Electronic Resources and Discovery Librarian

Electronic Resources and Discovery Librarian

Position Description

Seattle University’s Lemieux Library and McGoldrick Learning Commons seeks a creative and collaborative Electronic Resources and Discovery Librarian to manage and support the entire lifecycle of electronic resources (databases, ejournals, ebooks, streaming media) including acquisition, licensing review, troubleshooting and assessment.

 As a member of Resource Acquisition & Management (RAM) this position will work in collaboration with RAM staff, Library Faculty, and various library departments to deliver innovative solutions for management and expansion of the library’s investment of electronic resources and to maximize accessibility and discovery of content to student, faculty, and staff.  As a member of the Library Faculty, you will participate in the Liaison Program to provide collection and service support for academic programs; contribute to library-wide initiatives by serving on library, campus, and consortia committees; participate in strategic planning initiatives; and cooperate closely with other library units. 

This 12-month term faculty position, at the rank of Assistant or Associate Librarian, is available November 1, 2024 and will report to the Director, Resource Acquisition and Management. Rank will be determined by the level of experience of the successful candidate. The Lemieux Library is especially interested in promoting an environment of inclusive excellence throughout the institution and welcomes applications from candidates committed to fostering a diverse, equitable, and inclusive work environment.

Core Responsibilities

 Leadership & Management

• Provide leadership and expertise in the collaborative development of workflows and policies related to the electronic resource lifecycle, including electronic resource management practices in the integrated library system to facilitate access and discovery
• Manage workflows and communication related to the budgeting, purchasing, invoicing, configuration and activation of new and renewing electronic resources including trials.
• Engage with staff and library partners in the Orbis Cascade Alliance to coordinate renewals, workflows, and decision-making related to consortium managed resources.
• Work in partnership with RAM Director, Orbis Cascade Alliance, and Seattle University Legal Counsel in reviewing and negotiating license agreements for all new and renewing resources, storing license-related data in the Alma license module.
• Administer the activation, discovery, and maintenance of resources within Alma Central Knowledge Base (CKB) or Alma institutional zone collections.
• Manages administrative access to various vendor platforms; assists with updating authentication via the EZproxy system; maintains resource-related information in the integrated library system
• Direct the acquisition, renewal, and maintenance of remaining print continuation resources

Communication and Collaboration:

• Collaborate with library colleagues to optimize discovery of electronic resources through the Library’s Primo discovery system, Springshare’s A to Z list, and other venues as appropriate; address and resolve local and Alliance policies and practices related to resource discovery
• Troubleshoot electronic resource access and holdings issues.  Works cooperatively with other library departments to resolve issues and communicates access status to users and library staff.
• Develops and maintains workflows for collecting usage data on both electronic and print continuing resources; provide usage data for and participate in evidence-based collection assessment processes to analyze, evaluate, and adjust library resources to align with the teaching, learning, and research mission of the university

Supervision:

• Supervise, mentor, and train 1 FTE Library Technician (Serials).  Conducts annual performance review.

Secondary Responsibilities:

• Provides collection and service to support academic programs in an evolving Liaison Program.
• Serve on library, university, and Orbis Cascade Alliance committees and working groups.
• Maintain strong knowledge of current and emerging trends in electronic resources lifecycle management and technological updates pertinent to work, which may include attending webinars, trainings, and other professional development opportunities.
• Pursue professional growth (scholarly activity and creative work) and service opportunities, in accordance with the Seattle University Faculty Handbook and the Library’s promotion standards, guidelines, and policies.
• Perform other duties and projects as assigned.

Qualifications

Minimum Degree Required:

•  Master’s degree in library and/or information science from an ALA accredited program

Minimum qualifications:

• A minimum of three years of demonstrated professional experience managing electronic resources in an integrated library system.
• Knowledge of current issues and trends in acquisition/licensing, access, and delivery of physical and electronic resources in an academic library.
• Experience reading, managing, and/or negotiating information license and contract agreements
• Excellent communication skills
• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to perform complex, detail-oriented work, and an aptitude for applying creative solutions.
• Commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and antiracism.
• Willingness to accept and support the mission of Seattle University and its commitment to the vision and values of Jesuit and Catholic higher education.

Desirable Qualifications:

• 5 years+ with a combination of professional or relevant work experience in an academic library
• Experience with Ex Libris’ Alma and Primo VE including Alma Analytics; EZProxy and Springshare LibGuides
• Experience with standards and services such as SUSHI, COUNTER, and data analysis tools such as Excel and PowerBI 
• Experience in supervising and managing professional staff including training, mentoring, and assessment.

Seattle University’s Lemieux Library and McGoldrick Learning Commons is committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse faculty in affirmation of our institutional values and the library’s Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Action Plan.

Seattle University, founded in 1891, is a Jesuit Catholic university located on 50 acres in Seattle's Capitol Hill neighborhood. More than 7,400 students are enrolled in undergraduate and graduate programs within nine schools and colleges. U.S. News and World Report's "Best Colleges 2017" ranks Seattle University 8th in the West among universities that offer a full range of masters and undergraduate programs. Seattle University is an equal opportunity employer.

In support of its pursuit of academic and scholarly excellence, Seattle University is committed to creating a diverse community of students, faculty and staff that is dedicated to the fundamental principles of equal opportunity and treatment in education and employment regardless of age, color, disability, gender identity, national origin, political ideology, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or veteran status. The university encourages applications from, and nominations of, individuals whose differing backgrounds, beliefs, ideas and life experiences will further enrich the diversity of its educational community.

Application Instructions

Applicants should submit applications online at https://www.seattleu.edu/human-resources/careers/, including a cover letter that clearly addresses the position responsibilities and qualifications listed above, and how your experience and vision would enhance this position and our organization, a CV, and the names and contact information of three references (letters may be solicited upon submission of application). In your cover letter explain how you understand, embody, and would contribute to each of the following at Seattle University. Please dedicate one paragraph to each prompt:   • Our 5-year Strategic Plan, Reigniting Our Strategic Directions; • Our Mission as a Jesuit and Catholic University; • Our commitment to DEI and Inclusive Academic Excellence; • Library Faculty’s professional support of educational, research, and service to Seattle University’s faculty and students Application review begins as early as September 25, 2024 (at the earliest). Open until filled. Preliminary interviews will be conducted online, and the campus interview will be in person. Questions regarding the position may be directed to Jan Hartley, Chair of the Search Committee, at hartleyj@seattleu.edu.

Compensation at a Glance:

Overall Pay Range: $75,000 - $95,000 base salary depending on rank and experience at hire. Seattle University has provided a compensation range that represents its good faith estimate of what the University may pay for the position at the time of posting. The salary offered to the selected candidate will be determined based on factors such as the qualifications of the selected candidate, departmental budget availability, internal salary equity considerations, and available market information, and not based on a candidate’s gender or any other protected status.
Your total compensation goes beyond the number on your paycheck. Seattle University provides generous leave, health plans, and retirement contributions that add to your total compensation package.

Benefits at a Glance

Consistent with its fundamental Jesuit values, Seattle University offers a wide range of benefits designed to care for the whole person. Choose from three different medical plans, a dental, and vision insurance programs. Protect your income with life, short & long-term disability coverage. Plan for your future with up to a 10% employer contribution for retirement benefits, comprised of a 5% nonelective employer contribution and an additional dollar-for-dollar match of your voluntary contributions up to a maximum of 5%. You may also take advantage of 100% paid tuition benefits for the employee and dependents, a subsidized transportation benefit, a wellness program with free access to an onsite fitness facility, and a wide variety of campus events. Enjoy a generous holiday schedule, including a paid Holiday break closure in December, and paid sick leave. For more information explore the Benefits website at: https://www.seattleu.edu/hdu/hr/benefits/