Assistant Director, Collection Development, Hamilton College, (Clinton, NY)

Posted January 4, 2024

Description
Reporting to and working closely with the Director of Resource and Digital Strategies, the AD for Collection Development shapes the collecting guidelines and leads the development, management, and assessment of the libraries’ collections. Responsible for managing an acquisitions budget in excess of $1.4 million, the incumbent works collaboratively with faculty, librarian selectors, consortial partners, and others to ensure that the libraries’ collections are diverse, accessible, and aligned with our collection development guidelines. The AD for Collection Development will use data to advocate for and support collections decisions including deselection. The incumbent serves as the primary contact for vendors, and works with vendors to appropriately license library materials.

The AD for Collection Development provides leadership, supervision, and develops workflows and procedures for the acquisitions, cataloging, and electronic resource management staff. The incumbent coordinates all aspects of resource acquisitions, including overseeing ordering, receiving and invoicing of library materials in all formats and order types – firm orders, ongoing subscriptions, demand driven acquisitions, evidence-based programs, approval plans, donated materials, etc.

Hamilton is committed to bringing diversity practices into library services and operations. This position contributes to strategic initiatives in this area and ensures day-to-day business functions are aligned with our core values of equity, diversity, and inclusion.

This is an exempt position with a pay range of $78,000 – $88,000.

Responsibilities:

Working collaboratively with faculty, librarian selectors, consortial partners, and others provides strategic direction and solutions to resource acquisition, management, maintenance, and access
Create/commission reports, analyze and interpret data to inform the work of the department and collection strategy
Coordinates and participates in all aspects of resource acquisitions
Oversees staff in acquisitions, cataloging, and electronic resources management, guiding, monitoring and assessing the work of others to maintain effective levels of productivity and quality
Develops workflows, and establishes best practices
Serve as the primary contact for electronic resource publishers and vendors, responsible for reviewing technical requirements and license terms, negotiating pricing, arranging and promoting product trials, and contract renewals
In collaboration with collection management stakeholders, research, recommend and implement innovative approaches to content acquisition and management, contribute expertise regarding acquisitions, budget, vendor programs, etc.
Enhance unit processes and workflows by recommending and participating in implementation of vendor technologies, ILS APIs and integrations, and other enhancements
Participate in local interface customizations and Hamilton branding of electronic resources
Troubleshoot access, maintenance, content, and performance issues related to electronic resources
Collaborate across LITS teams to research and improve access, performance, software, and hardware issues and integrate LITS electronic resources into the college’s teaching and research environment.
Maintain and promote awareness of trends and best practices in electronic resources management.
Actively participate in building our diverse, inclusive, and equitable campus community.
Qualifications
Master’s degree from an American Library Association accredited school plus 3 years experience participating in collection development. (Appropriate experience may be substituted for educational requirements.)
Experience with electronic resource workflows, preferably in an academic library.
Broad experience in acquisitions and/or serials a plus.
Experience with using automated library systems to enhance workflows, experience with Alma a plus.
Supervisory and/or training experience.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Note: While these are the skills needed to perform the job in a satisfactory manner, Hamilton provides robust professional development opportunities and individuals with aptitude but lacking experience are encouraged to apply.

Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
Designing, gathering, and reporting statistics
Analyzing data to inform decisions
Flexibility and creativity in adapting work to realize efficiencies and to account for the rapidly-changing library and higher education environments
Enthusiasm for and demonstrated ability to work in a team environment with multiple customer groups
Working knowledge of budgeting and accounting practices
Working with electronic resources, particularly patron/demand-driven acquisitions
Working with serials
Knowledge of cataloging, and cataloging best practices

Application Instructions

For more information and to apply, please go to the following: https://apply.interfolio.com/137080

Please submit cover letter, resume and contact information for three professional references. Consideration of candidates will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.