Discovery Systems and Electronic Resources Specialist

Join The New School
 

At The New School, we redefine the boundaries of education, creativity, and innovation. Founded in 1919 and located in the heart of New York City, we are home to over 8,000 students from over 100 countries, offering more than 135 degree and diploma programs across our renowned colleges, including Parsons School of Design, The New School for Social Research, Eugene Lang College of Liberal Arts, Parsons Paris, and the College of Performing Arts. Our progressive, interdisciplinary approach has earned us recognition as one of the most forward-thinking institutions in the world.

POSITION/ROLE OVERVIEW

Reporting to the Assistant Director for Library Systems, the Discovery Systems and Electronic Resources Specialist supports the discovery and access of the library’s resources. The position provides support for electronic resource troubleshooting and discovery services.

This role works closely with other Digital Library and Technical Services teams (Acquisitions, Metadata, and Collection Services) and consults with public services teams to enhance how users find, access, evaluate, and use library, archives, and special collections resources within the primary library catalog and related applications. The position supports the technology that connects faculty and students with library materials.

The position requires strong analytical judgment, systems thinking, documentation skills, and the ability to translate access problems, metadata issues, usage data, and user behavior into practical service improvements. Work will directly contribute to resolving access and discovery challenges, making a meaningful difference for library users on all global New School campuses.

CORE CAPABILITIES, PRIMARY DUTIES, AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Primary Responsibilities

Discovery & Electronic Resource Support

• Monitor and analyze catalog and electronic resource usage

• Troubleshoot electronic resource access (OpenAthens) and metadata issues 

• Recommend and implement discovery and supporting system improvements

• Coordinate with university, consortial, and vendor support departments

• Create and review documentation for library staff

• Facilitate import of new digital collections and secure electronic lending within the discovery interface. 

• Collaborate with colleagues in the Libraries, Archives, and other areas of the university

• Enrich and load metadata for electronic/digital library materials in consultation with the Metadata and Collection Services team.

• Collect, analyze, and present data from various sources

• Other Duties As Assigned

QUALIFICATIONS

• Required

  • Bachelor’s degree and relevant professional experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

  • Experience supporting electronic resources, discovery systems, metadata workflows, library systems, scholarly communications, or academic information services.

  • Experience with data integrations, APIs, or automated workflows

  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
     

• Preferred

  • Master’s degree in Library and Information Science, information management, data analytics, educational technology, publishing, or a related field.

  • Demonstrated experience with Ex Libris Alma/Primo, or comparable library service platforms (Alma / Primo certification as an example).

  • Experience with Digital Asset Management systems such as ContentDM or Alma-D/Specto

  • Familiarity with specific standards: COUNTER, SUSHI, KBART, and OpenURL

  • Ability to read, adapt, or troubleshoot basic scripts (Python and/or JavaScript), structured data, or configuration files in support of library systems and electronic resource workflows.

WORK MODE

This position is primarily in-person and is based on campus to support effective in-person collaboration and engagement with on-campus library patrons and staff. #LI-Onsite

Hybrid work arrangements may be considered on a case-by-case basis, depending on the nature of the role and operational needs. Any such arrangement must be discussed and approved in advance by the appropriate division lead or their designee.

SALARY RANGE

$66,300 - $70,000 per annum

WHY JOIN US?

This is an extraordinary opportunity to work closely with a visionary leader and contribute meaningfully to a forward-thinking institution that’s reshaping the future of higher education. You’ll be at the nexus of strategy, operations, and innovation in a role that grows with your impact.

BENEFITS AT THE NEW SCHOOL

The New School is committed to supporting the well-being and success of our faculty and staff. We offer a comprehensive benefits package designed to meet the diverse needs of our employees and their eligible dependents. Highlights include:

Health & Wellness

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Financial Wellness 

• Retirement plan administered by TIAA

• Qualified Transportation Expense Plan

Work-Life Balance

• Paid vacation and sick leave, with accruals starting on your first day

• Paid holidays and floating holidays

• Workmode & Telework Policy (if applicable)

Professional Growth

• Career advancement and professional development opportunities

• Access to university programs, lectures, and events featuring world-renowned speakers and organizations

• Tuition waiver benefit for eligible employees and dependents

Additional Perks

• Employee discounts with local vendors and service providers

We are an equal opportunity employer and do not discriminate in hiring or employment on the basis of race, color, creed, religion or belief, national or ethnic origin, citizenship status, marital or domestic partnership status, sexual orientation, sex, gender identity or expression, age, disability, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law. The New School recognizes and values the benefits of a diverse workforce.