Careers at UMass Amherst

Librarian I (Discovery Specialist)

Apply now Job no: 519238
Work type: Staff Full Time
Location: UMass Amherst
Department: Lib - Collection Services
Union: USA/MTA
Categories: Library, Administrative & Office Support

About UMass Amherst 

UMass Amherst, the Commonwealth's flagship campus, is a nationally ranked public research university offering a full range of undergraduate, graduate and professional degrees. The University sits on nearly 1,450-acres in the scenic Pioneer Valley of Western Massachusetts, and offers a rich cultural environment in a bucolic setting close to major urban centers. In addition, the University is part of the Five Colleges (including Amherst College, Hampshire College, Mount Holyoke College, and Smith College), which adds to the intellectual energy of the region. 

 

Job Summary 

As a member of the Discovery & Resource Management Systems Unit in the Information Resource Management Department, the Discovery Specialist participates in maintaining the Libraries' discovery and electronic resources management tools. 

 

Essential Functions 

  • Participates in the management of the Libraries’ discovery and electronic resources management platforms, with an eye towards access and usability.  
  • Maintains and updates records in discovery and electronic resource management systems.  
  • Assists with maintaining the Libraries’ authentication system.  
  • Uses MARC and non-MARC metadata to organize and provide access to information resources in the Libraries’ discovery and electronic resources ecosystem. 
  • Troubleshoots routine problems with access to Libraries resources. Refers complex issues to the appropriate Libraries’ staff members. 
  • Participates in metadata maintenance projects.  
  • Participate in maintenance of departmental documentation related to discovery and electronic resources management.  
  • Supports usability and accessibility testing of Libraries’ system interfaces.  
  • Attends professional development activities as assigned or required to meet departmental goals and objectives. 
  • Utilizes the Libraries’ intranet, reads Libraries’ and consortium messages and attends Libraries’-wide meetings to stay current with Libraries’ happenings. 

 

Other Functions 

  • Works collaboratively with peers in the IRM department, other departments in the Libraries and the Five College Consortium.  
  • Participates in Libraries’ and consortium committees, task forces, and other initiatives as assigned.  
  • Participates in relevant communities to stay current on discovery and access issues related to electronic resources. 
  • Performs other related duties as assigned and in support of the mission and goals of the Libraries and the department. 

 

Minimum Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education, Experience, Certifications, Licensure) 

  • Bachelor's degree and relevant experience related to this position; preferably in an academic library or high school diploma/ equivalent and two (2) years’ academic library experience. Knowledge of commonly used office productivity tools such as: Google Suite, Microsoft Suite, Microsoft Teams, Trello, wikis, internet browsers, and search engines. 
  • Ability to work accurately, effectively, and with a strong attention to detail. 

 

Preferred Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education, Experience, Certifications, Licensure) 

  • Knowledge of library resource management systems and of the library discovery environment in general. 
  • Knowledge of library cataloging and classification standards, rules, methods, procedures, and systems. 
  • Ability to establish and maintain harmonious working relationships with a diverse population of staff and students.  
  • Ability to work collaboratively, either independently or as part of a team, with other departments in the Libraries as well as across the Five College Consortium. 
  • Ability to understand and contribute to implementation of departmental, Libraries, and University goals for achieving non-discrimination and creating a respectful, inclusive environment that is supportive of diversity. 

 

Work Schedule 

Monday – Friday, daytime hours. 

 

Salary Information 

USA/MTA Grade 16

 

Special Instructions to Applicants 

Complete online application and submit a resume, cover letter and provide contact information for three (3) professional references to ensure consideration. 

 

UMass Amherst is committed to a policy of equal opportunity without regard to race, color, religion, caste, creed, sex, age, marital status, national origin, disability, political belief or affiliation, pregnancy and pregnancy-related condition(s), veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, genetic information, natural and protective hairstyle and any other class of individuals protected from discrimination in employment, admission to and participation in academic programs, activities, and services, and the selection of vendors who provide services or products to the University.  To fulfill that policy, UMass Amherst is further committed to a program of affirmative action to eliminate or mitigate artificial barriers and to increase opportunities for the recruitment and advancement of qualified minorities, women, persons with disabilities, and covered veterans.  It is the policy of UMass Amherst to comply with the applicable federal and state statutes, rules, and regulations concerning equal opportunity and affirmative action.

Advertised: Eastern Daylight Time
Applications close:

Back to search results Apply now Refer a friend

on-the-spot-interview details Upcoming On-the-Spot Interviews at UMass Amherst for Custodial, Grounds, Landscaping, Culinary, Catering, Hospitality, Housekeeping, Hotel Front Desk. On-the-Spot Interviews Details

Returning Applicant?

Login to complete your application and/or apply for more positions.

Login

Job Alerts

We'll send you an email when a position becomes available that matches your search criteria

Subscribe

Human Resources

Visit Human Resources for more information on benefits, payroll, health insurance, retirement and general information about working at UMass Amherst.