Senior Library Information Specialist

Hiring Department

University Libraries

Job Description

Position summary:

• Reporting to the Head of Collections and Acquisitions, this position is a part of the Collections & Acquisitions department, which is responsible for managing physical and electronic resources encompassing areas of acquisition, payment, resource maintenance and troubleshooting, renewal, and cancellation for the University Libraries and UMKC Law Library.

The Senior Library Information Specialist position is responsible for many aspects of the daily duties within the resource management life cycle, including placing orders for print and electronic books, processing renewals, maintaining resources, and cancelling resources. Additional duties include student supervision and workflow enhancements.

Position duties:

• Serves as the primary coordinator for print serials processing for UMKC Libraries and the UMKC Law Library

  • Accurately checks in serials, creating and maintaining library services platform records for discovery and invoicing

  • Labels and send items to appropriate library or shelving location

  • Resolves any related issues or discrepancies in renewals, acquisitions, and cancellations

• Collaborates with the Electronic Resources & Acquisitions Associate to process orders, manage subscription renewals, and handle cancellation requests

  • Duties include processing invoices for print and e-resources, credits, journal entries, and expense reports in the library services platform

  • Communicates with both UMKC Libraries and Law Library vendors and library staff to inform, correct invoices, billing, shipment issues, and order status

• Serves as a main point of contact with vendors to maintain effective communication channels and promptly resolve issues

  • Assists with maintaining vendor contact information to facilitate prompt and accurate communication with a variety of vendors

  • Works with library vendors. Maintains a strong working relationship that ensures timely communication and resolution of problems

• Acts as the principal supervisor for student employees within the Collections and Acquisitions department.

  • Oversees the training, quality control, and task assignments to ensure accuracy and efficiency in student contributions

  • Works cooperatively with the cataloging department on the supervision and daily duties of the student.

  • Monitors work quality and provides feedback and evaluation to support student development and departmental goals

• Alongside the Electronic Resources & Acquisitions Associate, supports acquisitions reporting and statistics

  • Cross-trains to serve as the designated backup for acquisitions reporting, expenditure tracking, and statistics. Steps in to compile reports, track expenditures, and update usage metrics as needed to ensure continuity and data accuracy

• Collaborates with the Electronic Resources and Collection Assessment Librarian to maintain and update databases.

  • Regularly update and troubleshoot print serial and electronic resource records in FOLIO, ensuring data accuracy and accessibility

  • Identify and resolve issues proactively to maintain high standards of record quality

• Works closely with the department head to improve policies and procedures, focusing on streamlining workflows through automation and optimization

• Maintains a working knowledge of the policies and procedures of the department, the University Libraries, UMKC Law Library and UMKC

• Oversees the receipt and opening of the department mail, acting upon notifications or escalating to the appropriate staff member

• Professional development and service

  • Participates in appropriate library, campus, and professional committees and professional development as defined by and with the approval of their supervisor

  • Maintains expertise in skills and proficiencies required by the position in areas of library systems, acquisitions, workflows, and resource management that support the department's goals

• Performs other duties as assigned

Supervisory authority:

Supervises, hires, trains, and evaluates student staff as necessary to ensure smooth operations that follow established policies.

Shift

40 hours/week, between 8:00am-5:00pm, Monday-Friday.

The UMKC University Libraries support flexible work arrangements in keeping with the Flexible Work Arrangement Policy.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor's degree or an equivalent combination of education and at least 1 year of experience from which comparable knowledge and skills can be acquired is necessary.

Preferred Qualifications

• Attention to accuracy and detail

• Ability to work independently and to be highly productive

• Experience with library management software

• Experience with the Microsoft Office suite, especially Outlook

• Experience working in libraries

• Experience with library acquisitions, serials, and electronic resources processes

• Supervisory experience

Anticipated Hiring Range

Anticipated starting salary between $17.70 and $20.00 commensurate with education, experience, and internal equity.

Application Deadline

Open until filled, for best consideration apply March 9, 2025.

Community Information

Kansas City offers the best of both worlds-a vibrant, urban community with Midwestern appeal. The city's rich history and its modern-day, innovative thinking come together to create an eclectic group of neighborhoods that offer a little something for everyone. From thriving arts districts, an energetic downtown nightlife, casual to upscale shopping and champion sports teams, you will have no problem making yourself at home. Of course, one of Kansas City's biggest claims to fame is its food, especially its world-famous barbecue. Foodies will delight in the culinary scene found throughout the city. Ranging from award-winning chefs to cozy pizza joints, Kansas City definitely is not lacking any flavor.

UMKC's campuses are conveniently nestled in the middle of all the action. Volker Campus is just minutes from the legendary Country Club Plaza, perfect for shopping or restaurants for lunch or after-work happy hours. Surrounded by hip neighborhoods and eateries, the Health Sciences Campus is located downtown near University Health Truman Medical Center and Children's Mercy Hospital.

UMKC is proud to be "Kansas City's university," and the campus and its people celebrate all the characteristics of the surrounding community. To learn more about life in Kansas City and find more resources, visit VisitKC.com.

Benefit Eligibility

This position is eligible for University benefits. As part of your total compensation, the University offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental and vision plans, retirement, paid time off, short- and long-term disability, paid parental leave, paid caregiver leave, and educational fee discounts for all four UM System campuses. For additional information on University benefits, please visit the Faculty & Staff Benefits website at https://www.umsystem.edu/totalrewards/benefits.

Values Commitment

We value the uniqueness of every individual and strive to ensure each person's success. Contributions from individuals with diverse backgrounds, experiences and perspectives promote intellectual pluralism and enable us to achieve the excellence that we seek in learning, research and engagement. This commitment makes our university a better place to work, learn and innovate.

In your application materials, please discuss your experiences and expertise that support these values and enrich our missions of teaching, research, and engagement.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The University of Missouri System is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Equal Opportunity is and shall be provided for all employees and applicants for employment on the basis of their demonstrated ability and competence without unlawful discrimination on the basis of their race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, disability, or protected veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable state or federal law. This policy applies to all employment decisions including, but not limited to, recruiting, hiring, training, promotions, pay practices, benefits, disciplinary actions and terminations. For more information, visit https://www.umsystem.edu/ums/hr/eeo or call Human Resources at 816-235-1621.

To request ADA accommodations, please call the Office of Equity & Title IX at 816-235-6910.

It is the fundamental policy of UMKC to provide equal opportunity regardless of race, creed, color, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, Veteran status or disability status in all education, employment and contracted activities. All final candidates will be required to successfully pass a Criminal Background Check prior to beginning employment.