Collection ManagementLibrarian

Collection Management Librarian

The Alfred University Libraries seek a forward-thinking and collaborative Collection Management Librarian to join a highly engaged team. We are looking for someone to oversee the continuing development of a dynamic collection that addresses the research needs of our specialized ceramic art and engineering programs along with our comprehensive liberal arts teaching focus. This is an opportunity to actively shape the future of how a university library approaches and adapts to the needs of current and future students.

The Collection Management Librarian is a 10-month, tenure-track faculty position reporting to the Dean of Libraries. This librarian will provide leadership, vision, and guidance of the Libraries’ collection management functions including acquisitions, cataloging, serials, gifts, and electronic resources management (ERM) across the two University Libraries, Samuel R. Scholes Library and Herrick Memorial Library. This librarian will serve as the Team Leader for the Alfred University Libraries Collection Management Team, consisting of staff from the two libraries. They will coordinate the collection development activities of library faculty; lead on vendor interactions and relationships; develop policies, procedures, and workflows; gather, report, and analyze collections data; and coordinate on State University of New York (SUNY) consortia-wide initiatives for collection management. This position will be assigned subject-based liaison areas according to interest and/or expertise, and will participate in reference, instruction, and the University Libraries’ Personal Librarian Program.

Required Qualifications:

• A Master’s degree from a program accredited by the American Library Association, or equivalent international Master’s degree in Library Science/Information Studies.
• Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) efforts, particularly anti-racism and anti-oppression, in libraries and higher education.
• Knowledge and understanding of 21^stcentury collections issues including emerging practices, standards, and trends.
• Familiarity with electronic resources management (ERM).
• Excellent organizational skills and accuracy in detailed work.

Desired Qualifications:

• Library experience with collection management, technical services, or systems.
• Successful supervisory experience
• Familiarity with the Alma Library Services Platform, Primo discovery, and the Primo Central Discovery Index
• Understanding of link resolvers and proxy services such as EZProxy
• Knowledge of relevant cataloging services and tools (such as MARC21 and the OCLC Connexion client)
• Original cataloging experience
• Experience managing a library collections budget
• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills
• Strong analytic and critical thinking skills
• Demonstrated project management skills
• Commitment to the use of new information technologies
• Dedication to professional development and service excellence

Job Responsibilities

Collection Management

• Lead and oversee the AU Libraries Collection Management Team, providing strategic vision, guidance, and day-to-day supervision. Train and supervise three full-time staff members and part-time student assistants.
• Lead the AU Libraries’ collection development strategy, in coordination with library administration and faculty librarians, to ensure that collections meet the current and future needs of the University.
• Oversee the Acquisitions and Resources components of the Library Services Platform (Alma), working in coordination with the Systems Team and liaising with SUNY Library Services on relevant initiatives.
• Oversee the acquisition and deaccessioning of all library materials, in both print and electronic formats.
• Develop and implement policies, procedures, and workflows for the Collection Management Team.
• Work with outside subscription agents (EBSCOhost, WTCox) to manage the annual serials renewals process.
• Manage the full life cycle of electronic resources, including working with vendors to gather pricing information and negotiate licenses, establishing trials, activating and deactivating resources in Alma, gathering and analyzing usage data, and coordinating renewals.
• Work collaboratively with the Systems Team to troubleshoot problems with electronic resources.
• Gather, report, and analyze collections data.
• Coordinate collection maintenance work, including weeding, bindery, and book repair.
• Oversee receipt and processing of gift materials in collaboration with subject librarians.
• Perform or supervise original and copy cataloging.
• Collaborate with Library Teams on shared projects.

Librarianship

• Assist in the formulation of Library policies, and contribute to the development of Library services responsive to the needs of the campus curriculum and users.
• Engage in professional development, scholarship and service, in accordance with University standards for promotion and tenure.
• Serve on Library, College, and University committees.
• Maintain active involvement in the library profession and contribute to the advancement of information science and practice through scholarly work.
• Actively participate in library planning initiatives.
• Serve on the Libraries’ Information Literacy Team, and design, teach, and assess information literacy instruction sessions.
• Lead as liaison to assigned content area(s), based on interest and/or expertise.
• Participate in AU Libraries Personal Librarian program.
• Participate in reference rotation including evenings and weekends (as needed).

Additional Job Responsibilities

• This position will involve travel for professional development and training.
• Commitment to support the Libraries’ values of free and open pursuit of knowledge; support for intellectual and cultural diversity; innovation, collaboration, and creativity; excellent service; and effective communication.
• Safety: Participate in safety training and comply with safety rules, regulations, and protocols.
• Perform additional duties and assist with special projects as assigned.

Founded in 1836, and nestled between the foothills of the Allegheny Mountains and the Finger Lakes wine region in western New York State, Alfred University ( alfred.edu ) is a small comprehensive private university. It is situated on a sprawling 232-acre campus where nearly 2,000 undergraduate and graduate students reside in a vibrant, student-centered learning community. Outdoor recreational opportunities are abundant at our campus location, while our New York City area satellite instructional locations keep Alfred connected with an urban experience.

Alfred University houses the New York State College of Ceramics, a Statutory College of the State of New York, creating a unique public-private partnership. One result of this distinctive arrangement is that Alfred’s students, faculty, and staff are served by two libraries: The Samuel R. Scholes Library, which supports the School of Engineering and the School of Art and Design, and Herrick Memorial Library, which supports the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, the College of Business, and the School of Graduate and Continuing Studies/AUNY (External Programs).

For further information regarding this position, contact the search chair Samantha Dannick dannick@alfred.edu .

A complete application will include:

• Resume/Curriculum Vitae
• Cover letter outlining how your qualifications and experience will prepare you for success in this position
• Contact information for three professional references (address, phone number, and email).

​​​​​​​ Review of candidates will begin on February 22, 2021 and continue until the position is filled.

Alfred University actively subscribes to a policy of equal employment opportunity, and will not discriminate against any employee, student or applicant because of race, age, sex, color, sexual orientation, gender identification or expression, physical or mental disability, religion, ancestry or national origin, marital status, genetic information, military or veteran status, domestic violence victim status, criminal conviction status, political affiliation or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. Protected veterans, minorities and women are encouraged to apply.