Job Description
Boston Library Consortium (BLC) is seeking a full-time Program Manager to lead our resource sharing program portfolio and strategize about the future of resource sharing for libraries and consortia.
This is a three-year term position, with the possibility of renewal.
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 to manage BLC’s resource sharing programs 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 interlibrary loan in collaboration with service providers 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 BLC’s resource sharing programs to the members’ libraries and as the primary contact for communication with service providers about support requests, outages, etc.
- Provide training and workflow guidance to members' libraries implementing new resource sharing solutions
- Coordinate the determination and implementation of standards for resource sharing, such as service standards and scanning quality standards
- Identify any recommended hardware solutions to support resource sharing operations, and assist libraries in the acquisition and installation of appropriate tools and technologies
- Coordinate the activities and meetings of BLC’s Heads of Resource Sharing (HRS) Committee, CDL Steering Committee, Resource Sharing Community of Interest, and related groups in collaboration with co-chairs and BLC’s Membership Coordinator
- Liaise between BLC stakeholders and developer teams, coordinating input from BLC members' libraries into the development process for new systems, 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 future resource sharing activities in collaboration with legal counsel and subject matter experts
- Engage with resource sharing vendors 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 strengthen BLC’s resource sharing network and to share knowledge and best practices
- Engage with library collaborative groups such as the CDL Implementers Forum, NISO’s IS-CDL Working Group, Library Futures, Project ReShare, ELUNA, and others as appropriate
- Evaluate and assess the effectiveness of resource sharing activities, measuring outcomes and reporting on progress toward achieving strategic priorities and communicating the value of BLC’s resource sharing initiatives
- Perform other related duties and participate in special projects and events as assigned
Preferred Start Date
Summer 2023
Requirements
- Working knowledge of multiple resource sharing solutions (e.g. ILLiad, Rapid, DocLine, Clio, WorldShare ILL, Tipasa, ReShare, IDS Project etc.)
- 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.
Benefits & Additional Compensation Info
- Qualified Small Employer Healthcare Reimbursement Arrangement providing reimbursements for qualified healthcare, dental, and vision insurance premiums and medical expenses
- 403(b) retirement account with employer contributions of up to 11% of annual salary
- 22 days paid vacation, plus 14 paid holidays, 2 personal days, and 12 days sick leave annually
- Professional development funds
- Flexible work schedule – occasional night/weekend hours may be required
- Remote work with regular travel
Additional Info & Requirements
This job is fully remote with semi-regular regional travel. Applications must be submitted via the form on our website: https://blc.org/page/hiring-resource-sharing-program-manager
The Community
Compensation
This is a full-time exempt position with an annual salary of $65,000 to $75,000, based on experience. 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 employer contributions of up to 11% of annual salary
- 22 days paid vacation, plus 14 paid holidays, 2 personal days, 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 three 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 may 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
Boston Library Consortium empowers a coalition of libraries in the northeastern United States to share knowledge, infrastructure, and resources at scale.
Founded in 1970, BLC’s strength lies in its diverse membership network of public and private universities, liberal arts colleges, state libraries, public libraries, and special libraries united by a commitment to champion innovation through collaboration. 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.
Download a PDF version of this job description and application questions HERE.