Discovery Systems and Electronic Resources Specialist

About the role

The Discovery Systems and Electronic Resources Specialist supports the discovery and access of the library's resources. Reporting to the Assistant Director for Library Systems, this position provides support for electronic resource troubleshooting and discovery services. The role works closely with other Digital Library and Technical Services teams (Acquisitions, Metadata, and Collection Services) and consults with public services teams to enhance how users find, access, evaluate, and use library, archives, and special collections resources within the primary library catalog and related applications.

The position supports the technology that connects faculty and students with library materials. The position requires strong analytical judgment, systems thinking, documentation skills, and the ability to translate access problems, metadata issues, usage data, and user behavior into practical service improvements. Work will directly contribute to resolving access and discovery challenges, making a meaningful difference for library users on all global New School campuses.

Responsibilities

• Monitor and analyze catalog and electronic resource usage
• Troubleshoot electronic resource access (OpenAthens) and metadata issues
• Recommend and implement discovery and supporting system improvements
• Coordinate with university, consortial, and vendor support departments
• Create and review documentation for library staff
• Facilitate import of new digital collections and secure electronic lending within the discovery interface
• Collaborate with colleagues in the Libraries, Archives, and other areas of the university
• Enrich and load metadata for electronic/digital library materials in consultation with the Metadata and Collection Services team
• Collect, analyze, and present data from various sources
• Other duties as assigned

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree and relevant professional experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience
• Experience supporting electronic resources, discovery systems, metadata workflows, library systems, scholarly communications, or academic information services
• Experience with data integrations, APIs, or automated workflows
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills

Preferred qualifications

• Master's degree in Library and Information Science, information management, data analytics, educational technology, publishing, or a related field
• Demonstrated experience with Ex Libris Alma/Primo, or comparable library service platforms (Alma / Primo certification as an example)
• Experience with Digital Asset Management systems such as ContentDM or Alma-D/Specto
• Familiarity with specific standards: COUNTER, SUSHI, KBART, and OpenURL
• Ability to read, adapt, or troubleshoot basic scripts (Python and/or JavaScript), structured data, or configuration files in support of library systems and electronic resource workflows

Work mode

This position is primarily in-person and is based on campus to support effective in-person collaboration and engagement with on-campus library patrons and staff. Hybrid work arrangements may be considered on a case-by-case basis, depending on the nature of the role and operational needs. Any such arrangement must be discussed and approved in advance by the appropriate division lead or their designee.

Pay

$66,300 - $70,000 per annum

Benefits

The New School offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to meet the diverse needs of employees and their eligible dependents. Highlights include:

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Retirement plan administered by TIAA
• Qualified Transportation Expense Plan
• Paid vacation and sick leave, with accruals starting on your first day
• Paid holidays and floating holidays
• Workmode & Telework Policy (if applicable)
• Career advancement and professional development opportunities
• Access to university programs, lectures, and events featuring world-renowned speakers and organizations
• Tuition waiver benefit for eligible employees and dependents
• Employee discounts with local vendors and service providers