Electronic Resources and Serials Specialist

The Electronic Resources and Serials Specialist focuses on electronic resources management, including identifying and managing entitlements of library purchases and subscriptions in our library services platform. This position maintains holdings in appropriate library knowledgebases and systems, adding these collections to our knowledgebases or batch-loading the appropriate records into the local system for exposure in discovery tools. It also maintains our A-Z database list and troubleshoots and solves access problems. As part of the Discovery Unit, this position assists in managing the methods we utilize for authentication (EZProxy and Single Sign on) to provide access to information resources. The Electronic Resources and Serials Specialist Is responsible for understanding and managing metadata related to our serials’ holdings, regardless of format. In collaboration with the Discovery Unit Lead, this position creates and updates metadata for accuracy in our holdings. CHARACTERISTIC DUTIES

• Electronic resources access management, including determining what is included in library purchases and subscriptions, making sure they are adequately represented in Alma and database lists, and batch-loading component records, when appropriate.
• Troubleshoots and problem-solves access-related issues surfaced by other department members or other internal or external customers.
• As part of the unit and in collaboration with the Libraries’ IT department, assists with managing the authentication to information resources, including updating the EZProxy configuration file, understanding and responding to Single Sign On issues, working with vendors on known issues for resolution, and participating in the larger library authentication community.
• Serves as a lead resource in the department for electronic and print serials resources and serials cataloging processes, providing support and training for:
  • Acquisitions of electronic journals, e-books and database, etc.;
  • Creation of records for trials and new electronic resources;
  • Ongoing database maintenance tasks in the catalog and electronic resources management platform;
  • Metadata management of received print serials; and
  • Vendor relations with our subscription agent.
• Performs technical services functions for serials in all formats, as needed.
• Develops and maintains excellent vendor relationships.
• Other duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

• Knowledge and understanding of library knowledgebases.
• Knowledge of library authentication methods.
• Knowledge of serials and recurring resources holding and entitlement statements.
• Knowledge of cataloging and metadata standards.
• Demonstrated ability to analyze, implement and adapt to evolving technologies.
• Understanding of integrations and relationships between multiple library systems as it relates to entitlements and metadata transfer.
• Understanding of electronic resources and access in a library environment including knowledgebases and authentication methods.
• Strong problem-solving skills, including the ability to assess users’ information needs with precision, resolve problems and complaints successfully, and orient and guide users in the effective use of library resources.
• Ability to independently complete projects and effectively communicate results.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Ability to work in a highly collaborative and inclusive environment, one that values and leverages the benefits of diverse perspectives.
• Positive attitude and strong demonstration of Our Values: Collaboration, Continuous Learning, Diversity, Innovation, and Integrity.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent advanced learning attained through professional level experience required.
• Minimum of 3 years of relevant work experience is required.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Master’s degree.
• Experience working with ExLibris’s Alma and Primo Library Services Platform.
• Experience activating and troubleshooting information resources in a knowledgebase.
• Experience editing EZProxy configuration files and troubleshooting authentication access issues.
• Experience in serials management processes in all formats.

Learn More »