Job Description
The Boston Library Consortium (BLC) is seeking a full-time Program Manager to lead the consortial implementation of Controlled Digital Lending (CDL) as a mechanism for interlibrary loan.
This is a 12-month grant-funded position with the possibility of continuation beyond the grant period, subject to the availability of funds.
You should apply if…
- You love creating the conditions that foster deeper modes of collaboration through resource sharing
- You are excited by the challenge of building deeply intentional processes in the many big and little decisions across a diverse group of member institutions
- You find joy in building spaces of trust, connection, and shared growth
Responsibilities
This role’s overall responsibility will be coordinating the implementation of controlled digital lending for interlibrary loan (CDL for ILL) for BLC members’ libraries, through a wide range of activities with both individual libraries and external partners.
The position reports to the Executive Director. In this role, you will…
- Coordinate information gathering and configuration activities for the consortial CDL solution in collaboration with the service provider and the implementation teams across members’ libraries, including SSO setups, data exports from library systems, and necessary API access
- Serve as the internal product owner of the consortial CDL solution to the members’ libraries and as the primary contact for communication with the service provider about support requests, outages, etc.
- Provide training and workflow guidance to members' libraries implementing CDL
- Coordinate the determination and implementation of standards for resource sharing via CDL, such as service standards and scanning quality standards
- Identify any recommended hardware solutions to support CDL and related resource sharing operations, and assist libraries in the acquisition and installation of appropriate tools and technologies
- Coordinate the activities and meetings of BLC’s CDL Steering Committee in collaboration with the committee co-chairs and BLC’s Senior Program Coordinator
- Liaise between BLC stakeholders and Project ReShare developer teams on the development of software to support CDL for ILL, coordinating input from BLC members' libraries into the development process, software testing by BLC libraries, and any other aspects of the development process to which BLC members' libraries can contribute
- Coordinate the creation and dissemination of legal guidance for members’ libraries to guide local decision-making on CDL in collaboration with legal counsel and subject matter experts
- Engage with resource sharing vendors outside of Project ReShare to advocate for interoperable solutions and to convey the needs of BLC members’ libraries
- Assist in the preparation of meeting agendas, documentation, reports and presentations for various internal and external meetings
- Engage with other library consortia to build collaborations around CDL for ILL and to share knowledge and best practices
- Engage with library collaborative groups in the CDL space, such as the CDL Implementers Forum, NISO’s IS-CDL Working Group, Library Futures, Project ReShare, and others as appropriate
- Evaluate and assess the effectiveness of CDL activities, measuring outcomes and reporting on progress toward achieving strategic priorities and communicating the value of BLC’s CDL initiatives
- Perform other related duties and participate in special projects and events as assigned
Preferred Start Date
April 2023
Requirements
- A track record of working collaboratively to develop optimal resource sharing workflows and associated documentation
- Experience with configuration and management of library resource sharing systems, including integration across library systems
- Working knowledge of digitization processes for library materials, scanning workflows, and applicable practices (e.g. OCR, DRM, etc.)
- Familiarity with library interoperability standards related to resource sharing (e.g. ISO 18626, Z39.50, etc.)
- Empathetic communicator with high emotional intelligence
- Adaptability, with demonstrated experience successfully coordinating both long-term projects and immediate term, emerging day-to-day challenges
- Reputation as a highly trusted member of teams and community spaces you’ve previously been in
- Strong judgment to think critically about everything we are doing and ensure that BLC’s values are infused across all work
- Residence in the New England region and ability to travel frequently to the member institutions is required; relocation assistance is available for applicants outside the New England region
Qualifications
- Undergraduate degree, plus at least five years’ related work experience, preferably in libraries or higher education
- MLIS from an ALA-accredited institution preferred
BLC recognizes the value of skills and knowledge gained outside of formal higher education and paid employment. Applicants presenting other qualifications or experience equivalent to those required will be considered and are encouraged to apply.
Compensation
This is a full-time exempt 12-month position with an annual salary of $65,000 to $75,000. Benefits include:
- Qualified Small Employer Healthcare Reimbursement Arrangement providing reimbursements for qualified healthcare, dental, and vision insurance premiums and medical expenses
- 403(b) retirement account with a 5% matching contribution
- 22 days paid vacation, plus 12 paid holidays and 12 days sick leave annually
- Professional development funds
- Flexible work schedule – occasional night/weekend hours may be required
- Remote work with regular travel
Application Process
- Within two weeks of application submission, you will be notified if you have been invited for an initial video interview.
- Within two weeks of completing the video interview, you will be notified if you have proceeded to the final round of interviews.
- Final round interviews will be scheduled in-person, subject to public health recommendations.
- Any offer of employment is contingent upon a review of a background check. Adverse results of a background check do not necessarily preclude an applicant from employment with BLC.
About the Boston Library Consortium
Founded in 1970, the Boston Library Consortium (BLC) is a library consortium serving public and private universities, liberal arts colleges, public libraries, state libraries and special research libraries in the northeastern United States. BLC members collaborate to deliver innovative and cost-effective sharing of print and digital content, professional development initiatives, and projects across a wide range of library practice areas. For more information, visit blc.org
BLC is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and welcomes applicants from diverse backgrounds. All qualified persons are encouraged to apply, regardless of race, color, creed, ethnicity, national origin, ancestry, age, height, weight, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, HIV status, marital or domestic partner status, or religious affiliation.
HR Info
Please contact Charlie Barlow (cbarlow@blc.org) with questions.