Electronic Resources Librarian

Under the general direction of the Associate Law Librarian for Technical Services, the Electronic Resources Librarian oversees the e-resources lifecycle for the Law Library by establishing and maintaining intellectual control over content and assisting with resolving issues related to acquisitions, licensing, access, billing, and ongoing management. Recommends, implements, and assesses workflows and strategies for e-resources acquisitions and maintenance. Maintains and manages productive vendor relationships with producers and providers of e-resources. Addresses authorization and authentication issues for e-resources. 

The Electronic Resources Librarian participates in e-resources license negotiation and review. Maintains license details in the library’s ERM. Coordinates with the Associate Director for Collections & Access, Research Services librarians, and selectors to set-up and monitor trials of electronic resources, renewals, and plans for discontinuation of resources. Coordinates with Head of Acquisitions to manage the relationship between print and online subscriptions. Stays abreast of emerging trends and best practices related to e-resources and digital publishing. Plays an active role in e-resource-related projects and initiatives. Supervises the e-resources work that is assigned to support staff in the Law Library.

Working closely with the Associate Law Librarian for Technology & Digital Initiatives, the Electronic Resources Librarian is responsible for completing digital scholarship responsibilities as assigned. Such responsibilities may include contributing to the development and management of content on the Law Library’s websites; monitoring changes and additions to website content; tracking digital scholarship activities; and reporting on the progress of various initiatives.

The Electronic Resources Librarian may supervise student workers and is expected to participate actively in the Law Library’s management, assessment, training, and development programs; contribute to implementing the mission of the Law Library; and be professionally active. Represents the Law Library on University Library committees related to electronic resources. Participates in library-wide planning and committee work as appropriate. May be required to assist in disaster recovery efforts.

Individuals new to the profession are encouraged to apply.

Essential Duties

1. Establish and maintain intellectual control over content throughout the lifecycle of e-resources licensed by the Law Library. Ensure consistency in service quality, best practices, and procedures.

2. Ensure the accurate recording and maintenance of e-resource subscription data.

3. Coordinate and perform access-related problem resolution; respond to law library staff and patron reports of issues; work with law library and vendor staff to resolve identified issues.

4. Participate in e-resource license negotiation and review.

5. Actively participate in improving the e-resource user experience with law library staff and patrons.

6. Actively collaborate across departments with the Associate Law Librarian for Collections & Access, selectors, Research Services librarians, etc., regarding current and future e-resource collection strategies. Gather and report usage statistics to assist with collection development decision-making.

7. Investigate emerging technologies to improve access and delivery of electronic and digital resources and services.

8. Coordinate and complete digital scholarship responsibilities as assigned. Contribute to and manage content for websites.

9. Track digital scholarship activities and report progress on initiatives.

10. Serve as backup system coordinator. 

11. May train and supervise student workers.

12. Supervise the e-resources work assigned to Law Library staff.

13. Participate actively in the Law Library’s management, assessment, training, and development programs; contribute to implementing the mission of the Library; and be professionally active.

14. Represent the Law Library on University Library committees related to electronic resources.

15. Participate in Law Library-wide planning and committee work as appropriate.

Required Education and Experience

1. Master's degree from an ALA‐accredited library school.

2. Demonstrated ability working in an integrated library system. Yale University assigns ranks to librarian positions based on a combination of professional experience and accomplishments. Librarian ranking information can be found at: https://guides.library.yale.edu/c.php?g=296164&p=1976545

Required Skill/Ability 1:

Demonstrated ability working in an integrated library system or knowledge base. Conceptual and/or practical knowledge of the technologies used to manage and access e-resources.

Required Skill/Ability 2:

Familiarity with or demonstrated interest in library acquisitions and licensing and how these impact access to electronic resources. Ability to implement best practices for managing the records that track electronic purchases, subscriptions, and licenses.

Required Skill/Ability 3:

Demonstrated record of designing projects and completing them in a timely manner. Demonstrated organizational skills. Familiarity with digital scholarship concepts, practices, and procedures.

Required Skill/Ability 4:

Strong computer skills. Demonstrated ability to work with content management systems such as Drupal. Demonstrated ability to implement and adapt to evolving technologies.

Required Skill/Ability 5:

Demonstrated excellent oral, written, and interpersonal communications. Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills and demonstrated attention to detail. Demonstrated ability to work both independently and in a team environment. Culturally competent.

Preferred Education, Experience and Skills:

1. J.D. and/or experience in an academic law library.

2. Experience working with Innovative Interface’s ERM and ILS.

3. Demonstrated ability managing e-resources as well as an understanding of e-resources access issues.

4. Experience working with open source or collaborative software projects, and experience working in a web content management system such as Drupal.