Library Associate 2 – University of Minnesota, Twin Cities

Job ID: 323642
Job Title: Library Associate 2
Job Code: 8416A2
Location: Twin Cities
Empl Group: Civil Service
Full/Part Time: Full-Time
Regular/Temporary: Regular

Qualifications

Required Qualifications:
• Bachelor’s degree and 2 years of related experience, or a combination of related education and work experience to equal 6 years
• Demonstrated ability to use MS Excel and/or Google Sheets to analyze data and represent the information visually, i.e. graphs and charts
• Strong interpersonal skills and attention to detail
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Strong time management and organizational skills
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with individuals from diverse communities and cultures.

Preferred Qualifications:
• Basic reading knowledge of one or more foreign languages
• Library acquisitions experience, particularly non-book formats (CDs, DVDs, scores, maps, etc.)
• Experience in training and writing documentation procedures and workflows
• Experience with integrated library systems, in particular Alma
• Demonstrated analytical skills and creativity, with an ability to utilize past experience and available data to assess, test and resolve technical problems.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced team environment, including evidence of ability to work collaboratively within and across departments, as well as with vendors and publishers
• High tolerance for ambiguity, yet capable of working with considerable detail
• Self-starter with an eye for innovation

About the Job

Position Overview:
This position consists primarily of four main areas of responsibility: 1. Assess and Manage Digital Materials Collection; 2. Reporting & Analytics; 3. Expert /Resource; and 4. Oversee Complex Monographic Materials . Performing these tasks require independent decision making, mental agility, and effective communication skills.

Responsibilities:
This position is responsible for handling complex library materials in all phases of acquisition activities, including bibliographic searching, vendor selection, determination of holdings, and database management for record format.

20% Assess and Manage Digital Materials Collection
• Intake digital files procured through direct orders, format changes, and post-cancellation access rights.
• Catalog receipt of files in tracking tool and determines file storage and access needs.
• Organize digital files by creating structure, adhering to structure naming conventions.
• Working with E-Resource Management Unit staff, provide discovery records and access to purchased digital files, as appropriate.
• Provide feedback and suggestions for workflow changes and enhancements.
• Collect statistics related to quantity and usage of purchased digital files.
• Serve as point person for questions related to organization and management of purchased digital files.

20% Reporting & Analytics
• Working with the Electronic Resources Librarian, coordinate collection, delivery and dissemination of usage statistics of electronic resources.
• Provide support to Data Management & Access staff to address missing and incorrect usage data necessary to provide information for Organizational Data tools.
• Perform monthly audit on usage data and verify usage statistics collection methods for new electronic resources.
• Using spreadsheets, Alma Analytics and other tools, generate reports as requested concerning acquisitions and e-resource management.

20% Expert/Resource
Provide professional expertise to department, management, and staff:
• Develop policy and procedures for acquisition and cataloging of physical resources in collaboration with managers.
• Contribute expertise to vendor RFP process.
• Collaborate in development of acquisition and cataloging policies, and procedures for physical monographic materials through Libraries-wide committees and project working groups.
• Serve as a resource person for monograph policies and procedures to Coordinate Campus staff, Law Library, and Minitex.
• Serve as an expert resource to liaisons to academic departments, Libraries Business Office, catalogers, and other library staff for acquisition and cataloging questions related to physical monographic materials.
• Evaluate new technologies, system enhancements and upgrades.

30% Oversee Complex Monographic Materials
• Manage complex monographic materials:
— Responsible for monographic materials in non-book formats (CDs, DVDs, scores, maps, etc.) and determine related licensing requirements.
— Arrange for monographic materials in a variety of languages.
— Arrange for materials that are hard to obtain or require special procedures, including special collections materials.
— Collaborate with ERM staff to determine licensing requirements as required.
• Use independent judgement and decision-making skills to handle complex situations
• Serve as a resource for staff performing acquisition activities
• Receive monographic physical materials in a variety of formats and languages and initiates invoice payment
• Perform rapid cataloging for print monographs
• Solve complex problems requiring specialized knowledge and problem-solving skills, especially with non-book formats and special collections materials.
• Analyze acquisitions workflow and issues; suggest workflow process improvements and efficiencies.
• Evaluate new technologies.

10% Provide Expertise on Collaborative Committees/groups
• Contribute to committees or working groups at a high level of expertise or working knowledge. Work collaboratively with others to help plan, problem-solve, create work procedures, and improve workflow.
• Provide support as needed for other activities of the department.
• Participate in cross-training activities within or outside the department.

About the Department

Departmental Overview:
In support of the Libraries’ mission, the Acquisitions and E-Resource Management department plays an essential role in providing content and collections that support contemporary and future research aligned with campus programs and, through collaborative efforts with other institutions, positions distinctive resources for use by the global community. The department does so by acquiring, licensing, activating access, performing routine cataloging, and processing materials in all formats in highly efficient and most cost-effective ways.

The department consists of two units: Acquisitions & Rapid Cataloging and E-Resource Management. Units function together in a team environment, leading and contributing to initiatives that support the Libraries’ strategic plans. Operationally, the Acquisitions and E-Resource Management department is responsible for acquiring, receiving, invoice payment, managing license agreements, processing domestic & foreign approval plans, rapid/copy cataloging, loading vendor records, monitoring/processing of shelf-ready materials and implementing innovative and experimental acquisitions projects and programs, such as demand-driven acquisitions.

Unit Overview:
The Acquisitions and Rapid Cataloging Unit is responsible for ordering, receiving, invoice payment, order maintenance, and rapid cataloging of physical and media materials. The unit is also responsible for acquisitions and management of serials subscriptions for print journals and processing of approval plans and shelf-ready materials for Libraries collections. The unit consists of 7.75 Labor Represented FTE and 2 Civil Service staff in addition to the unit manager.

How To Apply
Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your “My Activities” page and uploading documents there.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail [email protected] or call (612) 624-UOHR (8647).

Original posting / application information