Law Library Acquisitions Associate

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Job Title:Law Library Acquisitions AssociateDepartment:Law | Law Reserve

Job Description:

The Ohio State University Moritz College of Law is an integral part of one of the world's great educational institutions. Founded in 1891 and consistently the top-ranked law school in the state of Ohio, the Moritz College of Law has grown into one of the nation's pre-eminent public law schools and one of the most respected law schools in the world. Moritz boasts a collegial community of approximately 570 students and more than 50 faculty members.

The Law Library Acquisitions Associate utilizes advanced technical and operational experience to order library materials in all formats, as well as receipt and processing of physical items including updating local Alma catalog records for shelf ready books. This position fulfills a key customer service role within the library and includes regular communication with vendors for ordering materials and resolving complex problems.

This position reports to the Assistant Director for Collection Services and is expected to work both independently to anticipate, recognize and solve issues, along with working collaboratively to carry out ordering, processing, and record management activities using the University Libraries’ shared ExLibris/Alma Library Services Platform.   

The key duties of this position include: database searching, creating order records in Alma, utilizing GOBI to confirm and track orders for monographs, and placing orders with library vendors or publishers for print and electronic resources.

Other responsibilities include: managing orders, subscriptions, library approval and package plans as directed, overseeing library deliveries, performing non-complex copy cataloging, and monitoring library and facilities issues.

This position works weekdays only, with flexible scheduling or hybrid work typically arranged during regular business hours. Hours may vary during holiday and intersession periods.

Responsibilities:

(40%) Orders library materials in all formats including print and electronic resources; conducts database searches using Alma, OCLC, GOBI/Mosaic or other vendor platforms; creates order records in Alma. Communicates with vendors to place orders, claim materials or resolve problems; cancels orders or subscriptions as directed. Manages GOBI monograph approval plan transactions; resolves issues with orders, delivery or receipt of library materials; exercises independent judgment and refers issues as needed. Confirms purchase decisions and shares information internally with collection librarians or library director as required. Gathers vendor information for licensing new electronic resources including renewals or cancellations; troubleshoots database access issues or refers problems as needed.  

(30%) Conducts copy cataloging upon receipt in Alma for non-complex materials including shelf ready books, added copies or other monographs. Maintains accuracy of records in Alma or completes other record management tasks as required. Assists with Alma database maintenance projects as identified; may participate in or direct other projects relating to collections, vendor subscriptions, digital accessibility and record maintenance as identified.

(10%) Oversees looseleaf filing activities and receipt of supplemented materials, including directing and reviewing the work of student assistants. Maintains accuracy of looseleaf materials and resolves problems with receipt of materials, replacement pages or binders. Files materials and checks in looseleaf or supplemented materials in Alma as needed.

(10%) Interviews, selects, trains and supervises student assistants responsible for looseleaf filing, sorting and distribution of library mail, receipt of continuations and bound volumes, labeling, processing and shelving of library materials, and preparation of bindery shipments. Assists with training and support for Circulation staff members responsible for receipt of continuations and bound volumes.

(5%) Serves as departmental contact for building or facilities’ issues; notifies College/library administration of physical facilities’ issues; provides customer support and general direction for campus facilities’ staff or outside vendors as needed; troubleshoots, anticipates, and clarifies changing priorities affecting the daily operation of the library and/or building; other duties as assigned.

(5%) Serves on College/library committees or task forces; attends library meetings; participates in training; monitors email, voicemail or other forms of communication to maintain awareness of changing needs. Interprets and makes recommendations regarding acquisitions’ policies and procedures; engages in continuous learning to broaden skills, work efficiently and improve outcomes for the department. Other duties or projects as assigned; includes cross-training to support other College/library units as needed.

Additional Information:

Qualifications:

High School degree and two years of experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience required; bachelor's degree and one year of library work experience or equivalent knowledge of library services standards, practices, and procedures is desired.

Strong customer service orientation; previous supervisory or management experience a plus; excellent organizational skills and attention to detail; ability to adapt to a flexible, evolving work environment; strong oral and written communication skills; ability to work both independently and collaboratively as a team member; prior experience working in an academic library or with LSP systems (ExLibris/Alma) preferred; excellent problem solving, project management and prioritizing skills.

The target hiring range is $17.50-$22.86 per hour.  The offered salary will fall within this range based on the applicant’s qualifications, internal equity and available funding.

Location:Drinko Hall (0049)Position Type:RegularScheduled Hours:40Shift:First Shift

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The university is an equal opportunity employer, including veterans and disability. 

As required by Ohio Revised Code section 3345.0216, Ohio State will: educate students by means of free, open and rigorous intellectual inquiry to seek the truth; equip students with the opportunity to develop intellectual skills to reach their own, informed conclusions; not require, favor, disfavor or prohibit speech or lawful assembly; create a community dedicated to an ethic of civil and free inquiry, which respects the autonomy of each member, supports individual capacities for growth and tolerates differences in opinion; treat all faculty, staff and students as individuals, hold them to equal standards and provide equality of opportunity with regard to race, ethnicity, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression.