Position: Continuing Resources Librarian

Location University of Maryland Libraries

Original job positing on ALA JobList.

Description

The Continuing Resources Librarian has three main areas of responsibility: (1) Obtaining and making discoverable continuing resources of various formats for the University of Maryland Libraries and managing the continuing resource lifecycle, from purchase through cancellation; (2) Maintaining records in various systems for Libraries collection materials for the purposes of inventory control, bibliographic control, and facilitating discovery, (3) Managing all aspects of Open Access agreements, and (4) Providing customer service to Libraries users (whether internal or external) regarding questions of access to, or description of, Libraries Collections materials. This position, reporting to the Head of Acquisitions, Continuing Resources, and Data Services, is part of a highly committed team, whose mission is to maximize the Libraries’ support for the teaching and research programs of the University of Maryland at College Park. The Continuing Resources Librarian will be expected to develop innovative strategies and work methodologies and to promote and foster partnerships with other library colleagues involved in collection development, budgeting, cataloging, resource discovery and access, and resource preservation. This position has responsibility for providing data on collections budget administration and analysis.

The Continuing Resources Librarian evaluates work methods and workflows in light of new supporting services, financial opportunities and technological advancements. It also provides leadership through active participation on committees at the department, division, Libraries, University and consortium level as well as within the profession.

Librarians hold faculty status and contribute to the teaching, service and research mission of the University. As a member of the Library faculty, the Continuing Resources Librarian has an obligation to remain professionally informed, to pursue the discovery of new knowledge related to the field of expertise, to disseminate the results of scholarly work, and to seek opportunities for professional service at the Libraries, campus, state, or national level.

The University of Maryland Libraries are committed to advancing diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility. We support university and library efforts to create a more just campus environment, understanding the unique, interdisciplinary focus of libraries and archives as collectors and curators of the historical, literary, artistic, and scientific record. We provide collections, services, and programs that reflect the diversity of our community, heighten cultural awareness, and incorporate the histories, experiences, and expressions of those who have been historically marginalized and/or underrepresented. We work to ensure equitable access to our facilities, resources, and services.

Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States; the University of Maryland will not sponsor an individual’s employment or VISA.

Requirements

QUALIFICATIONS (Knowledge, skills, and abilities):

EDUCATION

Required Master’s degree in Library or Information Science from a graduate program accredited by the American Library Association or a non-US equivalent, or a graduate degree relevant to the position’s duties.

Preferred Second graduate degree

EXPERIENCE (Be specific, indicate the minimum years of experience and skills needed): Required

• At least one year of serials or acquisitions experience in an academic or research library.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate clearly, both orally and in writing. Demonstrated ability to solve problems analytically, and to work collaboratively in diverse environments in order to achieve goals.
• Experience with automated acquisitions systems and automated library systems in an academic research library.
• Knowledge of acquisitions and serial practices and procedures; knowledge of basic cataloging and bibliographic principles for serials; knowledge of serial/electronic resources issues and emerging trends; knowledge of publishing trends, book and subscription trade, and Open Access.
• Competence in project and data management, familiarity with Excel spreadsheets and project management tools.
•  Must have ability to manage a broad variety of tasks in response to varying time pressures with shifting priorities and changing constraints.
• Evidence of ability to interact collaboratively and work effectively within a diverse environment.
• Evidence of strong service orientation; an ability to anticipate customer needs and seek ways of providing satisfactory solutions.
• Excellent interpersonal skills; ability to communicate clearly, knowledgeably, and personably, orally and in writing with all persons potentially affected by the scope of the work.

Preferred

• Two or more years of relevant, progressively responsible, professional experience in a mid- to large- size academic or research library, at least two of which must have been in an acquisitions or continuing resources unit.
• Ability to create and manage organizational change; to maintain a systematic perspective; to involve and influence others to accept new ideas or innovative approaches; to lead in a highly collaborative organization.
• Experience with system and data migration.
• Experience with consortial relationships.
• Demonstrated competencies in managing or troubleshooting electronic resources.
• Experience with developing, implementing, or using ERMs, Discovery Services, or Library Services Platforms (LSP’s).
• Demonstrated record of contributions to the profession in service and scholarship.