What are the responsibilities and job description for the Electronic Resources Librarian position at Mediabistro?
Title : Electronic Resources Librarian
Department : Van Houten Library
Reports To : Associate University Librarian-Collections & Information Technology Van Houten Library
Position Type : Staff
Position Summary : The Robert W. Van Houten Library at New JerseyInstitute of Technology (NJIT) seeks an innovative and detail-orientedElectronic Resources Librarian (ERL) for a full-time, non-tenure-trackposition. This role is critical to advancing the library's mission of managingand providing seamless access to digital content. Reporting to the AssociateUniversity Librarian for Collections and Information Technology, the ERL willoversee the lifecycle management of electronic and digital resources, includingcontract negotiations, licensing, and transformative agreements, and ensurediscovery and seamless access to digital collections. This position will play akey role in supporting digital resource management initiatives, collaboratingwith faculty and stakeholders, staying informed on trends in libraries andhigher education, and maintaining a strong focus on exceptional customerservice and teamwork.
This position requires a 35-hour workweek,which currently includes one remote workday per week. It may also require oneevening shift per week and occasional weekend hours as needed.
This is an exciting opportunity to contributeto the transformation of library services and digital resource management atNJIT, ensuring access to cutting-edge digital content while upholding theuniversity's mission of innovation and excellence.
Essential Functions : DigitalResource Management (50%)- Oversees the lifecycle management of electronic resources,including subscriptions, databases, e-books, journals, and streamingmedia. Conducts product research, coordinates trials, and evaluates offersto support informed decision-making.- Negotiates and formalizes resource licenses with internaldepartments, publishers, vendors, and consortia, ensuring favorablepricing and terms.- Participates in budget planning and management; ensures accurateinvoice payments and distributes departmental allotments based onestablished formulas.- Resolves issues such as broken links, authentication errors, andconnectivity problems to ensure uninterrupted access to electronicresources. Coordinates with vendors, IT staff, and other stakeholders toprovide timely solutions.- Coordinates with the open access staff to advance transformativeagreements that align with the library's strategic goals and enhanceaccess to scholarly content.- Collects, analyzes, and presents usage data to inform purchasing,renewal, and cancellation decisions. Shares findings with stakeholders tosupport strategic planning.- Collaborates with acquisitions, cataloging, collectiondevelopment, and user services teams to manage electronic resourceseffectively.- Works closely with the assessment staff to design and implementstrategies for evaluating electronic resources, leveraging data to guideinformed collection development decisions.- Stays informed on trends and best practices in electronicresource management, participating in user groups and open-sourcecommunities to enhance access and discoverability. Maintains consistentservice quality, procedures, and best practices.
Acquisitionsand Serials Management (45%)- Oversees acquisitions operations, including resource allocations,encumbrances, and the library management system's (LMS) acquisitionmodule.- Manages serials operations, including receiving, activating,updating, binding, and repairing physical items.- Guides interlibrary loan (ILL) operations, including managing theacquisition of electronic resources from Reprints Desk and othercommercial vendors.
Research and InstructionManagement (5%)- Provides research and reference support to library usersvirtually and in person. Assists with library searches and connectspatrons with appropriate resources. Serves as backup at the research helpdesk as needed.- Develops and maintains guides and tutorials to supportinstructional and research activities, focusing on enhancing access to andeffective use of electronic resources.
Additional Functions : - Serves as the primary representative forelectronic and digital resources on campus, system-wide, state, national,and international levels.- Contributes to projects, includingaccreditation reviews and new program development. Participates inUniversity and Library committees and engages in professional growththrough scholarship and service to library organizations as appropriate.- Performs additional professionalresponsibilities as required.
Prerequisite Qualifications : - A Master's degree in library or information science from anALA-accredited program or equivalent degree in a related discipline.- At least three (3) years of professional experience withelectronic resource lifecycle management and licensing contracts.- Expertise in licensing agreements, records management, andunderstanding archival rights, perpetual access, open access, interlibraryloan, copyright, and fair use.- Advanced proficiency in Excel and data analysis tools for librarydecision-making.- Possessing strong analytical, problem-solving, and communicationskills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines,and work independently and collaboratively.- At the university's discretion, the education and experienceprerequisites may be exempted where the candidate can demonstrate to thesatisfaction of the university, an equivalent combination of education andexperience specifically preparing the candidate for success in theposition.
Preferred Qualifications : - Familiarity withessential library systems and tools, including the management of electronicresources and authentication processes such as IP-based proxy services,federated identity solution like OpenAthens.- Demonstrated ability totroubleshoot technical issues with electronic resources, includingauthentication errors, link resolver challenges, vendor platform problems,licensing and subscription discrepancies, browser compatibility issues,network disruptions, and user-related errors.- Familiarity with generalmetadata concepts and frameworks relevant to library resources, such asusage statistics standards (e.g., SUSHI and COUNTER) and basic principlesfor organizing and describing digital content.- Familiarity with librarymanagement and discovery tools (Ex Libris Alma and Primo) and platformscommonly used for resource access and user services, such as Springshareproducts, RapidILL, or similar systems.- Project Management certification such as CAPM or PMP or provenexperience managing projects, including planning, execution, and stakeholdercollaboration to meet objectives.
Bargaining Unit : PSA
Range / Band : 23
FLSA : ExemptFull-Time
Special Instructions toApplicants : Applicants should include the following forconsideration : - A cover letter addressing qualifications for the position,- A CV / resume, and- Contact information for three (3) references, including at least one (1) current or past supervisor.
References will only be contacted if thecandidate is selected as a finalist. Applications will be reviewed immediatelyand continue until the position is filled.
Research indicates that women and individuals from underrepresentedgroups often hesitate to apply for roles unless they meet every qualification.At NJIT, we understand that no candidate will perfectly match 100% of thequalifications listed. If this role resonates with you and aligns with yourskills and experiences, we strongly encourage you to apply.Apply Now
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