Electronic Collections Librarian - Sterling Memorial Library

["Okerson, Ann" <ann.okerson@yale.edu>]

Electronic Collections Librarian
Collection Development
Sterling Memorial Library
Yale University
Rank:  Librarian III - IV

The University and the Library

The Yale University Library, as one of the world's leading 
research libraries, collects, organizes, preserves, and provides 
access to and services for a rich and unique record of human 
thought and creativity. It fosters intellectual growth and 
supports the teaching and research missions of Yale University 
and scholarly communities worldwide. A distinctive strength is 
its rich spectrum of resources, including approximately thirteen 
million volumes and information in all media, ranging from 
ancient papyri to early printed books to electronic databases. 
The Library is engaging in numerous projects to expand access to 
its physical and digital collections. Housed in twenty-two 
buildings including the Sterling Memorial Library, the Beinecke 
Rare Book and Manuscript Library, and the new Bass Library, it 
employs a dynamic and diverse staff of nearly six hundred who 
offer innovative and flexible services to library readers.  For 
additional information on the Yale University Library, please 
visit the Library's Web site at: www.library.yale.edu.

General Purpose

Reporting to the Head of Electronic Collections, the Electronic 
Collections Librarian assumes both a leadership and liaison role 
in working with staff from all areas of the Library to support 
electronic collections development and management. Provides 
support as needed across the library system, particularly 
selectors, but also technical services staff in Acquisitions and 
Cataloging & Metadata Services.

Responsibilities

Serves as a key participant and/or leader in the acquisition, 
management, and evaluation of electronic resources to ensure 
consistent and integrated access for the Yale University Library 
(YUL).  Works across the entire YUL, serving as 
Selector/Collection Unit Coordinator for electronic resources 
that cross more than two libraries or subject areas.  Develops 
and/or manages the development of policies, procedures, best 
practices, and documentation with detailed guidelines for 
managing the lifecycle of electronic resources.  Leads ERM 
(Electronic Resources Management system, Verde software) 
library-wide activities, which are delegated to others and/or 
coordinated across the YUL system.  Provides training and 
information as needed across the library system, including 
selectors, as well as technical services staff in Acquisitions 
and Cataloging & Metadata Services.  Serves as a key participant 
and/or leader in understanding and developing the best ways to 
manage the lifecycle of major interdisciplinary electronic 
resource packages at YUL.  Serves as a key participant and/or 
leader in YUL's e-Access Troubleshooting service.  Participates 
on the staff license review, negotiating, and compliance 
processes, for delivery to the Associate University Librarian 
(AUL).

Leads and/or coordinates authentication and authorization issues 
for electronic resources, communicating as appropriate with 
vendors, selectors, AUL, and others.  Monitors trends in emerging 
technologies, business models, and licensing of electronic 
resources.  Works with Head of Electronic Collections to nurture 
effective relationships with e-resource suppliers and publishers, 
for the benefit of the YUL system.  Expected to be professionally 
active and to serve on select Library-wide committees. 
Participates in and contributes to library long-term planning and 
is professionally active in library, scholarly and/or academic 
organizations.   Represents the Library and the University in the 
academic and professional community by serving on various 
committees and task forces.  May supervise non-exempt staff.  May 
be required to assist with disaster recovery efforts.  May be 
assigned to work at West Campus location in West Haven, CT.

Qualifications

Master's degree from an ALA-accredited program of library and 
information science, and five years of professional library 
experience and demonstrated professional accomplishments 
appropriate to the rank.  At least two years of directly 
applicable experience in the procurement, licensing, and 
management of electronic resources; and relevant additional 
experience which may be in related areas such as e-resources 
collections development, library publishing, or library technical 
activities.  Appointment to the rank of Librarian IV requires 
eight years of professional library experience and demonstrated 
professional accomplishments appropriate to the rank.

The position requires knowledge of the complex, ever-changing 
electronic publishing environment and scholarly communications 
issues. Must have the ability to work with a varied user groups 
and function effectively in a team environment and in a complex 
and culturally diverse organization. Excellent oral and written 
communication and training skills are required. Excellent 
organizational, analytical and interpersonal skills are required. 
Evidence of high productivity when working independently or in 
groups, as changing situations is required. Previous specific 
activities in one or more of the following areas are required: 
acquisitions operations related to licensed electronic resources, 
using and instructing in the use of information technologies, 
reviewing and identifying issues with license agreements for 
electronic resources, using an Integrated Library System and/or 
an Electronic Resource Management system.

Preferred: Experience supporting an OpenURL resolver and 
metasearch software; experience providing troubleshooting for 
problem reports; familiarity or experience working with Library 
vendors ExLibris SFX, Verde, and MetLib.  Knowledge of scholarly 
communication industry norms and practices of information 
technology; demonstrated skills in project management; skill in 
"translating" between the world of electronic resources and 
traditional library formats; ability to supervise and mentor 
non-exempt staff.

Salary and Benefits

Rank and competitive salary will be based upon the successful 
candidate's qualifications and experience.  Full benefits package 
including pro-rated 22 vacation days;  18 holiday, recess and 
personal days;  comprehensive health care;  TIAA/CREF or Yale 
retirement plan;  and relocation assistance.  Applications 
consisting of a cover letter, resume, and the names, titles, and 
contact information for three professional references should be 
sent by creating an account and applying online at 
www.yale.edu/jobs for immediate consideration - the STARS req ID 
for these position is 8020BR.  Please be sure to reference 
#8020BR in your cover letter.

Background Check Requirements

All external candidates for employment will be subject to 
pre-employment screening.  All offers are contingent on 
successful completion of a background check.

Yale University is an affirmative action/equal opportunity 
employer.  Yale values diversity in its faculty, staff, and 
students and strongly encourages applications from women and 
members of underrepresented minority groups.