Job Title: Head of Technical Services and eCollections
Company Name: Merrimack Valley Library Consortium
Library Type: Library Consortium
Job Type: Full-Time
Salary: $65,695 to $87,480 DOQ (Yearly Salary)
Description:
The Head of Technical Services and eCollections is an innovative individual that develops, documents, and implements workflows that provide effective bibliographic control for MVLC databases.
This position manages the daily technical services operations at the Consortium office, including the supervision of Central Site staff. S/he establishes priorities for a variety of tasks based on organizational needs and staff availability. In addition to monitoring bibliographic quality, s/he serves as a resource for acquisitions, cataloging, and serials control questions. S/he ensures bibliographic records are processed in a timely manner by the MVLC cataloging staff.
The position performs professional, hands-on cataloging duties, when necessary, for both print and non-print collections. An awareness of cataloging standards/technology and best practices related to bibliographic control and eContent collections is vital to the position.
The position also oversees the development of Consortium-wide eContent collections, including centralized materials selection, acquisition, processing, and reporting. A knowledge of the current issues and trends in eContent licensing, purchase models, access methods, and copyright is required.
Finally, the Head of Technical Services and eCollections works collaboratively with the Consortium’s management team to develop strategic planning and direction that improves the quality and timeliness of MVLC’s services and electronic collections for its member libraries and their patrons. S/he must think creatively to solve problems while coordinating day-to-day technical services operations, training workshops, and other user support initiatives. The Head of Technical Services and eCollections consults with member library staff and Consortium user groups to determine how well their database and collections automation needs are being met.
The Head of Technical Services and eCollections may be required to act in place of the Executive Director in the absence same.
The Head of Technical Services and eCollections reports to the Executive Director.
Head of Technical Services and eCollections:
- May be required to assume the duties of the Executive Director in his/her absence, overseeing daily operations and assigned duties.
- Supervises the eContent Collections Librarian, Database Manager, and Network Cataloger.
- Collaborates with technology services staff in activities related to loading and processing database files.
- Designs, delivers, and evaluates Consortium-wide staff training, workflow consultation, and documentation for new and existing technical services and electronic collections technologies. This includes all ILS-based technical services applications (BLUEcloud Cataloging; Symphony Cataloging, Serials, Acquisitions) and electronic resources, particularly eContent documentation for patrons.
- Develops and documents procedures and practices to maintain the accuracy and integrity of the libraries’ bibliographic, item, serials, and order databases.
- Evaluates the Consortium’s eContent requirements and provides recommendations to members for new services, products, policies, procedures, equipment, and staffing as needed. Stays apprised of current trends, issues, and practices in public library information services.
- In conjunction with the MVLC Helpdesk, provides direct consultation and troubleshooting to library staff relative to their use of technical services applications and eContent collections.
- Collaborates with the Executive Director, Systems Librarian, Collaborative Services Librarian, and appropriate member library user groups in the evaluation, selection, implementation, and configuration of automation products and services that benefit member libraries.
- Attends appropriate committee/user group meetings, and serves as liaison for technical services and eContent applications.
- Ensures that the technical services and electronic collections staff are providing effective communication and quality customer service to member libraries.
- Effectively cooperates and communicates with coworkers, vendors, and patrons.
- Compiles, publishes, and distributes reports and statistics related to the shared use of eContent collections and ILS technical services applications and usage.
- Performs other relevant duties as assigned.
MVLC considers this role to be a senior-level position for a professional librarian. The successful candidate will collaborate with the Executive Director, colleagues on the MVLC staff, and our members. If you are willing to infuse this position with relevance through hard work, energy, creativity and dedication to serving our members, this position is for you!
Qualifications:
- ALA accredited MLS
- Three to five years technical services and eContent collection management experience, including supervisory and administrative responsibilities
- Experience with automated library systems, preferably SirsiDynix Symphony
- Knowledge of current national cataloging and metadata standards
- Experience with the OCLC Connexion client software
- Experience with third-party vendor online ordering systems (Ingram, Baker & Taylor, Midwest Tapes)
- Experience with eContent platforms, especially OverDrive
- Excellent oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills
- Proven customer service orientation
- Attention to detail
- Positive attitude and flexibility
- Knowledge of PC environment
- Public library experience desirable
To apply, please submit a cover letter and resume to Eric Graham, Executive Director, via email to [email protected].
About Merrimack Valley Library Consortium
The MERRIMACK VALLEY LIBRARY CONSORTIUM (MVLC) is a member-driven, patron focused library network serving 36 public libraries in the greater Merrimack Valley region of Massachusetts. The Central Site is located at 4 High Street – Suite 175, North Andover, MA. MVLC is a member-governed customer support organization that helps librarians in the Merrimack Valley serve their communities. Our libraries serve an aggregate population of 766,883 citizens of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
