Assistant Librarian - Resource Sharing (Open Rank)

Position Description

To serve the information needs of library clientele in assigned subject area(s) to include liaison, collection development, user instruction and reference activities; must also cooperate and function as part of a team to provide services to all library users. This is an entry-level rank assigned to those beginning their professional careers or those, who upon their appointment, do not meet the criteria of Associate Librarian. Work is performed under general supervision with latitude for individual initiative and judgment. Evaluation of employee performance is based upon accomplishment of defined objectives.

About the Department and/or College

Ranked among the top third of academic research libraries nationally, Texas Tech University Libraries serve as a vital partner with students and faculty in their learning endeavors. The University Libraries' system is comprised of: (1) University Library, (2) Southwest Collection/Special Collections Library, and the (3) Architecture Library. The University Library is a patent and trademark depository and is one of two regional depositories for U.S. government documents in Texas. The central focus of the Texas Tech University Libraries is to make available 3.72 million physical volumes, electronic resources, special collections, and archives, and to offer services to students and faculty that enable academic and research success.

Major/Essential Functions

The Resource Sharing Librarian is responsible for providing information resources to support the students, faculty, and staff of Texas Tech University, on-campus or at a distance, and national/international libraries/institutions.  They serve as a specialist for identifying, acquiring, delivering, and tracking information and materials required for scholarly research.

• Supervise staff and student employees.
• Manage and set priorities and goals for frontline services staff, consisting of six employees and 15-20 student employees.
• Provide information to the Libraries’ liaison librarians to support collection development.
• Continuously assess the performance of the department for process improvements and a variety of assessment activities.
• Develop and maintain the operating budget of the Document Delivery department.
• Communicate and work effectively with librarians and staff in public services to improve service coordination.
• Oversee the Libraries course reserves process and assess for improvements.
• With oversight of a team and through quality control measures, ensures Texas Tech patron requests are filled accurately and quickly through a variety of fulfillment streams.
• Serve library committees and presents department activities, i.e. Library Services Committee, and coordinate library teams.
• Work to continuously assess interlibrary services web pages for clarity and ease of use.
• Reviews and refines implementation of current technology to fully leverage existing features; identify gaps and opportunities for streamlining and expanding services.
• Evaluates, recommends, and implements new technology that streamlines request handling.
• Monitor resource-sharing agreements and take a leadership role in related professional organizations.
• Applies quality control measures to ensure compliance with copyright and operational guidelines.
• Maintain and develop professional relationships with vendors who provide software, equipment, or commercial document delivery services.
• Ensure that the Libraries are meeting and exceeding the standards set by consortia agreements.
• Actively participate in professional networks and associations for resource sharing and document delivery. Represent Texas Tech Libraries at professional conferences to stay informed about changes and trends in the field.

Required Qualifications

Master’s degree in Library Science from an ALA accredited program.

Preferred Qualifications

• Demonstrated and ongoing commitment to serving diverse student populations and first-generation students is highly desirable.
• Strong public service orientation.
• Excellent verbal and written communication.
• Ability to work independently and as a team member and leader.
• Demonstrated potential to meet criteria for promotion and tenure.
• Experience working in Interlibrary Loan either as a staff member or librarian.
• Supervisory experience of full-time staff.
• Knowledge of ILLiad and RAPID document delivery software.
• Knowledge of Consortia relationships.
• Proficiency in database and online catalog searching.
• Knowledge of scholarly publication trends, copyright compliance, and licensing implications.

As an Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer, Texas Tech University is dedicated to the goal of building a culturally diverse faculty committed to teaching and working in a multicultural environment. We actively encourage applications from all those who can contribute, through their research, teaching, and/or service, to the diversity and excellence of the academic community at Texas Tech University. The university does not discriminate on the basis of an applicant’s race, ethnicity, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, genetic information or status as a protected veteran. Texas Tech welcomes consideration of dual career and professional couple accommodations.