Electronic Resources Librarian, Journals

If you have any questions about the position or our application process, reach out to us at recruiting-u@smith.edu.

Job Summary

As a member of the Electronic Resources and Serials (ERS) team within the Collections and Discovery Services (CDS) Unit, the individual in this position will manage the lifecycle of ongoing electronic and print resources, including journals, journal packages and databases with a particular focus on individual journal subscriptions (both electronic and print) and standing orders. They will work collaboratively across departments on ongoing work and discrete projects to ensure the libraries' electronic resources are accessible to the campus community, and will engage with e-resources colleagues across the Five College consortium around shared work and priorities. This includes serving on relevant campus, consortia and professional committees.

Take appropriate actions to support a diverse workforce and participate in the College's efforts to create a respectful, inclusive, and welcoming work environment.

Essential Functions

Electronic & Continuing Resource Management (40%):

• Manage the full lifecycle of electronic and continuing resources with a particular focus on individual journal subscriptions (both print and electronic) and print standing orders (including scores).

• Manage holdings in the libraries' knowledge base, the Library Services Platform (LSP), and other resource management systems to ensure reliable access to licensed electronic resources and select open access resources.

• Work with cataloging and discovery staff to ensure accurate representation and effective discovery.

• Create and maintain ongoing order information in the LSP, including licenses/agreements, orders and order lines, and vendor/organization information.

• Using LSP and vendor administrative systems, process subscription renewal quotes, invoices and credits in a timely manner.

• Communicate with vendors to resolve payment, receipt and access issues.

• Collect, manage, and assess COUNTER compliant and other usage statistics for material types in focus areas using shared statistics platform.

• Participate in e-resource related system migrations, ensuring data integrity and organization.

• Provide leadership on collection related projects such as material moves, bindery preparation and journal reviews.

Communication and Troubleshooting (30%):

• Identify and resolve problems relating to electronic resource access by communicating with and collaborating with vendors, publishers, faculty, staff, students, and across libraries' departments and teams.

• Work with colleagues at Smith and across the Five Colleges to troubleshoot, test, and suggest implementation of new services and integrations in the LSP

Collection Development Support (20%):

• Provide resource recommendations within area of focus to the Head of Collection Strategies.

• Research sourcing and pricing options for resources under consideration in areas of focus.

• Analyze collected usage data to support collection decisions, incorporating usage, cost, and other relevant factors in assessing renewal of a subscription resource.

• Participate in the review of licenses and agreements in areas of focus

• Participate in regular resource evaluation and assessment projects.

• Stay informed on publishing and pricing trends, content models, and new electronic resource acquisition methods.

• Maintain relationships with vendors, through timely communications and regular meetings

Documentation and Training (10%):

• Track and document perpetual access purchases to ensure Smith College Libraries retains access to paid online content.

• Identify gaps in workflows, problem solve solutions, and engage in regular professional development to keep pace with rapidly evolving approaches to electronic and continuing resource management.

• Assist in the development of institution-specific workflows and documentation.

• Train and supervise the work of student assistants.

MINIMUM REQUIRED Qualifications (education, experience, certifications, licenses, knowledge, skills)

MLS/MLIS from an ALA-accredited program or equivalent education or experience

1 to 5 years experience

2 years of experience related to the work of the position, preferably in an academic environment, or equivalent

Experience in academic library technical services especially in: acquisitions, serials control, electronic resources management, electronic resources troubleshooting, and/or license review

Skills: Excellent organization, problem solving, and communication skills; high level of attention to detail; ability to balance multiple projects and to organize and prioritize work effectively; ability to work independently and as a member of a team; proficiency with standard office software (i.e. Microsoft Word, Excel, Google Docs) and library software (i.e. FOLIO, EBSCO's Holdings Management or similar).

Preferred Qualifications

Experience working with FOLIO technical services apps

Experience cataloging with continuing resources, such as journals and standing order materials.

Bibliographic experience in non-English languages

Work Schedule: Typically 35 hours per week, Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Position Type

Please attach BOTH a current resume and a cover letter in order for your application to be considered for this position . Be sure you have provided all attachments before submitting your application.

Review of applications will begin

Located in Northampton, MA, Smith College is one of the largest women's colleges in the country and is dedicated to excellence in teaching and research across the liberal arts. A faculty of outstanding scholars interact with students in small classes, as advisors, and through student-faculty research projects. The College is a member of the Five College Consortium with Amherst, Hampshire and Mt. Holyoke Colleges, and the University of Massachusetts Amherst.Students cross-enroll and faculty cross-teach across the Five Colleges.

Consistent with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Massachusetts General Law, Chapter 151B, it is the policy of Smith College to provide reasonable accommodation when requested by a qualified applicant or employee with a disability, unless such accommodation would cause an undue hardship. The policy regarding requests for reasonable accommodation applies to all aspects of employment, including the application process. If reasonable accommodation is needed, please contact our recruiting team at recruiting-u@smith.edu.

As set forth in our mission and values, Smith College is committed to promoting a culture of equity and inclusion among students, staff and faculty. The College will not discriminate in employment on the basis of age, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, creed, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, genetic information, age, veteran status, physical or mental disability, or any other classification protected by law. Smith College is an equal opportunity employer and complies with all state and federal laws that prohibit discrimination.