Widener University is seeking a Technical Services Librarian in the Delaware Law School. This position plays a vital role in ensuring the accuracy, accessibility, and integrity of the library’s collections and systems. This role oversees technical services operations including acquisitions, cataloging, e-resource management, and serials check-in, maintains bibliographic and authority records in the online catalog, ensuring accuracy and consistency, performs original and copy cataloging as needed to support the library’s diverse collections, supports electronic resource management to optimize access for faculty, students, and staff and collaborate with library leadership to enhance workflows and improve user experience.
The Delaware Law School Library is the major law library in the state of Delaware and is recognized as one of the major law libraries in the region. The Library's staff is committed to offering personalized attention, delivering outstanding service, and providing ongoing education through legal and related library training programs.
Reporting to the Director of the Legal Information Center, the Technical Services Librarian manages the behind-the-scenes operations of the library, primarily focusing on the acquisition, organization, and accessibility of all materials, both physical and electronic.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES (including, but not limited to):
Essential Duties:
Cataloging Oversight and Bibliographic Database Management
- Direct cataloging activities for materials in all formats (print, books, serials, audiovisual, electronic resources, multimedia, etc.) to ensure accuracy, consistency, and compliance with national and international standards.
- Apply appropriate classification schemes, including Library of Congress Subject Headings (LCSH) and Dewey Decimal Classification (DDC), and ensure correct use of MARC formats.
- Serve as the primary cataloging contact, maintaining a comprehensive and reliable bibliographic database that supports discovery and access.
Acquisitions and Collection Management
- Manage the ordering, tracking, receipt, and invoice processing of new library materials in various formats.
- Contribute to the collection development process by evaluating potential materials for purchase and managing gift materials in assigned subject areas, often in collaboration with faculty and other librarians.
- Coordinate the withdrawal (weeding) of obsolete or damaged materials from the collection and the library system.
- Collaborate with vendors and publishers to negotiate licensing agreements, ensure seamless access to electronic resources, and resolve acquisition challenges.
Library Systems and Technology
- Oversee and manage the library's Integrated Library System (ILS), acting as the primary liaison with system vendors and campus IT departments.
- Troubleshoot technical issues related to library hardware, software, online catalogs (OPAC), and electronic resources, ensuring minimal downtime.
- Stay current with emerging trends in library technology and recommend innovative solutions to improve services and operational efficiency.
- Generate and analyze statistical reports on collection usage, inventory, and technical services activities for administrative planning and reporting.
Collaboration and Integration
- Work closely with vendors, library colleagues, and IT staff to ensure seamless integration of electronic resources via metadata record loading and campus authentication systems.
Archives & Digitization
- Supervise the Delaware Law School archive and lead archival resource digitization initiatives.
Secondary Responsibilities:
- Provide legal research and reference assistance to students, faculty, and other library users.
- Serve as the primary library contact for assigned faculty, supporting their teaching, research, and resource needs.
- Participate in professional associations, conferences, workshops, and training to enhance expertise in legal research and librarianship.
- Perform other job-related duties as assigned or directed to support departmental needs and align with the mission, values and goals of the Legal Information Center.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS (education/training and experience required):
Required:
- Master’s degree in Library and Information Science (MLIS) or equivalent from an ALA-accredited institution.
- Experience or formal training in library technical services and library systems.
- Knowledge of cataloging principles and bibliographic control standards, including RDA, MARC, LCSH, LC Classification.
- Ability to perform original and complex cataloging within an automated library environment.
- Familiarity with integrated library systems (e.g., ILS and FOLIO).
- Proficiency with computer technologies and library automation tools.
- Strong organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills with attention to detail.
- Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects, establish priorities, and meet deadlines effectively.
- Excellent communication skills, with the ability to collaborate across teams and explain technical information clearly to both technical and non-technical audiences.
- Flexibility and adaptability to thrive in a dynamic academic environment.
Preferred:
- Experience in an academic or law library setting.
- Background in legal research.
- Experience with serials management and cataloging.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS AND/OR UNUSUAL HOURS:
- May require one evening shift per week during the academic term, with occasional weekend availability as needed.
- Ability to occasionally lift and carry items weighing up to 20 lbs.
- Extended periods of standing, with routine office tasks that involve bending, stooping, kneeling and reaching.
- Must also possess the visual acuity necessary to read book spines and computer screens accurately.
All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, disability status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. Widener University is committed to fostering an inclusive community in which faculty, staff, and students from a variety of backgrounds, cultures, and personal experiences are welcomed and can thrive. We are an equal opportunity employer and are committed to providing equal educational and employment opportunities for all persons without regard to age, color, national origin, race, religion, disability, veteran status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, or status as a protected veteran.
Some positions may be eligible for a hybrid or remote work arrangement that may include a partially or fully remote work location, consistent with Widener’s Flexible Work policy. U.S work authorization is required.
Widener University, an independent, metropolitan, doctoral-intensive university, connects curricula to social issues through civic engagement. Dynamic teaching, active scholarship, personal attention and experiential learning are key components of the Widener Experience. Located in Chester, PA, Widener's main campus is nestled between Philadelphia, PA and Wilmington, DE, with Law Schools located in both Harrisburg and Wilmington. For more information about the university, please visit our website at www.widener.edu.
EOE M/F/V/D
