Collections Strategies Librarian, Fairfield University, (Fairfield, Connecticut)

Posted November 1, 2022

BASIC FUNCTION: Oversees the selection, acquisition, accessibility, and deselection of library collections, in all formats, in support of teaching, learning, and research at Fairfield University. Facilitates Collection Development and Management Committee (CDMC) meetings, composed of Faculty Partnership Program librarians who develop collections for the disciplines they support. Manages the budget and endowment funds for library collections. Prepares invoices, works with vendors, and monitors the book approval plans and the licensing and renewal of electronic resources. Performs data analysis to inform collection decisions and to populate assessment reports. Provides guidance and leadership for the Library’s interlibrary loan unit.

UNUSUAL WORK CONDITIONS: Physical requirements: mobility; must be able to lift materials off shelf. Availability for evening and weekend work, as needed, is required.

EDUCATION: Graduate degree in Library & Information Science (MLS or equivalent) from an ALA-accredited program, second Master’s in subject-specific field, or equivalent experience, is preferred.

ESSENTIAL EXPERIENCE: Two years or more experience managing print and electronic resources in an academic library. Knowledge of best practices, current trends and issues in collections management. Experience negotiating with vendors and working with consortia. Experience with budgets, resource sharing, approval plans, electronic resource management, and collections assessment. Strong commitment to service and an ability to effectively communicate with librarians, faculty, and other stakeholders about collection management topics. Organization, analytical, and problem-solving skills. Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion with a desire to develop and steward diverse and inclusive collections.

PREFERRED EXPERIENCE: Second Master’s in subject-specific field, or equivalent experience. Supervisory experience. Experience reviewing and amending licenses for electronic resources. Experience and skill utilizing data analysis and metrics. Experience managing budgets. Experience working with consortia.

EXEMPT: Yes

SUPERVISION OF PERSONNEL: Interlibrary Loan Specialist

REPORTS TO: Associate Dean for Technical Services and the Budget

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

Provides leadership, management, and strategic direction for Collections and Interlibrary Loan. This includes:

staying current with emerging trends in resource sharing and collection development, management, and assessment,
integrating interlibrary loan data for collection development purposes and annual reports,
creating and overseeing policies, procedures, and processes related to collections and interlibrary loan,
chairing Collection Development and Management Committee (CDMC), and advising library leadership on collections issues,
working with Faculty Partnership Program librarians to develop and assess collections,
establishing collection priorities and communicating them clearly to faculty and Faculty Partner librarians,
monitoring all resource fund expenditures and tracking against budget allocations,
gathering and analyzing data about the library’s collections, including usage and expenditures, to create reports and inform collection development decisions.

Provides library systems technology recommendations and guidance on best practices. This includes:

possessing a thorough understanding of Alma, including the acquisitions, cataloging, and serials processes. Areas of expertise include management of resource records, order records, vendor tracking, usage statistics, licensing terms, and other account and subscription information,
examining and improving workflows and processes to improve efficiency and, where applicable, save money,
collaborating with the Acquisition and Cataloging Strategies Librarian to improve and maintain accurate order records.

Oversees the Library’s procurement and deselection practices. This includes:

developing relationships with all vendors and consortial partners,
overseeing management, maintenance, and accessibility of electronic resources (databases, ebooks, ejournals, streaming media),
negotiating and maintaining licenses with vendors/publishers, including the renewal of resources and establishing database trials,
working with vendors to improve and resolve electronic resource issues,
overseeing the management, maintenance, and accessibility of Library collections for resource sharing purposes,
managing the acquisition and evaluation of material gifts and donations,
participating on New Program reviews and providing input to campus on library needs,
leading the evaluation and deselection of materials of all resources, regardless of format.

Manages the Library’s collection development budget. This includes:

monitoring and analyzing the collection development budget,
making recommendations for budget allocations and expenditures,
managing and producing reports on gift fund expenditures.

Supervises and supports staff. This includes:

recruiting, hiring, and training,
coaching and mentoring, as appropriate,
meeting with all staff members individually and as a department/unit on a regular basis,
overseeing the flow and quality of work,
coordinating staff schedules,
communicating effectively with staff concerning department/unit and library-wide matters,
evaluating performance.

Participates in the growth, development and professional work of the Library. This includes:

embodying the mission and values of the Library and the University in our everyday work life,
communicating effectively with supervisor concerning pertinent Library and/or University matters,
assisting in the discussion and formulation of policies and procedures,
keeping current with developments in job responsibilities,
acting as a responsible participant in staff, committee, and/or task force meetings,
attending and participating in Library and University events,
monitoring developments in librarianship through attendance at meetings and workshops, membership in professional associations, and the reading of professional literature,
promoting and communicating the value of the Library to the community.

Performs such other duties, responsibilities, and activities as required by supervisor and as departmental/University needs indicate.

Candidates applying by November 18, 2022 will be given first consideration.

How to Apply

To find more information and to apply, please follow this link: https://ffd.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/en-US/EmploymentOpportunities/job/Fairfield-CT/Collection-Strategies-Librarian_JR0001514 .