Harvard University Library
Location
Cambridge, MA | United States
Job description
Job Summary
Although this position will remain posted until filled, applicants are strongly encouraged to apply by end of day on March 29, 2024.
Information and Technical Services actively supports the teaching and research mission of the Harvard Library by managing monograph, serial and e-resource acquisitions, metadata creation, and metadata management for the Harvard Library.As a manager in the Continuing Resources and Acquisitions unit, the incumbent provides timely access to Harvard Library collections by performing and coordinating a variety of acquisitions duties for monographs in multiple languages and formats. Working under the supervision of the Associate Head of Serials & Continuing Resources, the incumbent supervises the monograph acquisitions unit which is one of two units in the Continuing Resources and Acquisitions unit.
Priorities will be set to maximize contributions to the overall goals of the Information and Technical Services Department of the Harvard Library. Due to the varied nature and volume of the work in ITS, all ITS staff may be called upon to contribute to work in any unit or team of the ITS department, as organizational needs warrant.
As part of this group, all members are expected to participate fully in collaborative efforts towards efficient workflow and problem solving. Staff may be called upon to apply their skills and/or receive additional training in order to contribute to work in other ITS units or teams as occasional, short-term needs occur.
Position Description
Oversee hiring, supervision, and training of Acquisitions staff; working together with the functional coordinator; establish performance expectations and guidelines for staff, holding regular meetings as a part of this process.
Works with the functional coordinator for prioritization and workflows for the unit, making decisions that impact workflow assignments surrounding monographic ordering including fund assignment and vendor selection, as well as other ITS monograph acquisitions units to establish standard workflows and procedures.
Plans monograph acquisitions responsibilities of the unit, develops routines and communicates priorities accordingly to team members; maintains related records and statistics.
Suggests innovations and generates ideas for improving workflows and creating efficiencies, planning appropriate communication and training, and ensuring effective documentation is in place to implement changes in technical services policies and procedures.
Participates in unit & department-wide planning and implementation of new policies and procedures, including their documentation and acting as a resource and trainer for staff on these policies and procedures.
Acts as a resource for other staff resolving complex problems relating to: ordering, receiving, invoice payment, and resource management, and complex financial matters, including tracking payments in the Oracle online system, setting up vendors and running reports.
Maintains relationships with vendors, for the purpose of placing complex orders, resolving problems, evaluating vendor performance and services, and in some cases, negotiating pricing.
Review and stay current with vendor service offerings and evaluate utility to the Harvard Library organization; make proposals as appropriate for experimentation and adoption.
Fosters open communication within the unit and the section, documents decisions and discussions as appropriate, and shares information on behalf of the larger organization to foster staff engagement.
Creates an environment that supports staff professional development, encourages staff growth and advocates for resources as needed to position the unit for success.
As a member of a strong, collaborative management team, serves as a backup to the other managers, including for continuing resource workflows.
Establish strong relationships with staff at stakeholder libraries and in other departments of Harvard Library, which might include serving as an ITS liaison to a specific library.
Promote and participate in campus collaborations that inform technical services through active engagement with colleagues and initiatives across the Harvard Library system.
Participate in departmental and unit-level strategic planning in consultation with other ITS managers and staff.
Basic Qualifications
Master of Library Science or equivalent education or work experience required.
4 plus years of professional experience in academic libraries.
Minimum of 1-2 years of management experience required, including of student or contingent workforce; within a combined union and non-union staffing environment strong desirable.
Demonstrated experience in training, staff development, and performance management preferred.
Demonstrated facility with technology required, including significant experience with integrated library platforms and bibliographic utilities, and a working knowledge of an office productivity software suite, such as Microsoft Office applications required.
Library acquisitions and basic cataloging experience.
Reading knowledge of at least one modern European or East Asian language is required.
Additional Qualifications and Skills
Excellent organizational, interpersonal, problem-solving and analytical skills; strong customer service orientation and flexibility to adapt to changing daily priorities.
Ability to work productively and cooperatively in a team environment, with flexibility and versatility, in an evolving work situation required, while also working independently as needed.
Demonstrated written and oral communication and negotiation skills required.
Ability to manage competing priorities with a positive, constructive, flexible, and cooperative manner.
Working knowledge of additional modern European languages or East Asian languages.
Ability to handle stressful work situations and maintain a professional demeanor when assisting colleagues with problems.
Commitment to be part of a continuous learning environment, updating skills as required to perform job duties.
Demonstrated commitment to maintaining a supportive work environment that promotes diversity, equity and inclusion for all.
Ability to use technology in creative ways to solve problems or facilitate workflow.
Ability to exhibit strong initiative.
Physical Requirements
Keyboarding for at least 6 hours a day may be required.
Working Conditions
The work associated with this position is performed in a library/office setting.
This position is eligible for flexible work arrangements, as detailed by Harvard University HR
The position is based on site in Cambridge, MA. There may be the opportunity for a hybrid work model compliant with Harvard University policies.
Benefits
We invite you to visit Harvard's Total Rewards website ( Create a Job Alert for Similar Jobs
Job tags
Salary
