UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND LIBRARIES
POSITION DESCRIPTION

Date Prepared: March 2009
Division: Technical Services
Title: Electronic Resource Librarian
Category: Faculty, Full-Time (12 Month Appointment)

NATURE OF WORK: Within a team environment, responsible for taking the leadership role in the procurement, licensing and management of electronic information resources purchased by College Park as well as the shared consortial resources purchased for University System of Maryland and Affiliated Institutions (USMAI) and the Maryland Digital Library (MDL) communities. Works closely with the Director of Collection Management and Special Collections Division, the Manager of Collection Management and Scholarly Communication and the Head of Acquisitions at College Park in developing licensing policies and workflows. Also assists the librarian subject specialists at College Park and the selectors at the other USMAI and Maryland Digital Library Institutions with renewals and the licensing of new electronic resources. Participates in inter and intra-departmental activities across Technical Services and the Libraries

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Works closely with the faculty and staff of the Collection Management and Special Collections, Public Services, and Information Technology Divisions as well as members of USMAI and MDL customer libraries on the negotiation and administration of new and existing licensing for electronic resources, and ensures that files of record are kept for electronic resource licenses for UMCP and other consortia partners. Maintains database for tracking electronic resource licenses and licensing expressions. Works closely with the University Counsel to resolve license and contract issues.
• Works with the Continuing Resources team to research license agreements in order to place new subscription orders, monitor subscriptions in relation to existing license expirations and renewals, review the impact of current licensing on post cancellation archival access, collection of usage statistics, arrange for registration and activation of electronic subscriptions, and troubleshoot e-access problems reported by patrons and other library staff.
• In collaboration with other College Park, USMAI and MDL staff monitors availability and/or delivery of licensed resources. Is the lead contact with vendors to resolve problems related to the procurement process or vendor changes.
• Develops and implements policies, standards, goals and procedures to improve workflow in conjunction with Technical Services and Collections Management Staff. Oversees the development, evolution, and maintenance of guidelines for standard license terms.
• Maintains knowledge of trends in acquisitions and library automation through participation in regional and national meetings and listservs.
• Applies knowledge of current issues and trends in electronic resource licensing, copyright, acquisitions, scholarly communication, and the publishing industry to improve services.
• Evaluates training needs and assists staff in acquiring the skills, knowledge and competencies needed to improve job performance.
• Serves as a member of the Acquisition Dept., contributes to the planning, development, coordination, and implementation of departmental initiatives.
• Compiles data collection and analysis, time and cost studies as needed and on request.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
Normal office environment.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:
Direct supervision of one graduate assistant.

QUALIFICATIONS (Knowledge, skills, and abilities):

EDUCATION:

Required:
Master’s degree in library science from a graduate program accredited by the American Library Association or equivalent professional degree.
Preferred:

EXPERIENCE:

Required:

One year of library experience with technical services work, including either cataloging, systems, collection development, or serial acquisitions management. Experience with an automated acquisitions system or an automated library system. Must have the ability to manage tasks in response to varying time pressures with shifting priorities and changing constraints. Must be able to take direction as well as provide direction to others. Evidence of ability to interact collaboratively and work effectively with cross organizational teams. Demonstrated ability to anticipate customer needs and seek ways of providing satisfactory solutions. Good interpersonal skills; demonstrated ability to communicate clearly with all persons potentially affected by the scope of the work. Demonstrated ability to pay close attention to details is essential, as is accuracy.

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