People Strategy, Equity, and Culture

Electronic Resources Librarian

  • Title: Electronic Resources Librarian
  • Class: Academic Professional
  • Exempt Status: Exempt
  • Level: 4

Nature and Scope of Work

Under the direction of management, the Electronic Resources Librarian performs professional level duties in implementing and maintaining the Library’s online research collections, including making electronic content discoverable and accessible, configuring vendor interfaces, troubleshooting access problems, supporting linking across multiple research platforms, and developing and delivering training.

Interpersonal contacts extend to library management and staff, faculty, students, public users, vendors, and library staff from external institutions.

Principal Accountabilities

  1. Coordinates the Library’s electronic resources program, including configuring and maintaining the Library’s subscription databases and collections on vendor platforms, the integrated library system, and in the Library’s discovery environment.
  2. Ensures that library online resources are discoverable and readily available from both on and off campus via the creation and maintenance of proxy stanzas and IP information on vendor platforms. Works with PCC Information Technology on single sign-on integrations when appropriate.
  3. Configures linking parameters and OpenURL information for electronic resources; trains and supports PCC librarians, faculty, and students on linking or embedding library online resources; troubleshoots access problems.
  4. Ensures resource discovery in library search tools through record loading and collection activation or deactivation. Evaluates vendor-provided metadata quality and chooses the appropriate method for making material discoverable, including title- and article-level discovery. Manipulates large metadata files to conform to local requirements. Batch loads bibliographic and inventory records, on a regular basis to manage additions, deletions, and URL updates. Updates and maintains accurate holdings and linking information for subscribed electronic resources.
  5. Catalogs standalone electronic resource titles as needed.
  6. Builds systems to track and manage annual (and irregular) renewal processes for library-licensed online material.
  7. Integrates third party tools and content when possible on vendor platforms (chat, linking, interlibrary loan options, etc)
  8. Participates in accessibility testing of library electronic resources. Works with the college’s Accessible Education and Disability Resources department in reviewing library platforms. Communicates with vendors about identified barriers for users of assistive technology.
  9. Gathers, monitors, and analyzes usage statistics related to electronic resources, including turnaways, historical trends, and anticipating future trends. Provides reports as needed to various stakeholders.
  10. Works as part of a team in Library Technical Services, collaborating through the life-cycle of electronic resources, developing documentation for electronic resource management workflows and policies.
  11. Collaborates with other library departments on projects, initiatives, and daily work.
  12. Monitors trends in e-resource management, analyzes tools and workflows, explores new methodologies and models, and recommends changes to existing systems and procedures, as appropriate. Monitors various listservs and other vendor communication channels that report on electronic resources and other performance issues.
  13. Actively participates in library, college, and consortia committees and working groups. May serve as library representative on a number of consortia committees in the Orbis Cascade Alliance.
  14. Performs other related duties as assigned.

Work Environment

Work is performed primarily on a computer in the library and office.  Interruptions are expected and occur frequently and the incumbent must have the ability to prioritize work. Incumbent must stay current with evolving library technology. Incumbent may occasionally be required to drive between campuses using a personal vehicle.

Physical Requirements

Minimal physical exertion is required. Learned physical skill is required to perform keyboarding function.  Standing, walking, bending and occasional lifting may be required.

Minimum Qualifications

  • Master’s degree in library science (MLS) or library and information science (MLIS) from an ALA accredited school or international equivalent.
  • One year of experience in library electronic resource management, specifically vendor platform configuration, linking, and integrated library system records management.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Experience with Ex Libris’ Alma and Primo systems, including the Metadata Editor and bibliographic systems jobs; experience with bibliographic and cataloging tools such as OCLC Connexion and WorldShare Management Services.
  • Experience with EZproxy
  • Experience configuring library vendor platforms
  • Automating repetitive data manipulation tasks employing tools such as MarcEdit, Excel, and scripting languages (e.g. SQL, Python, VBA, Google Apps script, etc.) for advanced database maintenance tasks and resource lifecycle tasks, especially for batch record manipulation and electronic material tracking.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Knowledge of:
  • Electronic resource management methods
  • Authentication methods including IP/proxy and single sign-on
  • Library metadata standards including MARC, RDA, and beyond
  • Large-scale data manipulation approaches
  • Web accessibility standards and tools
  • Various electronic resource management standards and tools, such as, but not limited to COUNTER, KBART, OpenURL, SERU, SUSHI.
  • Applicable local, state, and federal laws, codes, rules, and regulations;
  • General college policies and procedures.
Skill in:
  • Providing original and complex copy cataloging in a contemporary MARC-based environment according to national, consortial, and local standards
  • Analyzing, researching, and resolving problems
  • Communicating technical information verbally and in writing to broad audiences
  • Analyzing statistical information
Ability to:
  • Work closely with internal and external stakeholders, and across a variety of metadata standards and formats, to support a comprehensive and cohesive approach to the discovery, presentation, and delivery of the library’s resources;
  • Work independently and be self-directed;
  • Prioritize multiple tasks and adapt to needed changes;
  • Communicate clearly and effectively, both verbally and in writing;

New: 2/2025
Replaces: Digital Resources Specialist