Licensing and Electronic Resources Acquisitions Librarian - Northwestern University

Northwestern University Libraries seek an innovative and collaborative librarian to manage and coordinate the licensing of electronic resources and acquisitions workflows for electronic resources. This position will serve as the library’s expert on agreements with content providers and publishers, and they will guide and pursue innovation in ordering and acquisitions processes for databases, journal packages, e-books, data sets, streaming media, and other types of electronic resources that support research and teaching.

Under the guidance of the Department Head, this position supervises 2-3 staff and works closely with the electronic resources access and discovery staff as well as others in Acquisitions & Metadata Services. This role will ensure efficient workflows, constructive licensing, and seamless access to the library’s collections of owned, subscribed, on-demand, consortial, and open access resources. Additionally, this position will work with subject-specialist librarians, Access Services staff, and other colleagues at Northwestern University Libraries and consortial partners.

These opportunities reflect a new vision and priorities for Northwestern Libraries to activate the Libraries’ historical strengths in ways that support and accelerate emerging methods in research, discovery, preservation, and engagement.

Key Responsibilities:

• Reviews and negotiates license agreements with publishers and vendors in consultation with library stakeholders including the Head of Acquisitions & Metadata Services, the Collection Development Officer, and the Director of Business Operations, as well as the Deputy University Librarian and the University’s Office of General Counsel, as necessary. 
• Develops, documents, implements, and executes acquisitions workflows for electronic resources including databases, e-journal packages, streaming media, e-books, and data sets.
• Responsible for the supervision of 2-3 non-exempt full-time staff in operations relating to electronic resources, acquisitions and licensing. 
• Provides support for inquiries related to the interpretation of terms regarding the use and access of licensed resources; works with vendors, library staff, and library users to address and resolve questions about the use of licensed resources.
• Prioritizes favorable licensing terms including issues important to the library such as accessibility, fair use, text and data mining, artificial intelligence, and privacy.
• Engages actively in exploring and learning new technologies, including AI/machine learning, and their applications to e-resource and acquisitions workflows.
• Organizes and maintains license records.
• Verifies available vendors for proposed new products, arranges trials, and investigates cost savings.
• Establishes and cultivates positive publisher and vendor relationships.
• Assesses and audits vendors to ensure that resources are accessible and available according to the contract.
• Collaborates with the electronic resources access and discovery staff; assists in monitoring reports to resolve complex access issues and works proactively in problem identification and resolution.
• Manages the collection of usage statistics and other data regarding electronic resources.
• Develops expertise on current and emerging licensing practices and acquisitions models and trends, including developments related to e-resource standards, research methods, usage, and data mining.
• Applies values of diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility to licensing, supervision, and other job responsibilities.
• Participates in the library-wide re-envisioning of digital scholarship and library services with interest in ongoing innovation, new technologies, and evolving responsibilities in a dynamic digital research environment.  
• Engages in appropriate professional development, continuing education, research activities, and service to the University.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in library and information science from an ALA accredited institution or equivalent training or experience.
• 2 years of experience working in e-resource access management, acquisitions, metadata, or other technical area of library operations in an academic library.
• Knowledge of workflows relating to the management and access of electronic resources.
• Experience leading and training others via teaching, supervision, project management, or serving as a team lead.

Minimum Competencies:

• Aptitude for business transactions and vendor relations.
• Mindset for innovation, with interest in expanding knowledge of how artificial intelligence, machine learning, and other emerging technologies can contribute to library workflows.
• Demonstrated analytical and organizational skills.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility.

To Apply:

Applicants should submit a cover letter, resume, and the names of three references. Please apply for this position on the NUHR Recruitment Website. In your application, note which pronouns you use. First consideration will be given to applicants who apply by July 26, 2024. 

https://careers.northwestern.edu/psc/hr857prd_er/EMPLOYEE/HRMS/c/HRS_HRAM_FL.HRS_CG_SEARCH_FL.GBL?Page=HRS_APP_JBPST_FL&Action=U&FOCUS=Applicant&SiteId=1&JobOpeningId=50568&PostingSeq=1 

This is a full-time, benefits-eligible, librarian faculty position. The minimum starting salary for this position is $71,000 annually. Offers will be based on candidate experience and education, as well as equity within Northwestern University. 

Reports to: Head of Acquisitions & Metadata Services    
Work Group: Acquisitions & Metadata Services    

Library Environment:  

Northwestern University is a selective private university with campuses in Evanston and Chicago, Illinois and in Doha, Qatar. One of the leading private research libraries in the United States, Northwestern University Library serves the educational and information needs of the NU community as well as scholars around the world. Its collection contains more than 7 million volumes, a full array of digital resources, and collections of distinction in Africana, transportation, and 20th-century and contemporary music. Northwestern is a member of the Association of Research Libraries (ARL) and the Big Ten Academic Alliance (BTAA). See more information about University Libraries at: http://www.library.northwestern.edu  

The Northwestern campus sits on the traditional homelands of the people of the Council of Three Fires, the Ojibwe, Potawatomi, and Odawa as well as the Menominee, Miami and Ho-Chunk nations. We acknowledge and honor the original people of the land upon which Northwestern University stands, and the Native people who remain on this land today. Northwestern University is an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action Employer of all protected classes, including veterans and individuals with disabilities. Women, racial and ethnic minorities, individuals with disabilities, and veterans are encouraged to apply. EEO is the Law.