E-Resources Librarian

UMass Lowell•Lowell, MA

About The Position

UMass Lowell Library seeks a collaborative, service-oriented E-Resources Librarian for its Collections Strategy department. The role contributes to principle-based collection development and management, including prioritizing content from values-aligned organizations and supporting a sustainable information environment that advances research excellence. The Library aims to support open content and accessibility, reduce reliance on problematic suppliers, and continually evaluate collections in response to evolving needs. Reporting to the Assistant Director for Library Collections, the E-Resources Librarian manages the electronic resource lifecycle, including evaluation, license and price negotiation, acquisition, access maintenance, assessment, support, and deaccession. The librarian works with Library Systems & Discovery and Research & Learning colleagues to understand student and faculty needs, assess online collections, launch product trials, troubleshoot issues, and communicate coverage and title-list changes. The position also participates in budget tracking and planning. This full-time, benefited position is in the SEIU Professional union, grade P18. The anticipated salary depends on qualifications and experience: minimum $72,170, 25th quartile $82,093, and midpoint $92,017. Remote (hybrid) work may be available when appropriate to organizational needs. The position may require travel between campuses, off-site meetings, and occasional evening or weekend hours.

Requirements

Master’s degree in library and information science from an ALA-accredited program, or international equivalent, by the time of hire.
Relevant coursework or experience in electronic resource management.
Demonstrated analytical, organizational, and negotiation skills.
Ability to manage multiple projects and work independently.
Familiarity with workflows for managing and providing access to electronic resources.
Knowledge of current and emerging technology trends related to electronic resources.
Ability to gather and analyze budgetary and statistical data.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Demonstrated complex problem-solving and decision-making ability.

Nice To Haves

One or more years of experience managing e-resources.
Awareness of and curiosity about acquisitions principles, processes, and systems.
Demonstrated understanding of business relationships with vendors.
Experience troubleshooting performance issues with vendors.
Experience reviewing and negotiating e-resource license agreements.
Experience navigating and complying with state institution procurement processes and systems.
Ability to manage multiple tasks and priorities effectively and adapt flexibly to a rapidly changing landscape.
Understanding of cataloging principles and workflows.
Knowledge of current e-resource standards and protocols, including SUSHI, KBART, and COUNTER.
Familiarity with electronic resource management infrastructure such as link resolvers, discovery services, knowledge bases, and electronic resource management systems.
Awareness that a good sense of humor can be helpful in some vendor interactions.

Responsibilities

Negotiate pricing, terms, and license agreements for new and renewing electronic resources.
Review and submit invoices for payment.
Coordinate with Systems & Discovery to launch product trials, troubleshoot e-resource issues, and communicate coverage and title-list changes.
Maintain vendor contact information, pricing, and license terms in the CORAL Electronic Resource Management system.
Cultivate and maintain vendor business relationships.
Participate in budget tracking and planning with the Assistant Director for Library Collections.
Work with Systems & Discovery to manage the e-resource lifecycle and ensure discoverability and accessibility of Library resources.
Lead maintenance of the Library’s A-Z databases list in coordination with the Collections Advisory Committee.
Evaluate e-resources for usability and accessibility compliance.
Support analysis of usage statistics, institutional data, interlibrary loan reports, community feedback, and qualitative data to evaluate return on investment and inform selection and renewal decisions.
Create reports and other deliverables communicating usage trends and impact to Library staff and external stakeholders.
Respond to queries from colleagues, students, and faculty.
Track e-resource spending and budgets with the Assistant Director for Library Collections to support equitable distribution across the curriculum and research agenda.
Maintain journal usage and cost data in Springhare LibInsight, evaluate usage and cost data for e-resources, and provide data for ACRL Benchmark.
Collaborate with Library colleagues to review and evaluate e-resources and respond to purchase requests from faculty, staff, and students.
Contribute to the creation and documentation of policies and workflows.
Lead and serve on Library committees, taskforces, and working groups as appropriate to the role.
Participate in consortia subcommittees and/or communities of interest.
Build effective partnerships across the University by sharing appropriate information and providing assistance.
Provide optimal service to internal and external partners and help maintain an environment welcoming to people of all backgrounds, nationalities, and roles.
Embrace lifelong learning and professional development.
Perform other related duties as assigned.