Senior Discovery and Resourcing Librarian

University of the West of England; Bristol; Hybrid; GBP 30,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job description

Do you have expertise in electronic resources management? Do you have excellent communication skills, with an ability to lead and motivate others to achieve key objectives? Would you like to be part of the team developing and delivering our content strategy at UWE Bristol and responding to trends in academic publishing and resource provision?

We are looking for a motivated and experienced information professional to join us in a key role in our Discovery and Resourcing team. This role sits in a busy and dynamic team that works to ensure that content, and the systems that support access to that content, is effectively managed and seamlessly delivered to library users.

This post is based at our lively Frenchay campus where we have invested in the latest facilities and resources to give both our staff and students access to everything they need to succeed.

About the role:

You will lead on the licensing and authentication of electronic information resources and the procurement and lifecycle management of subscription journals and databases. You will oversee supplier liaison, budget management, return on investment analysis, negotiation and licensing for these resources. We currently have over 800 applicable subscriptions.

A key element of the role is to lead a team of Discovery and Resourcing Librarians, who each manage a portfolio of resources as well as having other specialist and non-specialist responsibilities.

This role also comes with responsibility and oversight for the end user library discovery system (currently Primo), including user experience (UX), customisations and awareness training for staff, including relating to open access content.

Collaborative working is critical to success in this post. Examples are wide ranging and will include:

• Working closely with the Discovery and Resourcing Manager and other senior colleagues to provide leadership to the team. You will support and motivate staff through line management, matrix management and project management.
• Working with library Open Research colleagues on the JISC Next Generation OA Strategy project and the move to open access journal content.
• Building on important collaborative working relationships across Library and Learning Services and using specialist knowledge to contribute to wider university projects, e.g. the new Student Information System, due to go live in January 2026.
• Regular working with internal stakeholders such the Data Protection Officer, ITS, Procurement and the Business Intelligence team.
• Representing the University at internal and external local and national meetings and other fora such as SUPC, UKSG, SCONUL and JISC special interest groups.

About you:

You will have a professional qualification in a library/information related subject, with experience of working with library systems and services. You will have excellent communication skills alongside excellent IT skills and aptitude, with practical experience of working with complex database systems.

You will have proficiency in at least two of the following areas of specialist knowledge: digitisation, ebook management, resource discovery and description, licensing, authentication, document supply, book acquisition, copyright, negotiation with publishers/suppliers, open access models.

Key to success in this role will be your ability to:

• Build on your existing expertise to maximise the opportunities offered by developments in licensing, open access and discovery, to continually improve the end user experience for our large and diverse body of students and staff.
• Establish good working relationships and collaborative working with a range of internal and external stakeholders.
• Lead and motivate a team of staff as we adopt new ways of working as part of the continual improvement of our services.
• Carry out assessment and analysis of complex issues and problems, using specialist knowledge to identify appropriate solutions.
• Be self-motivated, reliably delivering work to agreed timeframes.

You will actively demonstrate UWE values and encourage others to do the same. You will be a proactive champion for equality, diversity and inclusion across the service area and the University, helping to integrate and embed the University’s commitment to anti-racism and achieving inclusive and equitable environments for all.

About us:

Library and Learning Services empower every student to achieve their academic and career ambitions by embedding our expertise in digital learning, career development and academic skills directly into their learning experience. Our focus is on delivering seamless, accessible and inclusive support that enhances every stage of the student journey.

We create inspiring physical and digital learning environments, ensuring students have access to the information and career resources they need. While championing the use of cutting-edge educational technology to elevate learning and engagement we provide expert-led academic and career development support, equipping students with the skills and confidence to thrive.

Through innovation, collaboration and a relentless commitment to student success, we continuously evolve our services - ensuring every learner has the tools to shape their future.

Why UWE Bristol?

We are one of the largest providers of Higher Education in the South West with 38,000 students and 4,000 staff from right across the globe. Based in Bristol, one of the UK’s most exciting and forward-thinking cities, we are regionally embedded and globally connected, with an established network of employer and academic partners.

We offer a wide range of employee benefits including progressive pay rates, generous annual leave and career average pension schemes as well as retail savings, onsite nursery and opportunities for training and personal development.

Add your individuality to ours:

UWE Bristol recognises the power of a truly diverse university community. We are proud to be part of a vibrant, multicultural city that celebrates diversity, we’re always looking for talented people from all backgrounds to join us. Our people are our strength, and diversity enhances our creativity and leads to better decision-making and problem-solving. Bring your talent and ambition to our growing community and find yourself in a stimulating and supportive environment where you’ll thrive.

We particularly encourage applications from global majority candidates as we are currently under-represented in this area of the organisation, however all appointments are made strictly on individual merit.

As a Disability Confident employer, we welcome applications from those who identify as having a disability.

Further information:

If you would like to speak to us to find out more about this role please contact Jane Choules, Discovery and Resourcing Manager at [e-mail].

This is a full time, permanent post working 37 hours per week. Interview is scheduled to take place on 15th May 2025 in-person on Frenchay Campus.

UWE Bristol is a campus-based University and it is vital to our success and the delivery of an outstanding experience for our students that our campuses are dynamic and vibrant places to learn and spend time. This role is therefore campus based for at least 60 percent of your time, with the opportunity to work from home on the remaining days as agreed with your manager and in line with our business needs.

To ensure fairness and equity all salary offers will be made in line with the University's salary assessment guidelines and will be based on your relevant skills and experience.

Right to work in the UK:

The University has a legal responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK. You will therefore be required to provide evidence of your right to work in the UK, please refer to the Home Office Right to Work Checklist for information on which documents are acceptable.

We may be able to sponsor qualifying candidates for this role under the Home Office Skilled Worker visa route. Please read our Skilled Worker Guidance to assess if you will be eligible.

Please note that UWE Bristol does not cover any visa or health surcharge costs.

Advice to applicants:

We’d love to hear from you - if you are excited about this opportunity please complete our application form as soon as possible. Tell us how your skills and experience relate to the requirements of this role by describing how you meet each of the essential and desirable criteria listed in the Person Specification section of the Job Description, and include specific examples wherever possible. Once we have completed shortlisting we will let you know the outcome of your application by email, so please check your inbox for updates.