Macalester College seeks Library Specialist, Collections & Interlibrary Loan

Text courtesy of Katy Gabrio, Associate Library Director, DeWitt Wallace Library, Macalester College

Macalester College seeks to hire a Library Specialist, Collections & Interlibrary Loan for the DeWitt Wallace Library.  This position provides expertise and support in a wide variety of collection areas, including: cataloging, electronic resources, collection management, and more. They manage the print periodicals collection as well as work closely with the E-Resources and Metadata Librarians in supporting day-to-day cataloging, serials, and e-resource duties and operations. In addition, they serve as conduit between Interlibrary Loan and Collection Development operations, including developing efficient workflows as these functions continue to intersect as well as troubleshooting content access issues impacting ILL fulfillment. The person in this position is a member of the Collection Development and Discovery team and reports to the CD&D Associate Library Director.

Responsibilities

• Provides expertise managing the print periodicals collections, including current and bound periodicals, as well as other collections housed on the lower level, including microforms, indexes, and reference sets.
• Performs basic and copy cataloging by creating and updating records in WorldCat for items in the collection.
• Provides first level support for troubleshooting, resolving, and triaging on- and off-campus access problems connecting to electronic serials, databases, and ebooks and communicates with Library and Macalester community when systems are down or not available for brief periods.
• Assists in supporting and managing tools required for electronic resources work, including e-resource proxy remote access configurations and knowledge-base updates as well as use of the Acquisitions and License Manager modules of the Library's integrated library system.
• Supports Macalester’s collaborative collection efforts with CALD and HathiTrust and stays abreast of best practices with shared print programs and initiatives.
• Manages replacement and/or repair decisions for lost, missing, or damaged items in the collection.
• Coordinates inventory activities for library collections.
• Supervises stack maintenance of periodical collections, including current and bound periodicals, microforms, and compact shelving. Includes activities such as shelving and shifting journals, removing unneeded materials, etc.
• Coordinates outsourced library binding. Assesses condition of materials and makes decisions on appropriate treatment options including re-formatting, repair, and digital archiving of resources.
• Works closely with vendors to assure that work and service purchased from commercial binderies meets library specifications.
• Provides a high level of personal contact and communicates on a regular basis with faculty, students, staff and external service providers including serials publishers, vendors, and content providers.
• Provides relevant statistical data and metrics, including usage and cost analysis, to support collection analysis and development decisions.
• Assists with e-resource database clean-up projects. Includes activities such as checking accuracy and editing descriptions and URLs for online resources.
• Oversees upkeep, maintenance, and user training of microform equipment on the lower level of the library.
• Assists with direction of student employee workflow and training.
• Develops policies and procedures in collaboration with colleagues and staff.

Qualifications

Required:

• Associate’s degree.
• Commitment to equity, inclusion, and diversity. Actively engages in learning and practicing principles of social justice and inclusion to increase individual capacity to support institutional changes that create and sustain a more welcoming and inclusive environment across the Macalester Community.
• Attention to detail, high level of accuracy, and ability to perform work in a timely and accurate manner. 
• Excellent oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills.  

Preferred:

• Bachelor’s degree.
• 2+ years of collections or ILL experience in an academic, special, or research library (or closely related institution).  
• Knowledge of accepted national cataloging standards and practices. 
• Understanding of e-resource management and troubleshooting processes.
• Demonstrated organizational, assessment, project management, process improvement, and problem solving skills.
• Experience with specialized library systems.
• Proven experience working effectively in a team environment. 
• Ability to respond effectively to changing needs and priorities showing initiative and flexibility and an ability to thrive in an ambiguous environment.

Application Guidelines

To be considered, please submit your cover letter and resume as one PDF through the Macalester Employment Opportunities webpage by June 27, 2021.  Review of applications will begin immediately, we will continue to accept applications until the position has been filled. All inquiries about this position should be directed to:

Randi Hartman
HR Generalist
rhartman@macalester.edu

Macalester College - Institutional Overview

Since its founding in 1874, Macalester College has provided students with the inspiration, insight, and experience to become successful and ethical leaders. Located in St. Paul, Minnesota, Macalester enrolls nearly 2,100 students who come from virtually every state and 91 countries. Macalester is committed to being a preeminent liberal arts college known for its high standards of scholarship and its special emphasis on internationalism, multiculturalism, and service to society.

Macalester is dedicated to the goal of building a culturally diverse and pluralistic staff committed to working in a multicultural environment and strongly encourages applications from everyone who would add richness to our community, including people of color, individuals with disabilities, women and LGBTQIA+ individuals.

Benefits

Macalester employees enjoy a fantastic benefits package and working environment that is second to none. Please visit Macalester Benefits for more information about what Macalester has to offer its employees.