Macalester College seeks Library Specialist, E-Resources & Metadata

Text courtesy of Katy Gabrio, Macalester College.

Overview

The Dewitt Wallace library at Macalester College is seeking to hire a Library Specialist, E-Resources & Metadata. This position provides expertise and support for the library’s electronic resources and digital collections. The individual in this position works closely with our Serials & E-Resources Librarian in providing access to, troubleshooting problems, and providing usage data for our electronic collections. They will also work closely with our Metadata Librarian and the College Archivist in supporting the creation and uploading of metadata and digital objects into the library’s digital asset management and institutional repository platforms as well as supporting day-to-day cataloging work. Library Specialist, E-Resources & Metadata serves as a member of the Collection Development and Discovery team and reports to the CD&D Associate Library Director.

Hours/Schedule: Monday-Friday 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM 

The annual salary range of the position is $44,000-$49,000.

About the Dewitt-Wallace Library

The Library supports the mission of the College by providing the scholarly information services and resources essential to Macalester’s educational program. Specifically, the Library:

• Educates and guides users in the research process.
• Enables users to identify and obtain needed information.
• Maintains a secure and supportive environment for the use and preservation of collections and delivery of services.
• Manages effectively the budget, processes, personnel and technology needed to accomplish Library goals.

Responsibilities

Collection Development & Discovery

• Provides first level support for troubleshooting access problems for electronic resources 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 creation and uploading of metadata and digital objects into our digital content platforms.
• Assists with PDF accessibility efforts, especially for scholarship being added to our institutional repository.
• Performs basic and copy cataloging by creating and updating records in WorldCat for items in the collection.
• 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 links for online resources.
• 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.
• Assists with direction of student employee workflow and training.
• Develops policies and procedures in collaboration with colleagues and staff.

Key responsibilities, leadership and professional development

• Provides excellent customer service.
• Participates in cross-functional work groups according to interests, skills, and library needs.
• Helps foster teamwork throughout the organization on campus, and beyond.
• Helps maintain efficient work flow, procedures, and process improvements.
• Contributes to assessment activities throughout the organization including report writing and data compilation and analysis.
• Contributes to fulfilling the mission of the library and the college.
• Provides service to the college through participation on campus groups or projects.
• Serves on professional committees to share our expertise and experience with others, and to serve as a representative of the college.
• Attends at least one professional conference per year.
• Stays abreast of developments in the field and is engaged in personal professional development.

Annual goals

• Contributes to completion of annual library goals.
• Sets and attains annual personal performance goals.

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.
• Demonstrated organizational, assessment, project management, process improvement, and problem solving skills.
• 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 digital project and/or metadata work in an academic, special, or research library (or closely related institution).
• Demonstrated experience with e-resource management and troubleshooting processes.
• Knowledge of accepted national cataloging and metadata standards and practices.
• 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.

Satisfactory completion of a criminal background check is a condition of employment.

Benefits

Macalester employees enjoy a fantastic benefits package and working environment that is second to none. Please visit the Macalester Benefits page for more information about benefits at Macalester College.

Application Guidelines

For best consideration, please submit your cover letter and resume as one PDF through the Macalester Employment Opportunities webpage by December 16, 2022.  Review of applications will begin immediately. All inquiries about this position should be directed to:

Stacy Peterson
Talent Acquisition Manager 
speter15@Macalester.edu

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.

Macalester College - Institutional Overview

Founded in 1874, Macalester College provides students with the inspiration, insight, and experience to become successful and ethical leaders. Located in flourishing St. Paul, Minnesota, Macalester enrolls over 2,000 students from across the country and around the world. Macalester is a preeminent liberal arts college recognized for its student service and celebration of internationalism.

At Macalester, we look at our employees through a whole-person, holistic lens. With comprehensive benefits and well-being programs, we provide and enable our community members to grow and care for themselves, their families, and one another. Our whole-hearted fidelity to community-building and social justice exemplify these ideals. Macalester College continuously prioritizes a culturally diverse and pluralistic community. We value individuals of all backgrounds and lived experiences. 

Our rich blend of people holding varied identities enhances our strong commitment to multiculturalism and global citizenship. We seek candidates who reflect and strengthen our campus environment. Macalester invites and encourages everyone to apply who would add depth to our community including those from all sexual orientations, races, ethnicities, national origins, genders, religions, abilities, and ages.

Our Commitment to Safety in response to COVID-19

For the safety of our community, Macalester requires all employees to have received a COVID-19 vaccine regimen. If you are unable to receive the vaccine due to a health condition or because it is prohibited as a result of your sincerely held religious beliefs, you will have an opportunity to request a reasonable accommodation.

Questions about this process should be directed to Employment Services, at hr@macalester.edu.