibility.
7. Experience using online collaborative productivity tools.
8. Experience collaborating to find solutions to workflow and service challenges.
9. Excellent interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to interact with a diverse group of students, faculty, and staff.
10. Enthusiastic public service orientation and commitment to providing excellent, innovative, user-centered services.
11. Ability to learn new software applications, programs, and tools and to assist users with a wide array of applications and technologies.
12. Demonstrated competency in managing and troubleshooting access to electronic content.
13. Familiarity with collection development principles and/or faculty liaison programs.
14. Familiarity with information literacy principles and practices.
15. Ability to perform in-depth research and present findings to users.
16. Demonstrated effective time management and organizational skills, including the ability to plan, manage, and implement projects.
17. Working knowledge of copyright, fair use, open access, and Open Educational Resources.
18. Experience or familiarity with usability studies and user feedback a plus.
19. Experience with Alma, Primo VE, and OpenAthens or other discovery and authentication systems a plus.
20. Experience using course management systems, content management systems a plus.
21. Skilled in implementing HTML/CSS web content a plus.
22. Proficiency with one or more programming languages a plus.
23. Proficiency with a content management system like Cascade a plus.
24. Experience providing instructional technology support a plus.

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities required of the employee and is subject to change based on the needs of the department and/or college.