University of Alabama Libraries is hiring: Electronic Resources Access Librarian
University of Alabama Libraries, Chicago, IL, United States
Overview
Position: Electronic Resources Access Librarian
Unit: Acquisitions & Metadata Services
Reports to: Director of Acquisitions & Metadata Services
Effective: 05/01/2026
Northwestern University Libraries seek an innovative and collaborative librarian to oversee and enhance access to electronic resources and digital research materials. Under the direction of the Licensing and E‑Resources Acquisitions Librarian, this position develops solutions and implements processes related to discovery and access for the University’s $11 million electronic‑collections portfolio. The role provides specialized technical expertise to ensure seamless access to owned, subscribed, on‑demand, and open‑access resources, working closely with e‑resource teammates and stakeholders across the department, university, and consortial networks. This position also evaluates and implements AI‑enabled tools and emerging technologies to facilitate access to e‑resources and support evolving digital research methods. This is a significant opportunity to develop forward‑looking solutions that support students, faculty, and staff in a dynamic, rapidly changing research, teaching, and learning environment.
Responsibilities and Expectations
Oversees and supports electronic resource access and discovery, including the management of holdings within the Libraries’ knowledge bases, discovery systems, and integrated library system (Alma)
Improves user access and discovery of e‑resources by anticipating and resolving issues with remote access and authentication products
Updates and manages metadata for electronic resources, in close collaboration with colleagues in Acquisitions & Metadata Services
Explores, evaluates, and implements new technologies, including artificial intelligence (AI) tools that enhance electronic resource access and improve workflows; shares findings and recommendations across the organization to promote cross‑functional understanding
Communicates with vendors and publishers to resolve and prevent access issues
Works closely with other members of the unit to manage the electronic resources life‑cycle and identify ways in which the unit can improve processes related to electronic resources
Manages authentication mechanisms (EZproxy) to facilitate seamless access to e‑resources and ensure IP ranges, link resolver settings, and branding are up to date with content providers
Develops strategies for proactively identifying and resolving access issues
Serves as a primary point of contact for access problems from library staff and Northwestern students, faculty, and staff
Creates and maintains workflows, best practices, and documentation to manage electronic and subscription resources
Designs and leads training sessions for staff to address emergent problems and ongoing needs related to electronic resource access, authentication, authorization, and patron privacy
Identifies and supports metadata and access cleanup projects to ensure up‑to‑date and accurate records
Develops expertise on current and emerging access practices and trends, including developments related to e‑resource standards, research methods, and access
Participates in the library‑wide re‑envisioning of digital scholarship and library services with interest in ongoing innovation, new technologies, and evolving responsibilities in a dynamic digital research environment
Collaborates with colleagues throughout the library by leading the effort to support seamless electronic resource access and discovery, including licensed and open‑access resources
Coordinates multi‑site access with other Northwestern University Libraries
Engages in appropriate professional development, continuing education, research activities, and service to the University
Stays informed on trends in e‑resource discovery and access and contributes to the profession through engagement with colleagues across the Library, with consortial partners in the Big Ten Academic Alliance (BTAA), Consortium of Academic and Research Libraries in Illinois (CARLI), and other peer networks
Qualifications
Master’s degree in library and information science from an ALA accredited institution or equivalent training or experience
2 years of experience working in e‑resource access management, acquisitions, metadata, or another technical area of library operations in an academic library
Familiarity with workflows related to management and access of electronic resources
Mindset for innovation and problem solving, with curiosity and enthusiasm for exploring how AI and other emerging technologies can enhance workflows and end‑user services
Ability to communicate about technical challenges and solutions to colleagues with both technical and non‑technical backgrounds
Capacity to evaluate emerging technologies for applicability, risks, and benefits related to technical and ethical considerations in a research library environment
Demonstrated analytical and organizational skills
Strong verbal and written communication skills
Preferred Qualifications
Experience working in an academic or research library
Familiarity with authentication systems (for example: EZproxy, OpenAthens, etc.)
Experience exploring, piloting, or implementing new processes or technologies in a library environment, especially automation solutions or AI‑enabled tools
Northwestern University is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of protected characteristics, including disability and veteran status. Job applicants who wish to request an accommodation in the application or hiring process should contact the Office of Civil Rights and Title IX Compliance. View additional information on the accommodations process.
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Position: Electronic Resources Access Librarian
Unit: Acquisitions & Metadata Services
Reports to: Director of Acquisitions & Metadata Services
Effective: 05/01/2026
Northwestern University Libraries seek an innovative and collaborative librarian to oversee and enhance access to electronic resources and digital research materials. Under the direction of the Licensing and E‑Resources Acquisitions Librarian, this position develops solutions and implements processes related to discovery and access for the University’s $11 million electronic‑collections portfolio. The role provides specialized technical expertise to ensure seamless access to owned, subscribed, on‑demand, and open‑access resources, working closely with e‑resource teammates and stakeholders across the department, university, and consortial networks. This position also evaluates and implements AI‑enabled tools and emerging technologies to facilitate access to e‑resources and support evolving digital research methods. This is a significant opportunity to develop forward‑looking solutions that support students, faculty, and staff in a dynamic, rapidly changing research, teaching, and learning environment.
Responsibilities and Expectations
Oversees and supports electronic resource access and discovery, including the management of holdings within the Libraries’ knowledge bases, discovery systems, and integrated library system (Alma)
Improves user access and discovery of e‑resources by anticipating and resolving issues with remote access and authentication products
Updates and manages metadata for electronic resources, in close collaboration with colleagues in Acquisitions & Metadata Services
Explores, evaluates, and implements new technologies, including artificial intelligence (AI) tools that enhance electronic resource access and improve workflows; shares findings and recommendations across the organization to promote cross‑functional understanding
Communicates with vendors and publishers to resolve and prevent access issues
Works closely with other members of the unit to manage the electronic resources life‑cycle and identify ways in which the unit can improve processes related to electronic resources
Manages authentication mechanisms (EZproxy) to facilitate seamless access to e‑resources and ensure IP ranges, link resolver settings, and branding are up to date with content providers
Develops strategies for proactively identifying and resolving access issues
Serves as a primary point of contact for access problems from library staff and Northwestern students, faculty, and staff
Creates and maintains workflows, best practices, and documentation to manage electronic and subscription resources
Designs and leads training sessions for staff to address emergent problems and ongoing needs related to electronic resource access, authentication, authorization, and patron privacy
Identifies and supports metadata and access cleanup projects to ensure up‑to‑date and accurate records
Develops expertise on current and emerging access practices and trends, including developments related to e‑resource standards, research methods, and access
Participates in the library‑wide re‑envisioning of digital scholarship and library services with interest in ongoing innovation, new technologies, and evolving responsibilities in a dynamic digital research environment
Collaborates with colleagues throughout the library by leading the effort to support seamless electronic resource access and discovery, including licensed and open‑access resources
Coordinates multi‑site access with other Northwestern University Libraries
Engages in appropriate professional development, continuing education, research activities, and service to the University
Stays informed on trends in e‑resource discovery and access and contributes to the profession through engagement with colleagues across the Library, with consortial partners in the Big Ten Academic Alliance (BTAA), Consortium of Academic and Research Libraries in Illinois (CARLI), and other peer networks
Qualifications
Master’s degree in library and information science from an ALA accredited institution or equivalent training or experience
2 years of experience working in e‑resource access management, acquisitions, metadata, or another technical area of library operations in an academic library
Familiarity with workflows related to management and access of electronic resources
Mindset for innovation and problem solving, with curiosity and enthusiasm for exploring how AI and other emerging technologies can enhance workflows and end‑user services
Ability to communicate about technical challenges and solutions to colleagues with both technical and non‑technical backgrounds
Capacity to evaluate emerging technologies for applicability, risks, and benefits related to technical and ethical considerations in a research library environment
Demonstrated analytical and organizational skills
Strong verbal and written communication skills
Preferred Qualifications
Experience working in an academic or research library
Familiarity with authentication systems (for example: EZproxy, OpenAthens, etc.)
Experience exploring, piloting, or implementing new processes or technologies in a library environment, especially automation solutions or AI‑enabled tools
Northwestern University is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of protected characteristics, including disability and veteran status. Job applicants who wish to request an accommodation in the application or hiring process should contact the Office of Civil Rights and Title IX Compliance. View additional information on the accommodations process.
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