Department Summary

The Ohio University Libraries invites applications and nominations for the position of Electronic Resource Access Librarian in the Acquisitions & Collections Services department.

The Electronic Resources Access Librarian will support Ohio University teaching, learning, and research activities by effectively managing the lifecycle of the Libraries' electronic resources collections, which include subscription databases, online journals, eBooks, and open access options. Managing the e-resources lifecycle includes overseeing and participating in the investigation, purchase, activation, evaluation, and maintenance of electronic resource access through the Libraries. The position maintains seamless access for OU community members through library systems and third-party services such as integrated library systems (ILS), discovery services, link resolvers, proxy servers, electronic resource management systems (ERM), and relevant knowledge bases. The position will lead e-resource related projects and routine troubleshooting processes within the Libraries' Acquisitions department.

Specifically, the Electronic Resources Access Librarian will:

• Manage the lifecycle of electronic resources: Investigates and identifies purchase options on behalf of selectors. Organizes, participates in and oversees the acquisition process for new electronic resources, including placing new orders and activation. Participates in negotiating license agreements with vendors that meet with university requirements, improve equity of access for users, and comply with state law. Maintains records of license agreement terms. Organizes, participates in and oversees processes for renewals and cancellations. Communicates changes in collections and access to relevant stakeholders, including subject liaisons. Participates in interdepartmental teams to manage projects and develop new methods of acquiring and maintaining electronic resources.
• Collaborates with staff in the Libraries and other University units to develop and maintain high-quality, seamless access to electronic resource collections by actively managing access points available online through the Libraries. Serves as the primary electronic resource administrator within the Alma library services platform for the Libraries' Primo discovery service. Manages the integration of third-party services enabling full-text linking and discovery. Coordinates with vendor partners and the Office of Information Technology to maintain user authentication methods and support accessibility evaluations. Oversees management and accuracy of the Libraries AtoZ Database listing for searchable resource records.
• Without direct supervisory responsibility, oversees and guides the work of up to two Library Support Specialists who each devote 40-50% time to assisting with managing electronic resources, including troubleshooting, arranging trials, obtaining quotes and access maintenance. Manages electronic forms and ticketing queue used for addressing internal problem reports and user-generated broken link reports. Organizes projects, sets goals, and oversees day-to-day processes for electronic resources management.
• Organize the acquisitions process for gathering, analyzing, and presenting electronic resource data to stakeholders for evaluation and collection decisions. Uses tools and systems utilizing the SUSHI protocol to gather COUNTER usage reports. Provides data and analysis to stakeholders within the library, including usage statistics, cost-per-use calculations, and title overlap analysis.
• Engage in regular professional development through research, publications, presentations, and participation in regional, national and/or international professional bodies as part of the continuing commitment to bringing best practices and innovative services to the Libraries. Collaborates with colleagues to develop or improve library services and processes that benefit the University community and meet the strategic goals of the Libraries and the University.
• Provides outreach and collaboration with the University community.

Position Profile

Provides specialized expertise in a particular function of information management. Example functions include, but are not limited to: preservation, archives, cataloging/metadata analyses, acquisitions, etc.

Minimum Qualifications

Requires a Master's degree accredited by the American Library Association or equivalent national or international body and 1 or more years of related professional experience, or equivalent education and experience.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience managing e-resources.