Rank: Librarian I
Fixed Duration: Three (3) years from date of hire, with possibility of continuation
Schedule: Part-time (20 hours per week); Flexible Based on Departmental Needs
Yale University offers exciting opportunities for achievement and growth in New Haven, Connecticut. Conveniently located between Boston and New York, New Haven is the creative capital of Connecticut with cultural resources that include two major art museums, a critically-acclaimed repertory theater, state-of-the-art concert hall, and world-renowned schools of Architecture, Art, Drama, and Music.
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 is a highly valued partner in the teaching and research missions of Yale University and scholarly communities worldwide. A distinctive strength is its rich spectrum of resources, including more than 12.5 million volumes and information in all media, ranging from ancient papyri to early printed books to electronic databases. The Library is engaged in numerous digital initiatives designed to provide access to a full array of scholarly information. Housed in the Sterling Memorial Library and twenty school and departmental libraries, it employs a dynamic, diverse, and innovative staff of over 500 who have the opportunity to work with the highest caliber of faculty and students, participate on committees, and are involved in other areas of staff development. For additional information on the Yale University Library, please visit the Library's web site at http://www.library.yale.edu/.
THE NORTHEAST RESEARCH LIBRARIES (NERL) CONSORTIUM
Organized in 1997, NERL is a dynamic, efficiently operated, and highly regarded consortium of 28 large research libraries, mostly based on the East Coast of the US. Members enjoy close working relationships, excellent communications, and a particularly high level of service from their consortium staff. NERL's primary mission is to achieve for its members the most beneficial terms of use and most advantageous prices for significant and costly electronic resources, such as journal packages, databases, e-book collections, and related academic materials; other activities such as advocacy and projects are also undertaken at the wish of the members. Additionally, the office is responsible for the centralized invoicing and processing of payments to numerous publishers ($30-40M/year), as well as maintenance of vibrant communications systems, including public and private web sites. NERL also supports 70+ smaller regional libraries in an "Affiliates" category.
Since its founding, NERL has been housed within the Yale University Library system, with offices in Sterling Memorial Library and a direct report to the Associate University Librarian, who also serves as NERL's director. The operations of NERL are led by NERL's Associate Director. Members of the NERL staff enjoy the same working conditions and benefits as all other University employees. YUL provides to NERL services such as the Library Business Office, Yale University Accounts Payable/Receivable, and physical office space.
POSITION DESCRIPTION
Reporting to the Northeast Research Libraries (NERL) Consortium Associate Director and Associate University Librarian, the NERL Consortium Support Librarian is responsible for day-to-day management and oversight of all aspects of the operations, activities, and planning for the NERL Consortium, a federation of 28 large research libraries and approximately 75 smaller ones. This posted position is the direct result of NERL members' mandate to support their consortium in a time of continuing expansion of electronic information used in each institution.
The Consortium Support Librarian works closely with NERL directors at Yale and the NERL representatives, who are generally Library Directors and Associate Directors in their own institutions. Typical partnership duties involve negotiating contractual agreements between librarians and publishers/vendors and reviewing and modifying subscription, purchase, and access arrangements. Represents NERL at professional library conferences (such as ALA) and national/international consortium functions and meetings; makes presentations at professional conferences. Oversees work of clerical & technical and student staff. Ensures that the operations and workflow of the library consortium are in accordance with highest professional library standards and practices, in keeping with Yale's and those of the university and consortium members institutions.
The position will provide opportunity for the Librarian to grow and develop professionally through increasing levels of responsibility as NERL expands its efforts. The highest levels of customer service, communication, and standards for excellence in all areas are essential for the successful development of the position within a fast-paced environment.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Supports day-to-day workflow of the consortium from initial vendor contact through licensing and invoice creation and receivable. Facilitates communication and coordination of member activities and efforts; monitors and assesses the needs of the membership. Arranges for access and solves member libraries' e-resource problems, access interruptions, and liaises on behalf of member libraries to the large number of vendors and publishers, with whom the consortium has agreements. Collaborates with members to identify and pursue new e-resources, solicits feedback from the membership, initiates, tracks, and maintains vendor contacts and their progress through the lifecycle of electronic resources. Assists in maintenance of database and reporting services. Negotiates and interprets library license terms for members; negotiates and modifies terms with information providers. Modifies, maintains, and updates private and public web sites. Works closely and collaboratively with Yale University support systems.
Expected to keep abreast of the latest technologies in electronic resource management, access and licensing issues that serves to foster successful and rich electronic collections at research and academic institutions. Maintains a current awareness of consortium issues and electronic resources in academic settings.
Makes sound decisions to enhance and forward the efforts of the consortium as well as present new ideas. Provides leadership on projects. Thinks independently and be motivated to solve problems and develop cost effective strategies. Oversees and supervises the work of administrative support employees. May participate in library committees and task forces, and national professional organizations and collaborative activities. Expected to be professionally active and represent the Consortium and the University in the academic, scholarly, and professional community. May be required to assist in 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 for library and information science; Library training and experience should demonstrate an emphasis on electronic resource management.
Knowledge of current and emerging information technologies and publishing formats, databases, and Internet searching. Ability to function in a collegial, fast-paced teamwork-oriented environment which emphasizes customer service. Self-motivated, superior attention to detail; strong organizational and analytical skills. Ability to think independently, solve problems, and develop cost effective strategies. Strong communication and interpersonal skills; ability to communicate clearly, effectively and professionally in a timely manner. Commitment to providing excellent customer service and the ability to work with diverse groups and individuals. Demonstrated ability to work collegially and cooperatively within and across organizations. Ability to work effectively in a virtual electronic environment. Proficiency with common computer applications, including Word, Excel, Adobe Acrobat, and FileMaker or MS Access. Demonstrated ability in one or more of the following areas is required:
a) Developing web pages and using xHTML markup and CSS stylesheets;
b) Developing FileMaker (and/or MS Access) queries and reports;
c) Creating complex Excel spreadsheets, pivot tables, usage data analysis; and/or
d) Reviewing and identifying issues with licenses.
SALARY AND BENEFITS
We invite you to discover the excitement, diversity, rewards and excellence of a career at Yale University. One of the country's great workplaces, Yale University offers exciting opportunities for meaningful accomplishment and true growth. Our benefits package is among the best anywhere, with a wide variety of insurance choices, liberal paid time off, fantastic family and educational benefits, a variety of retirement benefits, extensive recreational facilities, and much more.
Applications consisting of a cover letter, resume, and the names of 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 this position is 11580BR. Please be sure to reference #11580BR in your cover letter. Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until position is filled.
BACKGROUND CHECK REQUIREMENTS
All external candidates for employment will be subject to pre-employment background screening for this position, which may include motor vehicle and credit checks based on the position description and job requirements. All offers are contingent on successful completion of a background check. Please visit http://www.yale.edu/hronline/
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.
