Electronic Resources Management Assistant at The University of Chicago in Chicago, Illinois

Job Description

Department

Library C & A – E-Resources

About the Department

Widely known as guardian of one of the largest academic library collections in North America, the University of Chicago Library is redefining its role as a provider of services within an increasingly open global knowledge ecosystem. We value open and equitable access to knowledge, freedom of speech and inquiry, and working in partnership within and beyond the UChicago community. We are creating a working environment that embraces innovation and respect and that celebrates and develops staff.

As part of the University of Chicago, we offer a wide variety of strong benefits and programs to academics and staff. From a choice of comprehensive health plan options and wellness programs, short and long-term disability insurance, continuing education opportunities including educational assistance plans, competitive retirement plans and paid time off (vacation, personal and University holidays), we’re committed to providing benefits and a work environment that matters!

Toward this end, University of Chicago Library’s Technical Services Department connects students, faculty, staff, and visiting researchers with resources and services supporting their scholarly and creative endeavors. One of five units in Library Technical Services, Electronic Resources Management is responsible for the acquisitions and ongoing management of electronic resources added to the Library’s collection. This includes initial purchasing, access set up, patron discovery, renewals for ongoing e-resources, and troubleshooting access issues. Special data analytics projects are common as well.

Job Information

Job Summary:

Under the supervision of the Electronic Resources Management Librarian, and following established procedures, the Electronic Resources Management Assistant performs a broad range of complex and routine acquisitions and Electronic Resources Management (ERM) processes. The Assistant is responsible for access and maintenance of databases, e-books, and e-journals; troubleshooting and problem resolution; and statistics, data gathering, and analysis for renewals, annual reports, and special projects. The role may hire, train, plan, and direct the work of student employees in a range of routine library tasks.

Responsibilities:

• Manage assigned subscription renewals and cancellations, including requesting quotes from vendors, retrieving usage data, getting approval from librarians and administrators as necessary, updating data within library systems, notifying vendors of decisions, and ensuring all invoices for assigned renewals are sent promptly for payment.

• Provide direct assistance for e-resource access issues to patrons and library staff through ticketing system (LibAnswers), email, phone, and live video walkthroughs (Zoom/Teams).

• Place orders, follow up on outstanding orders, and ensure appropriate access is provided for all new orders and that all invoices are sent for payment.

• Create and update records in the integrated library system (FOLIO) to document purchases, subscriptions and open access to resources.

• Create and update records in discovery systems (SFX, LibGuides, etc.) to record our holdings and make resources available to users.

• Set up new platforms and troubleshoot authentication issues, working with the vendor and our OpenAthens provider as needed.

• Navigate through vendor interfaces to find, download, and compile usage statistics from a wide variety of sources.

• May hire, train, plan, and direct the work of student employees.

• Other duties as assigned.

Competencies:

• Demonstrate initiative, accuracy, thoroughness, and the ability to work independently and efficiently.

• Strong interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills.
• Ability to establish and maintain relationships at all organizational levels.

• Ability to be flexible and adapt readily to changes in technology and workflow.

• Ability to use discretion and problem-solving in everyday tasks with confidence and a mindset open to different possibilities.

Additional Responsibilities

Education, Experience, or Certifications:

Education:

• High school diploma or equivalent from an accredited institution required.

• Bachelor’s degree preferred.

Technical Knowledge or Skills:

• Ability to learn and work with a variety of systems and software to perform everyday tasks, including vendor systems and library management systems, required.

• Intermediate knowledge of MS Excel or other spreadsheet software required.

• Familiarity with library-specific systems, databases, and other academic electronic resources preferred.

Working Conditions and Physical Requirements:

• Office environment. Must be able to work core hours, Monday-Friday, between 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. Schedule set upon successful hire.
• Hybrid work arrangement of up to 3 days after initial training period.
• Ability to read print and electronic materials with sustained visual focus, including color and depth perception.
• Ability to sit and use a computer for 4 or more hours.
• Ability to perform repetitive wrist, hand, and finger movements.
• Ability to operate standard office equipment and job-related equipment.

Pay Range:

• $20.69 – 30.29 per hour

Required Documents:

• Resume/CV

• Contact reference List (3)

The University of Chicago uses AI-assisted tools to streamline and augment some recruitment processes; however, AI is not used to make hiring decisions.

When applying, the document(s) MUST be uploaded via the My Experience page, in the section titled Application Documents of the application.

Benefit Eligibility

Yes

The University of Chicago offers a wide range of benefits programs and resources for eligible employees, including health, retirement, and paid time off.

Pay Rate Type

Hourly

Pay Range

$0.00
The included pay rate or range represents the University’s good faith estimate of the possible compensation offer for this role at the time of posting.

Scheduled

Weekly Hours

37.5

Union

024- Local 743, I.B.T. Clerical

Job is Exempt

No

Drug Test Required

No

Health Screen Required

No

Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required

No

Posting Date

2026-10-23

Posting Statement

The University of Chicago is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, or expression, national or ethnic origin, shared ancestry, age, status as an individual with a disability, military or veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the University’s Notice of Nondiscrimination.

Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 773-702-5800 or submit a request via Applicant Inquiry Form.

All offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes a review of conviction history. A conviction does not automatically preclude University employment. Rather, the University considers conviction information on a case-by-case basis and assesses the nature of the offense, the circumstances surrounding it, the proximity in time of the conviction, and its relevance to the position.

The University of Chicago’s Annual Security & Fire Safety Report (Report) provides information about University offices and programs that provide safety support, crime and fire statistics, emergency response and communications plans, and other policies and information. The Report can be accessed online at: http://securityreport.uchicago.edu. Paper copies of the Report are available, upon request, from the University of Chicago Police Department, 850 E. 61st Street, Chicago, IL 60637.