Job Description

The Assistant Librarian / Librarian / Senior Librarian in Acquisitions and Subscriptions is part of the Collections Management and Preservation (CMP) Cluster which aims to establish growth in knowledge and capabilities for future generations by procuring and managing NUS Libraries’ print and digital resources efficiently and strategically — ensuring timely access, optimal licensing, cost-effectiveness, and alignment with academic priorities — in order to sustain world-class teaching, learning, and research

Duties & Responsibilities

1.    Assist management and collaborate with partners in the timely procurement of library resources to ensure access to a high-quality library collection, in compliance with university procurement policies and guidelines, license agreements, and copyright regulations.
2.    Work with team members to manage the acquisition and subscription life cycles of print and digital materials, including the fulfilment of document delivery requests.
3.    Conduct negotiations with publishers and vendors, including the review of license agreements for procuring library resources.
4.    Work with team members in troubleshooting and resolving the acquisitions mailbox queries and requests.
5.    Collaborate with research librarians to assess and prioritize resource needs.
6.    Generate reports to analyze acquisition and subscription activities, usage statistics, and other relevant information. 
7.    Evaluate and streaming acquisition workflows to improve efficiency and user access.
8.    Maintain accurate records in the Integrated Library system (ILS). 
9.    Maintain current documentation of acquisition and subscription manuals, workflows, and training materials for staff.
10.    Lead or contribute to the strategic growth and development of NUS Libraries’ collection, services, and spaces.
11.    Stay informed about trends in acquisition models, scholarly publishing, and library technologies.
12.    Work together with colleagues from other library clusters to drive cross-cluster collaborations and projects to enhance library services, innovation, knowledge transfer for impact.
13.    Perform other related tasks and participate in cross-cluster projects and teams, as assigned.

Requirements

Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in any discipline

Experience

• At least 2-3 years relevant experience in an academic library environment
• Fresh graduates may be considered for the role of Assistant Librarian

Knowledge and Skills required

•    At least 2-3 years as a Librarian with experience in leading project/ functional/resource teams
•    Familiarity with the academic publishing landscape 
•    Domain knowledge in publishers’ archiving policies
•    Domain knowledge in copyright
•    Understanding of emerging technologies and purchase and subscription models for delivery of services
•    Knowledge of contract management
•    Good understanding of the core library domains such as information literacy, loans services, acquisitions, serials management, e-resource management, circulation, research and information services
•    Knowledge and working experience in Acquisitions functions in Library Management System, EDIFACT and Z39.50 standards
•    Knowledge of Open Access and its various issues and different purchase and subscription models 
•    Knowledge of electronic resources archival services such as LOCKSS, CLOCKSS and Portico
•    Knowledge of intermediate/advance EXCEL and data literacy
•    Familiarity with or interest in emerging technologies, including AI applications or AI-assisted tools for acquisition workflow automation or usage data analysis
•    Problem-solving and team-oriented in working with team members and colleagues to resolve issues and streamline workflows for an efficient end-to-end process.
•    Strong organizational skills to manage multiple deadlines and processes efficiently
•    Comfortable working in a dynamic environment with frequent changes in technology, licensing models, and publishing trends.
•    Analytical in assessing usage statistics, pricing models, and vendor performance to support evidence-based decision making.

More Information

Location: Kent Ridge Campus

Organization: NUS Libraries

Department : Collections Management and Preservation

Employee Referral Eligible: Yes

Job requisition ID : 30036