Electronic Recourses Licensing Coordinator (AD.08.4) at University of the Witwatersrand

The main purpose of this position/job is to: 

• Manage, administer, implement and maintain the Library's electronic information resources in support of research, teaching and within the University.
• Research and implement effective ways of meeting users' electronic information resources needs.
• Be aware of trends in the area of networked electronic information resources Contribute to the innovative use of and access to electronic information resources for on and off-campus users of the Wits university Library services.
• Play a lead role in the assessment, selection and implementation of new e-resources management systems and protocols

Brief Description        
Qualifications and Required Skills: 

• B.Bibl, BInf degree or bachelor’s degree plus Postgraduate Diploma in Library and Information Science and/or Honours in LIS .
• A minimum of four (4) years’ experience working with electronic information resources in an academic or research library setting.

Advanced:

• Relevant information technology (software and hardware)
• Ability to incorporate new technologies and innovations into existing operations
• Administration systems, policies, and processes
• Legal requirement regarding information distribution and information media
• Report writing skills.
• Computer literacy
• High level of numeracy
• Behavioural Competencies:
• Interpersonal skills
• Negotiation skills
• Emotional intelligence
• Analytical Thinking
• Critical Thinking

Knowledge and skills:

• Knowledge and understanding of library and information services and electronic information products 
• Knowledge and understanding of a library system and the concepts used in the electronic resource management system 
• Knowledge of managing/maintaining electronic resources 
• Knowledge and experience in licensing electronic resources
• Experience with link resolvers and knowledge of Open URL standards
• Knowledge of administrative functions of library subscription databases
• Knowledge and understanding of emerging standards in the management of electronic resources in an academic library.
• Knowledge and understanding of report writing and use of a spreadsheet tool for modelling, reporting and analysis
• Experience in troubleshooting electronic resources
• Knowledge of, or skill using technology for usage reports i.e Panaroma
• Knowledge and understanding of the technical infrastructure of electronic resources 
• Knowledge and understanding of the best practice in the management of electronic information resources 
• Knowledge and understanding of the complex nature of the inter-relationships between types of electronic resources, e.g. e-journals, e-books, e-reference sources and print resources
• Strong computer proficiency, including a sound knowledge of the Windows environment.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills as demonstrated by the ability to articulate ideas, thoughts, and information in a logical manner and to summarize complex issues clearly and succinctly.
• Self-motivated and able to work both independently with minimal supervision and collaboratively as part of a team. 
• Must be able to consistently meet deadlines.

Responsibilities

• Manage, administer, implement and maintain the library’s electronic information resources in support of research, teaching and within the University.
• Research and implement effective ways of meeting users' electronic information resources needs.
• Generate and interpret electronic resource usage reports
• Effective communication with the Manager: Acquisitions, Library Faculty Managers and Associate Director on renewals and new site licences.
• Effective engagement, communication and provision of training as required for librarians/academics/researchers. 
• Liaison with publishers/database vendors and SANLiC. 
• Co-ordinate and organize database trial access. 
• Provide input to directorate operational plans, contractual targets and budget.
• Manage Web access to electronic resources.
• Be aware of trends in networked electronic information resources.
• Contribute to the innovative use of and access to electronic information resources for on and off-campus users.
• Play a lead role in the assessment, review, selection and implementation of new e-resources management systems and protocols.
• Coordinate vendor/publisher visits and distribute promotional informational materials.

Recommendation:

• It is highly recommended that interested candidates be registered members of the professional body: Library and Information Association of South Africa (LIASA).

Closing date: 24 July 2025