Electronic Resources & Digital Initiatives Librarian

Description

This position offers the flexibility of remote/virtual work for US-based candidates.

The University of Iowa Law Library seeks applications for the position of Electronic Resources & Digital Initiatives Librarian. Reporting to the Assistant Director for Access & Collections, the Electronic Resources & Digital Initiatives Librarian is responsible for the Law Library’s electronic resources and digitization efforts and initiatives. This includes ensuring continuous access to library resources; overseeing and tracking the curation, evaluation, acquisition, usage, and access for all e-resources; troubleshooting access issues in a timely fashion; and serving as a system administrator for core library systems including Ex Libris’ Alma/Primo and LibApps. Additionally, they oversee and manage the Law Library’s website and institutional repository; assist in outreach efforts with various users; and work on special technology projects, such as developing access to scholarship and government information, to support innovative initiatives taking place at the Law Library.

The Electronic Resources and Digital Initiatives Librarian’s responsibilities will include leadership and administration, electronic resources, ILS management, and digital initiatives.

Leadership and Administration:

• Lead the Law Library E-Resources and Digital Initiatives Teams. This includes scheduling and setting agendas for team meetings; setting priorities and assigning work; leading discussions for the procurement, development, review, and maintenance of e-resource workflows and policies; spearheading in-house digitization efforts; and other related activities.

• Supervise merit staff, student workers, and/or temporary staff by project or as part of ongoing reorganization efforts.

• Serve as the Law Library’s LibInsight and Alma/Primo Analytics administrator, creating and updating vendor platforms, SUSHI integration, and coordinate the usage statistics retrieval process for electronic resources.

• Collaborate with staff in the University Libraries, College of Law, and other University teams on awareness, outreach, and promotion of the Law Library’s digital collections. 

• Manage the website and LibGuides for the Law Library and provides regular input on the Law Library's web and social media presence. 

• Participate in hiring, training, and providing feedback for law library staff.

• Assist in the Law Library's scholarly communication program, which seeks to support and highlight legal scholarship produced at the University of Iowa, both by University of Iowa faculty and by the College of Law's four student-run law journals. 

• Serve as a liaison to the IT department on issues relating to technology and electronic resources. 

Electronic Resources: 

• Assess and identify ways to improve discovery, ease of use, and accessibility of the library's electronic resources. 

• Implement and participate in the implementation of e-resource records, portfolios, connectivity, and subscriptions. 

• Function as first-line support of technical and systems related issues as they pertain to patrons’ access to the library’s resources and act as a liaison between library staff and vendors to ensure a successful resolution. This includes proactive monitoring and troubleshooting of e-resources with vendors, LIT, and library staff, as needed.

• Work with the Head of Engagement, Reference, & Outreach to arrange training, professional development, trials, and implementation for Law Library and University staff.

• Identify, evaluate, and stay current with emerging trends, resources, practices, and standards in electronic resource management, usage statistics, data management, access, and discovery to enhance library services.

• Monitor subscribed content changes, content access alternatives such as deep links or APIs, and accuracy of third party-provided resource coverage data.

ILS Management

• Serve as a system administrator and technical lead for ExLibris Alma/Primo VE Integrated Library System (ILS). This includes participation in Alma User Group enhancements, Alma Idea Exchange, and other ILS-related workflows.

• Monitor, upload, or (de)activate MARC, CRDP, and batch uploads as part of the renewal cycle and package maintenance. This includes managing data integrity in Alma such as record management and link resolver functionality.

• Maintain Alma user permissions/roles management for staff and student employees.

• Input licensure terms and information for e-resources into the Alma system.

• Represent and actively participate in the LIT-Law Library Joint Alma Governance Group (JAG) to advocate for the Law Library.

Digital Initiatives

• Work with the digital initiatives team to identify and implement in-house digitization projects and develop metadata strategies for digitized materials. This includes both historical and born-digital collections.

• Develop, maintain, and coordinate Law Library contributions to the University’s institutional repository under the direction of the Law Library Administrative Team.

• Explore collaborations with students, faculty, staff, campus, state agencies, libraries, and community partners to lead innovative digital initiatives that support the University and Law Library’s mission to improve and expand access to legal materials.

• Advocate for external funding of digital projects and library technology.

• Oversee data protection and security for library resources and initiatives.

• Manage grants and any other project monies tied to digital initiatives.

Additional job duties as assigned based on individual knowledge, skills, and abilities.

The University of Iowa Law Library is deeply committed to a community of excellence, equity, and diversity and welcomes applications from women, underrepresented minorities, persons with disabilities, LGBTQI+ individuals, and other candidates who will contribute to the diversification and enrichment of ideas and perspectives. Candidates who can contribute to these goals are encouraged to apply and to identify their strengths in this area. 

Iowa City is a community with something for everyone. Iowa City offers great access to the arts, sports, and nature. The University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics provide an excellent health care system on the cutting edge of medical care. A UNESCO City of Literature and home to the renowned Iowa Writers’ Workshop. Iowa City is a great place to live and work. 

To obtain the full job description including key areas of responsibility, technical competencies, and desirable qualifications, please contact joshua-gulick@uiowa.edu

Position Qualifications

Education Requirement

• Master’s Degree in Library and Information Science (or equivalent degree) from an ALA-accredited library or information science school.

Required Qualifications 

• Minimum of 5 years’ relevant work experience in an academic environment dealing with at least two of the following: digital library initiatives, digitization, metadata, library technical systems, or archives/preservation.

• Awareness of and the ability to articulate the overall steps involved in producing a digital library collection, beginning with budgeting and selecting materials, and ending with training and launching a new online resource.

• Familiarity with the types of digital collections/resources typically found in an academic research library.

• Ability to work in a team-based setting where consultation, flexibility, collaboration, and cooperation are essential.

• Understanding of DEI/DEIB/DEIA issues and ability to effectively interact with diverse populations.

• Effective oral and written communication skills.

• Administrative experience with Alma or a similar ILS. 

Desired Qualifications

• Working knowledge of one or more digital library management systems such as CONTENTdm, Islandora, DSpace, or Omeka.

• Experience with outreach and/or institutional social media engagement.

• Ability to implement the aspirations, visions, and missions of a large, academic research library as they relate to electronic resources and digital initiatives.

• Demonstrated project management skills and/or formal training in project management, workflow optimization, or continuous quality improvement.

Application Details:

In order to be considered for an interview, applicants must upload the following documents and mark them as a “Relevant File” to the submission:

• Resume

• Cover Letter describing interest, qualifications, and experience advancing DEI/DEIB/DEIA in an academic environment, workplace setting, and/or the community. 

Job openings are posted for a minimum of 14 calendar days and may be removed from posting and filled any time after the original posting period has ended.  Successful candidates will be subject to a criminal background check and credential/education verification. Up to 5 professional references will be  requested at a later step in the recruitment process. For questions, contact Josh Gulick at joshua-gulick@uiowa.edu.

Benefits Highlights

• Regular salaried position. Located in Iowa City, Iowa.

• Fringe benefit package including paid vacation; sick leave; health, dental, life and disability insurance options; and generous employer contributions into retirement plans.

• For more information about Why Iowa? Click here.

Additional Information

• Classification Title: Senior Law Librarian
• Appointment Type: Professional and Scientific
• Schedule: Full-time
• Work Modality Options: Hybrid within Iowa, Remote within Iowa

Compensation

• Pay Level: 5A
• Starting Salary Minimum: 72,500
• Starting Salary Maximum: Commensurate