E-Content Manager​/Librarian

Department:
Content Licensing and Intellectual Property

Closing Date: 4 March

Weekly

Working Hours:

37

Contract Type:
Permanent

Fixed Term

Contract:

End Date:

Welsh Language:
Not Applicable

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The role focuses on delivering expert advice and support for library content and collections, to ensure that they meet the needs of students, course production, and academic research. It involves maintaining compliance with copyright, licensing, and accessibility requirements, while contributing professional insight to a range of library‑related projects. A key element of the position is collaborating with other library teams to strengthen operational delivery and inform future strategies.

In addition, the role is responsible for working with colleagues to purchase, licence, and manage access to online library content, fostering strong relationships with suppliers to ensure resources are cost‑effective, high‑quality, and easily discoverable. The postholder is expected to model positive behaviours that support a forward‑thinking culture and is able to work in accordance with the University’s values and relevant policies.

• To undertake library content purchases and subscriptions, including evaluating new content and suppliers, to build high-quality collections that meet student and research needs and deliver best value.
• To build and maintain strong relationships with publishers and suppliers, negotiate contracts and licences, promote OU priorities, and influence the development of relevant content, business models and services.
• To advise library colleagues and faculties on the optimal use of Library resources, including providing guidance on copyright, licensing and Open Access.
• To monitor and resolve content access issues, working proactively with suppliers and library technical and metadata teams to safeguard access for students and staff.
• To analyse usage and performance data to assess trends, impact, value for money and return on investment, informing renewals, purchasing decisions, staffing capacity and library strategy.
• To work with the Library Research Support Team to assess Read and Publish Agreements and Open Access transitions. To assess the impact on subscriptions and budgets and inform OU input to discussion about future business models for journals.
• To collaborate with library colleagues and external partners involved in the development of the Library Management System (Ex Libris Alma & Primo). Testing updates and seeking opportunities to improve content procurement workflows to meet organisational needs.
• To understand the accessibility needs of the OU community, representing them to publishers and suppliers.
• To line manage staff, supporting ongoing professional development and delivering performance management in line with OU policies. (NB. This is not undertaken by all EContent Librarians / Managers but all might be called upon to undertake this role as needs arise).

• Experience of working in a library environment with responsibility for collection management and development, including evaluating and selecting resources, managing metadata, and using library systems to support high‑quality, value‑for‑money collections.
• Clear, confident communicator able to build collaborative relationships, negotiate effectively, and represent organisational needs.
• Experience of working with library content, systems and technologies for eresources acquisition, management and discovery (ALMA/ Primo desirable).
• Experience of improving processes and streamlining workflows with high accuracy and strong organisational skills.
• Experience working with numerical/ financial data, including analysis, interpretation, and evidence-based reporting.
• Proactive problem-solver with attention to detail, able to research and share knowledge and…