Research Librarian/Acquisitions, B.D. Owens Library

Institution

Northwest Missouri State University

Job Summary

PRIMARY DUTY: The Research Librarian / Acquisitions position is a highly collaborative, service-oriented position. The primary responsibility is the acquisition of library materials in all formats for the University’s libraries.  This position contributes to instruction and research assistance services which includes some evening and weekend hours.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

  1. Coordinates acquisition of all library material types.  Tasks include but are not limited to: searching bibliographic databases; creating; preparing purchase orders and transmitting orders electronically.
  2. Processes invoices and subscription renewals; partners with the Assistant Library Director, Information Services to monitor expenditures to ensure that funds are encumbered at an appropriate rate; reviews allocation of funds according to subject area and reports current budget allocation status; manages the yearly fiscal close.
  3. Organize and coordinate RFP/bid process with the University Purchasing Department and Assistant Library Director, Information Services for library materials, including researching possible vendors, assessing and determining RFP specifications, and evaluating proposals to select vendors.
  4. Maintains vendor files and contacts; monitors vendor information; facilitates contact with vendors in relation to ordering, claiming, report generation, and record supply.
  5. Provides statistical, financial, and evaluative reports to library administration as scheduled or requested.
  6. Collaborate in the processing of all library material types.
  7. Perform database maintenance using the integrated library system
  8. Serve as library liaison to specific schools and disciplines.
  9. Effectively assist patrons with their information needs through personalized face-to-face and virtual research services.
  10. Provide library instruction to a variety of courses.
  11. Serve on library, institutional, and consortium working groups as necessary including maintenance to ILS records for cluster-wide projects.
  12.  Collaborates with team members to screen, interview, hire, schedule, train, develop, and evaluate student employees.
  13. Other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

        Education: Master’s degree in related/appropriate field

        Certification/License:

        Experience: Acquisitions or cataloging experience; experience with an integrated library automation system (Innovative Interfaces experience preferred); understanding of classification of all formats of library material using Dewey Decimal and MARC records

        Skills:  Strong record keeping, customer service, organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills; strong analytical abilities; ability to communicate and work well with students, faculty, staff, and vendor representatives; ability to learn to enter brief catalog records; ability to work in a team environment; ability to understand and implement policies and procedures; strong attention to detail to recognize and edit discrepancies in detailed information; demonstrate strong organizational and collaborative skills.

WORKING CONDITIONS: This position will work within a library setting. Requires availability to work 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Monday – Friday and including a weekly evening shift and the possibility of additional hours as needed. Must be able to move throughout the library to provide research assistance and across campus to provide library instruction.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES: Supervise student employees

TYPICAL PHYSICAL DEMANDS: Physical abilities include ability to lift/move up to 50 pounds manually or with the assistance of mechanical leverage, ability to traverse flights of stairs throughout the day, walking, standing, pushing, reaching, and grasping

COMMUNITY: Northwest Missouri State University is located in Maryville, Missouri, a community of 12,000 with a diverse economy and a strong industrial base. Maryville is located 45 miles north of St. Joseph, Missouri, and 90 miles north of Kansas City, Missouri. For more information visit the city’s website at www.maryville.org.

UNIVERSITY: With an enrollment of more than 7,200 students, Northwest is a coeducational, primarily residential four-year university that offers a broad range of undergraduate and selected graduate programs on its Maryville campus as well as its Northwest-Kansas City location at the Northland Innovation Center and through Northwest Online.

Founded in 1905, Northwest places a high emphasis on profession-based learning to help graduates get a jumpstart on their careers. Students have opportunities to build their résumés with experiences on campus in nearly every area of study, including the Horace Mann Laboratory School, National Public Radio affiliate KXCV, the R.T. Wright Farm, Mozingo Outdoor Education Recreation Area or Knacktive, a student-driven integrated digital marketing communications agency.

The University is a national model for student success and career placement. In addition, 96 percent of Northwest bachelor’s degree earners and 99 percent of master’s degree earners secure employment or continue their education within six months of graduation, according to the most recent data. Zippia, a career website, names Northwest the best college in Missouri for getting a job.

Furthermore, its vibrant and diverse learning community offers more than 150 student organizations, and textbooks and a laptop are included in tuition, which is among the lowest in the nation, saving students an estimated $7,200 over four years. Northwest also offers 1,200 student employment positions, allowing students to build professional skills through its internationally benchmarked student employment program. Designated the Missouri Arboretum, the Northwest campus was named one of the “50 Most Amazing University Botanical Gardens and Arboretums in the U.S.”

For more information about Northwest and its performance, visit www.nwmissouri.edu.

APPLICATION DEADLINE: Until filled

DATE AVAILABLE: October 1, 2021

TO APPLY: Please fill out a Northwest application online by clicking http://agency.governmentjobs.com/nwmissouri/default.cfm to reach our employment opportunities listing. You will also need to submit a cover letter, resume, and the contact information for three references in order for your application materials to be complete. Please contact the Office of Human Resources at 660-562-1127 or email bbadger@nwmissouri.edu for more information.