Managers of Library Technologies & Electronic Services (2), Ropes & Gray LLP, Multiple Locations

Posted November 1, 2019

About Ropes & Gray

Ropes & Gray LLP is a preeminent global law firm focused on providing the highest-quality advice on our clients’ critical legal and business issues. Our global team of 2,500 talented professionals regularly helps clients meet high-stakes challenges, solve complex problems and achieve key goals. These colleagues work together across a global office network that includes offices in Boston, Chicago, Hong Kong, London, New York, San Francisco, Seoul, Shanghai, Silicon Valley, Tokyo and Washington, D.C.

We are a contemporary firm that can bring more than 150 years of legal and institutional history to bear on the challenges clients face in today’s 24/7 global business environment. Our collaborative approach gives our clients–which include many of the world’s most respected companies and institutions–ready access to leading corporate, litigation, transactional and regulatory lawyers whose knowledge and experience span industries and geographies.

With an international presence, we focus on a number of key industries, including private equity; asset management; life sciences and health care; investment banking; technology, media and telecommunications; and consumer and retail. Our clients include global industry leaders, financial institutions, investment firms, private equity firms, hospitals and health care organizations, educational institutions, and individuals.

We have consistently been recognized for our leading practices in many areas, including private equity, M&A, finance, asset management, real estate, tax, antitrust, life sciences, health care, intellectual property, litigation & enforcement, privacy & cybersecurity, and business restructuring.

Duties and Responsibilities

Lead and foster the efficient and effective delivery of Library resources in a fast-paced, global law firm. Under the direction of the Senior Manager of Knowledge Management and Library Services direct the Library’s methods of leveraging technology to deliver cost-effective, innovative and intuitive access to electronic and print materials. Develop, manage, and monitor multi-million dollar budget and negotiate contracts for online and print services globally. Manage all phases of the procurement of online and print services, including evaluation, trials, installation, implementation, and training plans.

Set the policies and procedures for collection management, the operation and maintenance of the integrated library system, and access to external information in support of both client and firm needs. Ensure that the delivery of information to lawyers and others is consistent with KM and Library best practices, licensing, copyright and budgetary restrictions. Manage technical services staff and contribute substantively to firm-wide projects and initiatives.

Essential Functions:

Oversee the organization-wide content acquisition strategy for research materials, both print and online. Negotiate enterprise level agreements on behalf of the firm for thousands of products supporting firm research and information needs. Monitor terms of contracts and license agreements to assure compliance.
Forecast and manage annual global multi-million dollar library budget; monitor and control library expenditures firm wide; prepare budgetary reports for management. Oversee processing of vendor invoices and approvals for payment.
Under the direction of the Senior Manager of KM & Library Services, develop and implement the strategic direction and roadmap for delivering online services to the firm.
Manage all phases of the procurement of online and print services, including evaluation, trials, installation, implementation, rollout and training plans.
Establish policies and procedures for collection management, electronic services, user access, and other functions within the technical and electronic services team. Advise on future library needs, including rebalancing the collection to better reflect digital access, physical space and personnel planning; oversee installation of new and renovated library facilities and manage moves.
Manage technical services staff; prepare staffing plans in keeping with firm and department goals; supply metrics in support of plans. Provide training and support and prepare annual staff goals and monitor progress, including progressive intervention as needed. Plan and delegate projects for technical services staff, identify opportunities for professional development and continuing education for self and technical services staff.
Oversee management of software applications within Library purview including precedent search tools. Conduct assessments for purchasing decisions, testing, rollout, training, and documentation. Serve as project manager for library software applications.
Evaluate, select, and maintain the integrated library system; set data quality standards; create reports as needed for management of the library. Manage software updates in keeping with firm needs.
Work with the firm’s practice groups and KM team to customize the delivery of content from commercial online services to the firm’s intranet.
Oversee copyright and its proper application at the firm. Work with Copyright Clearance Center to ensure copyright policies are being followed and appropriate payments are being paid on behalf of the firm for any copyrightable material (digital and print). Educate lawyers and staff about their rights to use and share copyrighted material.
Oversee reporting on metrics for circulation of print and access to online materials. Provide management with regular reports on resource utilization. Use this information to inform purchases, renewals, and cancelations, as well as for overall planning and staffing.
Participate in developing, promoting, and attaining KM and Library team’s strategic goals. As needed, provide project staffing, either directly or by delegation, in support of other teams within the Knowledge Management and Information Technology Department. Foster cross-team collaboration and promote strong working relationships among library staff and colleagues working in the same or other offices. Recommend additions, improvements, and innovations in library services and resources.

Education, Experience and Skills Required:

M.L.S. from ALA-accredited library school, or other relevant graduate degree required.

Seven or more years of management experience in law or corporate libraries, preferably law firm libraries.

Strong budget management and contract negotiation skills.
Demonstrated experience in law library collection management, budget management, management of integrated library systems, and research.

Knowledge of information technology and best practices for training related to library and knowledge management systems.

Experience creating insightful utilization reports for management.

Strong supervisory experience and skills.

Essential Capabilities:

Commitment to providing high-quality library service to a large group of demanding users in a fast-paced business environment.

Excellent interpersonal, presentation and communication skills; willingness and ability to actively contribute to project teams as well as work alone.

Ability to keep up with new materials, changes in resources and techniques, and shifts in information demands; resourcefulness in obtaining needed materials and information.

Ability to prioritize tasks and manage time well.

Should be both creative and pragmatic; must display good judgment in decision-making and project management.

Must be team-oriented and able to share information, goals, opportunities, successes and failures with the appropriate parties.

Must pay attention to details and have the ability to follow up and follow through.

Ability to plan, organize and carry out multiple related activities.

Ability to work effectively in a culturally and educationally diverse environment.

Ability to work in a multi-office environment.

To view the full position located in Boston, MA and apply, please visit the following link.

To view the full position located in New York, NY and apply, please visit the following link.

Working Conditions

Normal office environment. Incumbent is expected to work the hours necessary to fulfill the responsibilities of the position. Flexibility for travel is a requirement for this position.

The above is intended to describe the general content of and requirements for the performance of this job. It is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of essential functions, responsibilities or requirements.

Ropes & Gray is an equal opportunity employer.