Assistant Librarian Acquisition and Technical Services Support

Overview:

Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary is a multidenominational, evangelical graduate school committed to equipping Christian leaders to think theologically, engage globally, and live biblically. With nearly 1,400 students across campuses in Massachusetts, North Carolina, Florida, and online, Gordon-Conwell’s student body represents more than eighty-five denominations and fifty countries. The seminary offers master’s and doctoral programs—delivered in English, Spanish, and Portuguese—that combine academic excellence, spiritual formation, and a deep commitment to Scripture. Its 12,000 alumni serve Christ through ministry in the church, the academy, and the workplace. Gordon-Conwell is accredited by the Association of Theological Schools, the New England Commission of Higher Education, and the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs.

Position Summary:

The Assistant Librarian for Acquisitions and Technical Services Support (ALATSS) reports to the Goddard Library Director and interacts most directly with library staff, acquisition vendors/suppliers, and support for technical services within the DTL, OCLC/WMS or other integrated library system. The incumbant performs functions necessary to acquire and process bibliographic items (e-books, print books, etc.) for library patron use, and serves as the library's primary liaison with external vendors regarding the status of orders. The incumbant works with the Goddard Director and the Senior Librarian on decisions regarding technical integration library functions, and assists the Assistant Librarian for Technical Services in cataloging for the various collections maintained at Goddard Library.

Key Responsibilities:

• Orders materials for the library collections that have been approved by the Director and maintains standing orders.

• Maintains ranked lists of desired titles for purchase when funds are sufficient, and of out of print or obscure titles in order to replace damaged or missing titles.

• Checks suggested titles against the library catalog to determine whether they need to be ordered.

• Recommends in subject areas in which the Seminary offers courses and degree programs.

• Does preliminary technical services work and cataloging for books purchased.

• Assists the Goddard Library Director and the Assistant Librarian for Cataloging and Technical Services with cataloging as needed.

• Receives incoming materials and certifies that shipments and invoices are in order; keeps track of non-delivery and communicates with publishers and other suppliers about acquisition problems.

• Monitors the performance of jobbers and periodically assesses whether or not to research alternatives that might provide better prices or service.

• Manages library acquisition accounts, making sure that they are properly reported to the Director and the Accounting Department. The Assistant also checks financial services records to make sure that record keeping for acquisitions-related budget line items is accurate.

• Manages the acquisition records of the library and communicates with library users regarding the status of their acquisition requests.

• Coordinates acquisitions with Seminary librarians and/or staff in Hamilton, Charlotte, and Jacksonville as needed.

• Organizes and maintains the stock of library and office supplies.

• Works with Assistant Librarian for Cataloging and Technical Services and technical services staff at all Gordon-Conwell libraries to establish and disseminate shared technical services policies and procedures.

• Periodically gathers library acquisition statistics for the Goddard director, the senior librarian and the Seminary accounting department and for use in annual library statistical reports.

• Maintains a manual of procedures for the position (Manual for Library Acquisitions and Technical Support).

• Performs other library tasks as instructed by the Senior Librarian or Director of Goddard Library.

Key Competencies:

• Organizational Skills: Exceptional organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple and competing priorities in short-term and long-term objectives. Must have sound bibliographical, mathematical, and administrative skills.

• Knowledge and Discernment: Must possess high ethical standards and use excellent discretion with confidential donor information. Must maintain high standard of professionalism and confidentiality.

• Cultural Intelligence: Commitment to collegiality, diversity, inclusion, and cultural awareness. Demonstrated ability to collaborate and serve in a team environment that requires collegiality and regular collaboration across matrixed, multi-campus environment.

• Library Systems: Must have familiarity with and working understanding of integrated library systems and the technical functions that they perform. Ability to master the mechanics and problems of acquisitions; to solve complex problems and implement procedures independently; to maintain a high level of accuracy in all areas.

• Communication and Interpersonal Effectiveness: Must have strong written and verbal communication skills. Must possess ability to deal constructively, tactfully, and cheerfully with staff, faculty, vendors, and library users.

• Technical Knowledge: Comfortable working with database management and internet research. Required competency with Microsoft Office, prioritizing Word and Excel. The ability to use web conferencing software (e.g., Zoom) preferred.

• Clear understanding of the mission of the Seminary and willingness to abide by the Statement of Faith and Community Life Statement of GCTS.

Education & Experience:

• Master's degree in library science or equivalent experience is required. A seminary master's degree may be substituted for a MLS with approval of the Senior Librarian.

• 1-3 years experience in library acquisitions or technical services.

• Experience and skills with book keeping and/or administrative skills strongly preferred.

Application Process:

Please apply through Gordon-Conwell’s Career Center available here: https://www.gordonconwell.edu/employment/

Please include these documents in either Microsoft Word or PDF formats:

• A cover letter explaining your interest in the position.

• A formal CV that includes the names of at least three references required.

No hard copy materials, please. Opportunities to interview will be made available at the search committee’s initiative. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.