Head of Collections Strategy, Clark University Libraries, Worcester, MA

Posted October 19, 2021

Description:

Clark University’s Goddard Library seeks a collaborative, creative, and forward-thinking librarian to serve as Head of Collections Strategy. The incumbent will lead the Collections Team and manage, assess, and develop collections appropriate to serve the evolving needs of the faculty and students of our undergraduate and graduate programs.

Reporting to the University Librarian, the Head of Collections Strategy has primary responsibility for management, assessment, and growth of the Goddard Library’s physical and digital collections: journals, books, ebooks, research databases, and search indices. The incumbent serves as a member of the Library’s Administrative Team and supervises two professional librarians and a staff associate who are responsible for acquisitions, cataloging, and metadata for print and digital collections. The Head of Collections Strategy will keep abreast of new collections and tools to support Clark’s students, faculty, and staff. In addition, the incumbent will be a close communicator with faculty and library staff in order to best envision and enact projects that will enable the library to iterate and curate its varied collections to meet the evolving needs of the University. The successful candidate will have curiosity regarding scholarly communications across disciplines, and a keen interest in diversity and equity issues and how they intersect with library collections issues, as well as knowledge of open access initiatives.

Responsibilities:

Manages physical and digital collections of the Goddard Library working closely with staff across the library in order to promote community use of and engagement with the collections.
Manages two professional librarians and one library associate.
Serves as a member of the library Administrative Team.
Uses data to assess collections usage across format.
Works closely with Head of Library Systems to manage library database access and other technical needs associated with the library’s collections.
Communicates with faculty regarding collections needs.
Manages library collections budget, working closely with University Librarian, Serials and Acquisitions Librarian, and Administrative Assistant.
Monitors library and publishing trends, best practices in collection management, scholarly communications, open access, and other developments in the profession.
Shares collections knowledge and makes recommendations for improvements.
Participates in library committees as appropriate.
Manages projects related to the maintenance and preservation of physical collections.
Contributes to the profession through voluntary service, publication, presentation, and/or membership in professional organizations.
Maintains up-to-date professional knowledge and skills in areas related to primary job assignment as well as maintaining general knowledge of current trends in higher education, academic libraries, and information and educational technology.

Requirements

ALA-accredited master’s degree in library science, or equivalent
Five years experience working in an academic library
Knowledge of current and recent industry trends in scholarly communications
Demonstrated proficiency in imagining, prioritizing, and managing complex library collections projects
Understanding of the needs of different user communities in academic library regarding information seeking and use
Demonstrated proficiency with personal computing software, web technologies, office applications, and productivity tools
Flexibility and curiosity in exploring new technologies and trends as they relate to library collections
Prior experience working with and contributing to a diverse workplace with the ability to interact effectively with a broad range of constituents on campus

Clark University currently requires all employees and students to be vaccinated against COVID-19. Exemptions will be made for medical or disability reasons or religious beliefs, and could be made, at the sole discretion of the University, for other well-documented reasons.

About Clark University:

Founded in 1887, Clark was one of the first all-graduate institutions in the United States. Today the University is a highly-ranked, student-centered institution educating approximately 2,350 undergraduate and 1,150 graduate students to be imaginative and contributing citizens of the world and to advance the frontiers of knowledge and understanding through rigorous scholarship and creative effort. This commitment to scholarship and inquiry reflects the University’s commitment to “challenge convention and change our world” and to address issues of critical importance to society. It is also reflected by Clark’s many national and international distinctions, including recognition for its diversity and inclusion efforts, innovation, community engagement and impact, as a top green campus, and for having a distinguished geography and international development program. Clark has also been included in the groundbreaking Colleges that Change Lives guide since it was first published in 1996.

Clark is located in Worcester, Massachusetts, a dynamic, diverse city “on the rise.” The second largest city in New England, Worcester is home to 11 institutions of higher learning and is increasingly recognized for its growing healthcare and biotechnology communities, its thriving cultural scene, and as a vibrant food hub.

Additional Information:

Clark University embraces equal opportunity and affirmative action as core values: we believe that cultivating an environment that embraces and promotes diversity is fundamental to the success of our students, our employees and our community. This commitment applies to every aspect of education, services, and employment policies and practices at Clark. Our commitment to diversity informs our efforts in recruitment, hiring and retention. All positions at Clark share in the responsibility for building a community that values diversity and the uniqueness of others by exhibiting integrity and respect in interacting with all members of the Clark community to create an atmosphere of fairness and belonging. We strongly encourage members from historically underrepresented communities, inclusive of all women, to apply.

Clark University offers a generous benefit package for full and, if applicable, part-time employees that include; paid time off, generous retirement plan, group health and dental insurance, life insurance, and tuition, along with use of many campus amenities. For a complete list of benefits for eligible employees visit here.

How to Apply:

To be considered for this position, you must submit your credentials online. Create a Clark University Careers Account by clicking on this APPLY NOW link. You will be able to upload the following documents, which are required for consideration:

Resume
Cover letter

See the FAQ for using our online system. Please contact us if you need assistance applying through this website.

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Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. Salary will be commensurate with skills and experience.

HR to select: A successful background check is required upon acceptance.

https://clarku.interviewexchange.com/jobofferdetails.jsp?JOBID=137951