Electronic Resources Librarian

RESPONSIBILITIES: Reporting to the Coordinator of Acquisitions and Electronic Resources, the Electronic Resources Librarian ensures optimal and accurate access to subscription resources, including databases, electronic journals, and books. The Electronic Resources Librarian supports the development of new methods of subscription and resource acquisition and strives to increase available resources for the UA community. As a faculty librarian in Resource Acquisition & Discovery, this position contributes to the overall management of the area, helping to ensure completion of goals in an efficient manner in support of university and library strategic goals.

The University of Alabama Libraries is engaged as a beta partner on the FOLIO project. The Electronic Resources Librarian will work as part of the FOLIO project management cycle as modules are developed and tested. University Libraries currently is a Voyager site and uses Ebsco Discovery Services as its discovery layer.

Other position responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Managing subscription resources through the establishment of product trials, license review, access management, record maintenance, subscription renewal, and ongoing vendor relations.

• Collecting and reporting financial and statistics usage in various forms.

• Processing invoices in a timely manner.

• Using ILS acquisitions modules for financial management and processing of collections, currently Voyager and FOLIO.

• Troubleshooting, customizing, and linking in Ebsco Discovery Service;

• Activating and managing new and existing e-resources within the knowledge-base of the University Libraries access management systems.

• Developing proactive methods to preempt e-resource access problems before they are reported.

• Resolving problems relating to e-resources access in a timely manner.

• Monitoring trends in e-resource management, analyzing tools and workflows, exploring new models and recommending changes to existing tools and workflows as appropriate.

• Providing information, training, and support to inform colleagues and the campus of new features and interface changes related to e-resource discovery.

• Promoting and improving resource access by updating, customizing, and integrating interfaces for e-resource discovery, including vendor platforms for databases/e-journals/e-books, and other library resources.

• Candidate must also possess the ability to deal with change, ambiguity, and complex problems in an academic setting. Responsibilities of the position evolve as the library environment continues to change.

ENVIRONMENT: The University of Alabama, The Capstone University, is the State of Alabama’s flagship public university and the senior comprehensive doctoral level institution in Alabama. UA enrolls over 37,000 students, is ranked in the top 50 public universities in the United States. UA has graduated 15 Rhodes Scholars, 15 Truman Scholars, has had 121 Fulbright Scholars, is one of the leading institutions for National Merit Scholars (150 in 2015), and has 5 Pulitzer Prize winners among its ranks. Under the leadership of President Stuart Bell, UA has launched a strategic planning process that includes an aggressive research agenda and expansion of graduate education. The University of Alabama Libraries are essential in advancing the educational mission of the University. We provide innovative instruction, services, and resources to facilitate teaching, research, and learning. The University of Alabama Libraries are committed to be student-centered and research-focused in order to support discovery, learning, and creativity at The Capstone.

The University Libraries maintains memberships in the Association of Research Libraries, the Center for Research Libraries, the Coalition for Networked Information, centerNet, LYRASIS, the Association of Southeastern Research Libraries, the HathiTrust, Scholars Trust, the Rosemont Alliance, the Network of Alabama Academic Libraries, the Digital Preservation Network, and the Alabama Digital Preservation Network. As a U.S. Government Documents Regional Depository, the UA Libraries serves Alabama libraries and the public. The University Libraries homepage may be accessed at http://www.lib.ua.edu

UA is located in Tuscaloosa, a metropolitan area of 200,000, with a vibrant economy, a moderate climate, and a reputation across the South as an innovative, progressive community with an excellent quality of life. Tuscaloosa provides easy access to mountains, several large cities, and the beautiful Gulf Coast.

Prior to employment the successful candidate must pass a pre-employment background investigation.

SALARY/BENEFITS: 12 month tenure track faculty appointment at the Assistant Professor rank, depending on qualifications. Salary is $52,000.00-$60,000.00. Strong benefits including professional development support and tuition fee waiver.

TO APPLY: Applications are accepted online only at https://facultyjobs.ua.edu - Click Search Positions. University Libraries in Organization drop down box. Please include your application, Curriculum Vitae, and names, addresses, phone numbers, and e- mail addresses of three references, including one current supervisor.

Applications received by August 9, 2018 are assured of receiving full consideration.

The University of Alabama is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer and is strongly committed to the diversity of our faculty and staff. Applicants from a broad spectrum of people, including women, members of ethnic minorities and disabled persons, are especially encouraged to apply. For questions regarding the search, contact Dr. Millie Jackson, Senior Associate Dean, at mljackson@ua.edu

Requirements

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Master’s degree from an ALA-accredited program.

• Prior academic library experience, 1-2 years preferred working with electronic resources.

• Detailed understanding of current models, practices, and tools used by academic libraries for the acquisition and management of e-resources.

• Familiarity or experience with EbscoAdmin, EbscoNet, Usage Consolidation, or similar e-resource management configuration.

• Familiarity or experience with Springshare products.

• Demonstrated aptitude and experience with relevant information technology, such as integrated library systems, open-url resolvers, and Microsoft Office including proficiency with Excel.

• A thorough understanding of the organization of records management necessary to coordinate and maintain e-resources workflow, e.g., tracking purchases, access set-up, etc.

• Proven ability to develop written documentation such as process workflows and internal reports.

• Familiarity with collection analysis and assessment of print and electronic resources.

• Demonstrated ability to plan, initiate, and implement effective programs, projects, and services.

• Demonstrated strong commitment to customer service excellence.

• Proven communication and interpersonal skills evidenced by the ability to work cooperatively and maintain effective working relationships with colleagues, faculty, students, and staff.

• Demonstrated ability to be flexible in a dynamic work environment.

• Proven ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a complex changing environment and complete tasks according to an established timeframe.

• Demonstrated ability to view issues from an institutional and library-wide perspective and to manage organizational change.

• Commitment to conduct research and scholarship consistent with a faculty appointment.

• Commitment to engage in continuing professional development.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• A second advanced degree.

• Prior experience managing e-resources in a library setting.

• Knowledge of current issues and trends in electronic resources, library collections, and serials management.

• Knowledge of web technologies and metadata standards related to effective e-resource access and discovery.