Electronic Resources Access at The University of Chicago, Illinois

Electronic Resources Access Librarian

The University of Chicago Library empowers users with deep and rich collections, extensive expertise, innovative programs, and diverse spaces. We are committed to cultivating an inclusive community, enhancing access to scholarly resources, advancing digital scholarship, engaging locally and globally, and excelling in a changing environment. The University of Chicago Library seeks an innovative and forward-thinking individual for the position of Electronic Resources Access Librarian. Reporting to the Head of Electronic Resources Management, the Electronic Resources Access Librarian will play a critical role in overseeing and supporting the discovery, access, and management of electronic resources by creating and maintaining intuitive, accurate, and stable access to extensive online collections across library discovery systems. The successful candidate will collaborate with colleagues within the Electronic Resources Management team, throughout Technical Services, and across the Library to support the access and discovery of electronic resources.

The Electronic Resources Management section is one of five sections within Technical Services, along with Acquisitions Services, Metadata Management Services, Serials Management Services, and Data Management Services. The Technical Services Department provides the infrastructure for the Library's collection development activities through resource acquisition, discovery, accessibility, and lifecycle management.

Responsibilities

• Oversees and supports electronic resource access and discovery, including the management of holdings within the Library's knowledge bases, discovery systems, and integrated library system, working closely with the Discovery Tools committee and the Electronic Resources Metadata Analyst.
• Works closely with other members of the unit to identify solutions for complex access issues and strategize ways in which the unit can improve access and discovery of electronic resources.
• Collaborates with colleagues throughout the library by leading the effort to support seamless electronic resource access and discovery, including licensed and open access resources.
• Manages authentication mechanisms (OpenAthens and EZproxy) to facilitate seamless access to e-resources and ensure IP ranges, link resolver settings, and branding are up to date with content providers.
• Develops a strategy for proactively identifying and resolving access issues, including identifying patterns in error reports from LibAnswers.
• Designs and leads training sessions for ERM and frontline staff to address emergent problems and ongoing needs related to electronic resource access, authentication, authorization, and patron privacy.
• Identifies cleanup projects for ERM staff to ensure up-to-date and accurate records.
• Stays informed on trends in e-resource discovery and access and contributes to the profession through engagement with colleagues across the Library, with consortial partners in the Big Ten Academic Alliance (BTAA), Center for Research Libraries (CRL), Consortium of Academic and Research Libraries in Illinois (CARLI), the Library Accessibility Alliance (LAA), the FOLIO project community, and other peer networks.

Qualifications

Required: • Master's degree in Library Science or a related field from an ALA-accredited program. • Knowledge of e-resource lifecycle activities and experience with electronic resource management and discovery tools. • Strong communication and interpersonal skills for interacting with library users, publishers, vendors, and service providers.

Preferred: • Experience working in an academic or research library. • Familiarity with authentication mechanisms and access management. • Demonstrated ability to identify, troubleshoot, and resolve access issues effectively. • Excellent organizational and project management skills. • Experience leading or training staff on complex workflows and technical issues. • Proactive problem-solving abilities and attention to detail.