How to Apply
A cover letter is required for consideration for this position and should be attached as the first page of your resume. The cover letter should address your specific interest in the positions and outline your knowledge, skills and experiences that are relevant to this position. Submit both the cover letter and resume as one file (due to our system limitations). For questions about this posting or to request accommodations, please contact [email protected].
Job Summary
The Arrivals and Activations Unit is responsible for receiving the resources acquired and licensed by, as well as gifted to, the University Library. In so doing, individuals in the unit analyze received resources against order records, confirm receipt of the resource, approve invoices for payment, and provide bibliographic access via copy cataloging.
This position contributes to the broader scope of the unit by receiving and cataloging materials upon receipt. These materials include subscriptions, library-initiated orders (firm orders), and vendor-selected orders (approvals). They may be in any format, including electronic and tangible resources.
You will work with materials from multiple vendors and in all languages using the Roman alphabet, and some non-Roman alphabet languages. This work supports all University of Michigan Library locations.
Reporting Structure:
Report to the Head of Arrivals and Activations, a unit within Technical Services, a department in the Collections Division.
Supervisory Experience:
You do not need supervisory experience for this position, and you will not supervise or lead other people in this role.
What You'll Do
65% Complete receiving and invoicing for University Library acquired, licensed, and gifted resources in all formats.
- Evaluate metadata and identify received resources in the library platform system. Enhance or correct purchase order lines (relevant to format, vendor data, library data, etc.), invoices, and item records. For approvals and other applicable orders, create purchase order lines in accordance with industry and local standards.
- Analyze resources to ensure an existing bibliographic record provides sufficient discovery. When the record is insufficient, enhance existing metadata or create a new record according to industry and local standards.
- Interpret serial publication data and modify or encode predictive patterns. Using the acquisitions workbench in our LSP, check in serials. Communicate with vendors through designated systems to replace missing issues.
- Investigate electronic resources in the Community Zone (of our library services platform) and determine the appropriate resource for activation.
25% Evaluate, coordinate, and resolve complex issues in the receiving and invoicing workflow.
- Under supervision, troubleshoot difficult issues with resources, order lines, or vendors. Active responsibility for resolving these issues.
Collaborate within the unit, across the library, and with vendors to build solutions quickly.
5% Contribute to unit organization and analytic needs.
- Track and report statistical data relevant to work.
- Facilitate workflow by organizing and distributing resources.
- Collaborate with other departmental units to move resources along workflow.
5% Collaborate with library colleagues to advance unit and Technical Services operations.
- Participate in relevant staff development opportunities and share the acquired knowledge with colleagues.
- Support for engaging in library committees, task forces, etc.
Skills You Have
- 1+ years of experience using online discovery systems, databases, and web resources in a networked environment, preferably with an integrated library system/library management system or an electronic resources management system.
- Working knowledge of one or more non-English Western European languages.
Why Work at Michigan?
In addition to a career filled with purpose and opportunity, the University of Michigan offers a comprehensive benefits package to help you stay well, protect yourself and your family, and plan for a secure future. Benefits include:
- Generous time off
- A retirement plan that provides two-for-one matching contributions with immediate vesting
- Many choices for comprehensive health insurance
- Life insurance
- Long-term disability coverage
- Flexible spending accounts for healthcare and dependent care expenses
Modes of Work
The mode of work is on-site with a possible hybrid option at the discretion of the hiring department. Work agreements are reviewed annually and are subject to change dependent on the business needs of the hiring department, throughout the course of employment. Learn more about the work modes.
Additional Information
This position is included in the bargaining unit represented by University Staff United, AFT Local 284, AFL-CIO, which represents Employees in all matters with respect to wages, benefits, hours and other terms and conditions of employment.
Application Deadline
Job openings are posted for a minimum of seven calendar days. The review and selection process may begin as early as the eighth day after posting. This opening may be removed from posting boards and filled at any time after the minimum posting period has ended.
U-M EEO Statement
The University of Michigan is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.