Electronic Resources Librarian

Reporting to the Head of Library Systems and Discovery Services (LSDS), the Electronic Resource Librarian is responsible for the end-to-end management of electronic resources and best practices. The incumbent manages the access to electronic resources, including databases, e-journals, e-books, and streaming media; establishes and optimizes workflows to enable efficient e-resource management and ensures the quality of the metadata and reliable discovery of and access to the library’s electronic resources via discovery tools and resource management systems; and serves as the library’s primary contact with third-party e-resource vendors and publishers and library personnel regarding discovery and delivery issues for electronic resources.

The Library Systems and Discovery Services Department is responsible for library core system infrastructure and the discovery services that support research, scholarship, teaching, and learning at UMass Boston.  The Library has recently migrated from Ex Libris’ Voyager ILS to its ALMA resource management system and PRIMO discovery platform. This position works collaboratively with staff within the department, as well as with other departments in the Library and across campus, to maintain and enhance access and discoverability of the Library’s diverse range of electronic resources.

• Manage access to electronic resources, including databases, e-journals, e-books, streaming media, and content from related repository systems (e.g. OCLC ContentDM, bepress Digital Commons);
• Perform end-to-end management of electronic resources and ongoing maintenance and evaluation workflows, including managing trials;
• Create and maintain metadata for electronic resources, manages activations for electronic collections and portfolios, and configures link resolving and proxy services;
• Manage and update Primo Central (PC) Index collections and configurations;
• Work with cataloging and technical services staff to ensure the quality of metadata representing electronic collections and portfolios;
• Configure import profiles and performs bulk import/export and batch updates for electronic collections and portfolios;
• Investigate and troubleshoot access issues involving electronic resources and link resolving;
• Provide expertise and works collaboratively with staff from library departments and beyond to ensure the availability of electronic resources;
• Serve as the library’s primary contact with vendors, publishers, and library staff regarding discovery and access issues related to the library’s electronic resources;
• Develop and document workflows for managing the integration of electronic resources into the Library’s discovery environment;
• Assist with maintaining vendor and license information, as needed;
• Coordinate with the library business office to verify subscription status and coverage as needed to troubleshoot access to electronic resources;
• Collect, analyze, and report data regarding usage of electronic resources;
• Keep abreast of the state-of-the-art technologies and professional practices;
• Maintain effective relationships and clear communications with other library departments, campus departments, vendors, and consortia partners;
• Serve on library and university committees;
• Perform other duties as required.

Minimum Qualifications:

Graduate degree in library science from an ALA-accredited institution or equivalent and a minimum of two (2) years of experience managing electronic resources in an academic library required.  Experience with integrated library systems or unified resource management systems. 

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience supporting Ex Libris library management systems and discovery systems, such as ALMA and PRIMO;
• Knowledge of non-MARC metadata standards and schema such as Dublin Core, EAD, METS, MODS, etc.;
• Experience working with normalization rules to process record enhancements to individual record or a group of records;
• Experience with vendor integrations such as GOBI API and Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) ordering and invoicing;
• Familiarity with acquisitions workflows, DDA/PDA and real-time acquisitions;
• Knowledge of institutional repository such as OCLC ContentDM and bepress Digital Commons;
• Experience or understanding of BrowZine, Rapid, LibGuides, and Google Scholar.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Proficiency with MS Office (especially MS Excel) and metadata editing tools such as MarcEdit;
• Knowledge of cataloging standards and tools such as MARC 21, LCC, LCSH, AACR2/RDA, FRBR;
• Demonstrated familiarity with relevant library systems that provide discovery and access to electronic resources, including ILS, link resolver, proxy services, and discovery platforms;
• Demonstrated ability to quickly learn and apply new technologies and adapt to changes in profession;
• Demonstrated ability to gather, analyze, and interpret electronic resource usage statistics using SUSHI, COUNTER or other reporting standards as appropriate;
• Demonstrated ability to work positively and collaboratively with a broad range of internal and external stakeholders, including users, librarians, technical staff, vendors, and consortia partners;
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively and to be flexible in a rapidly changing service-oriented environment;
• Strong oral, written, and interpersonal communication, including the ability to develop written project documentation, process procedures, reports, etc.;
• Strong problem solving skills and attention to detail;
• Strong organizational skills, including the capability for managing a variety of tasks and multiple priorities;
• Strong service orientation and awareness of end user needs as related to library services and technology.

Application instructions:

Please apply online with a cover letter, curriculum vitae, and contact information for three letters of recommendation.