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Acquisitions Librarian, University of Washington Libraries, Seattle, WA

Posted September 11, 2015

THE LIBRARIES 

Serving three campuses, the University of Washington Libraries is one of the largest and most innovative libraries in North America with collections exceeding 8 million volumes, over 500,000 electronic books, more than 120,000 currently received journal titles, as well as millions of scholarly resources in other formats. Beyond the strength of local collections and digital resources, the Libraries is recognized for its excellent service, innovative learning and research spaces, faculty partnerships, global reach, extensive assessment efforts and  diverse award-winning staff. The Libraries plays a significant leadership role regionally as a member in the groundbreaking Orbis Cascade Alliance and throughout the profession as evidenced by the number of its staff selected for competitive leadership programs and honored by professional association lifetime achievement awards.

Acquisitions and Rapid Cataloging Services

Acquisitions and Rapid Cataloging Services (ARCS) is one of three technical services divisions within Resource Acquisitions and Description/Information Technology Services; the others are Cataloging and Metadata Services (CAMS) and Preservation Services.  ARCS is the Libraries’ central acquisitions unit for materials in all formats, including government publications. Wherever possible, ARCS performs simple cataloging on receipt for newly acquired monographs using copy from the Library of Congress and OCLC member libraries; items that cannot be quick cataloged are distributed to staff in CAMS.

Acquisitions and processing is partially decentralized within the Libraries. Some units, including the Bothell Campus Library, Tacoma Campus Library, and Health/Sciences Library receive and process their print serials directly, although ordering is handled centrally. The East Asia Library (CJK), Gallagher Law Library, and International Studies (Near East, Slavic, South Asia, Southeast Asia) each have their own technical services operations.

ARCS works closely with these units, as well as CAMS, Collection Management Services, Preservation Services and Central Circulation Services to standardize and coordinate processing procedures and policies across the Libraries.

THE POSITION

Under the direction of the Head of Acquisitions and Rapid Cataloging Services, manages order and claiming activities for resources in all formats for the Seattle, Bothell and Tacoma campuses; supervises staff and students, and coordinates the work activities of a work group; provides oversight of record loading from vendors and OCLC WorldCat Partners; assists in continuing resources management projects; assists in the management of the division.

SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES

  • Provides management and oversight of one-time order placement and claiming activities including loading of bibliographic and order records supplied by library book vendors and OCLC’s WorldCat Partners service.
  • Monitors vendors and OCLC concerning the supply of order-level records and WorldCat Partners cataloging records.
  • Manages contact with vendors in relation to one-time ordering, claiming, report generation and record supply.  Responsible for the analysis and implementation of ordering and claiming of one-time resources.  In conjunction with the Acquisitions and Rapid Cataloging Services Head, analyzes vendor services and performance.
  • Monitors incoming orders and materials to identify potential licensing issues. Coordinates licensing procedures for the unit.
  • Interacts with selectors to manage ordering, claiming and related order follow-up activities.
  • Maintains awareness of copy cataloging standards and trends.
  • Works on projects relating to continuing resources as assigned.
  • Trains staff and librarians across the Libraries in the use of online acquisitions tools, including the Alma Acquisitions and YBP Gobi interfaces.
  • Supervises staff of the work group. Supervises other temporary and hourly staff as necessary. As required, may direct or oversee the work of other staff in the Division.
  • Assists in all aspects of management of the section, including policy development, implementation and documentation.  Contributes to organizational effectiveness.
  • Interviews and recommends selection of new personnel; develops, implements and monitors training; assigns and schedules work; acts upon leave requests; conducts annual performance evaluations; and recommends disciplinary action.
  • Facilitates communication within the work group and the section; develops and disseminates instructions and information to staff; organizes and conducts meetings.
  • Serves as a resource for staff in order to solve complex acquisitions problems.
  • Follows trends in acquisitions, publishing and scholarly communication. Contributes to professional associations and committees. Serves on Libraries and UW committees as appropriate.
  • Communicates appropriately, effectively and positively. Plays an active role in staying informed and participating in Libraries and unit meetings, activities and events.
  • Assumes other responsibilities as assigned and performs related duties as required

QUALIFICATIONS

Required

  • Graduate degree from a program accredited by the American Library Association or an equivalent graduate library science/information studies degree.
  • Knowledge of current technological developments in acquisitions and/or collection development.
  • Experience with an integrated library system and bibliographic utilities.
  • Proficiency in using a variety of software, including spreadsheets and databases (MS-Excel and MS-Access), with the eventual expectation of journeyman level proficiency in MS Excel, MS Access and Alma Analytics.
  • Knowledge of one or more European languages.
  • Excellent communication, interpersonal, organizational and analytical skills, and the ability to work effectively with staff as individuals and groups.  Ability to function well in a changing environment, work effectively within a large organization, and exercise initiative in a collaborative framework
  • Demonstrated commitment to diversity and understanding of the contributions a diverse workforce brings to the workplace.

Preferred

  • Experience in an acquisitions department of a large academic research library.
  • Experience with electronic resource licensing.
  • Supervisory experience.
  • Experience with OCLC Connexion and the Alma Library Management System. 

SALARY

$48,000 minimum. Starting salary commensurate with qualifications and background.

RANK

Position will be at rank of Assistant Librarian.

BENEFITS

Librarians are academic personnel and participate in the University of Washington Retirement Plan on a matching basis. Vacation is accrued at the rate of 24 working days per year; sick leave at the rate of 12 working days per year. No state or local income tax.

APPLICATION PROCESS

To apply for this position, please submit the following information to [email protected]:

  • Cover letter (addressed to Laura Lillard, Assistant Director, Libraries Academic Human Resources)
  • Curriculum vitae or resume (include a telephone number, mailing address, email address and salary requirements)
  • List of three references who are knowledgeable of your qualifications for this position, one of which must be your current supervisor (include telephone numbers, mailing addresses, and email addresses)
  • Please use “Librarian Application” in the subject heading.
  • Please submit all components in a single, multi-page PDF document. All submissions will be maintained in a secure, password protected online file space during the course of the search. Campus constituents may have access to some material, including CVs.

APPLICATION DEADLINE

To ensure consideration, applications should be received no later than 5:00 pm, October 16, 2015.

University of Washington Libraries Home Page is http://www.lib.washington.edu.

University of Washington is an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, protected veteran or disabled status, or
genetic information.

In compliance with the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986, the University is required to verify and document the citizenship or employment authorization of each new employee. 

For questions about this position, or questions regarding potential disability accommodations, please contact Laura Lillard at [email protected].

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