Collection Services and Strategies Librarian
Penn State University Libraries
The Pennsylvania State University Libraries invite applicants for the new position of Collection Services and Strategies Librarian. This position will have responsibility for leading Collections Services, creating and implementing strategies for collection building and management in the ever-evolving environment of scholarly communication. The person appointed to this 12 month tenure-track faculty position will report to the Associate Dean for Research, Collections and Scholarly Communications and will work closely with subject liaisons on all Penn State campuses (24), Acquisitions, Access Services and the Business office to manage the collections budget and build on collaborative relationships at the university as well as with regional and national partners.
The Collection Services and Strategies Librarian will have wide responsibility for helping to build the collections of the Penn State University Libraries. This position will work in a highly collaborative organization to create and implement innovative approaches to provide strategic and effective stewardship of collections in all formats, and provide guidance and oversight for the collections budget and the work of the subject specialists.
The University Libraries values diversity of thought, perspective, experience and people, and is actively committed to a culture of inclusion and respect. We encourage candidates to apply who thrive in a welcoming multicultural environment. More information on Penn State’s commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusive Excellence, can be found by visiting http://equity.psu.edu/psu-diversity-statement. For additional information about the Libraries’ diversity efforts, please visit https://libraries.psu.edu/about/diversity.
Responsibilities and Duties:
The Collection Services and Strategies Librarian will provide leadership and coordination for collections-related projects and initiatives and will develop a cutting edge program for building and stewarding collections. This includes periodic and on-going reviews of automated selection programs, making selection decisions for retention of materials, and developing rubrics for de-duplication of resources to create budget flexibility. Additionally, the selected candidate will assist in the management of the materials budget, manage endowments and special funds in collaboration with Acquisitions and the Business office, and conduct budget planning and allocation to develop and implement fund management practices. The Collections Librarian will also create and oversee new and continuing subject specialist training, and manage/coordinate subject liaison activities in relation to budget, allocations, reviews, and assessments. The successful individual will assist in the development of a data analytics program to inform collections strategy and institutionalize the application of data to allocations and collection decisions in collaboration with the Assessment Librarian. It is expected that this individual will be engaged with national and regional consortial partners to advance strategic collections activities, and provide effective and consistent communications with university constituencies regarding the library’s strategies and programs for collection development and management.
Qualifications:
This position requires a Master of Library Science degree from an ALA-accredited institution (or equivalent); significant professional experience in an academic or research library; broad knowledge of library collection development issues, practices and current trends; demonstrated competency in analysis, budgeting and planning, assessment and evaluation of library collections; demonstrated ability to develop and implement strategy in developing or managing library content; demonstrated ability to work independently, and collaboratively, to plan, coordinate, and implement effective projects; strong commitment to diversity, equity, respect and inclusion; ability to meet the requirements of promotion and tenure; commitment to professional development and service; excellent organizational, analytical and problem-solving skills; and excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
Desired qualifications include the evidence of ability to develop strategy and lead change across an organization; knowledge and understanding of 21st century collections issues for research libraries, emerging practices, standards, and trends relating to collection development and management in an academic or research library environment; knowledge and understanding of Open Access and Scholarly Communication issues; and an understanding of statistical analysis and research design.
Environment:
The Penn State University Libraries are a strategic asset to Penn State, advancing intellectual discovery, information literacy, and lifelong learning, all in support of the University’s strategic goals in teaching, research, service, and outreach. The University Libraries is ranked among the top 10 research libraries in North America, according to the Association for Research Libraries investment rankings, and provides services at University Park and 22 other campus locations throughout Pennsylvania as well as online. We serve more than 6,400 faculty and 46,800 students at University Park, and approximately 97,500 students university-wide. More than 120 faculty librarians in the University Libraries benefit from extensive technological resources and research support services. Penn State, a land-grant institution, is a member of the Big Ten Academic Alliance and the Association of American Universities. The University Libraries is a member of the Association of Research Libraries, the Association of College and Research Libraries, and the international Center for Research Libraries.
The University Park campus is set in the State College metropolitan area, a university town located in central Pennsylvania. State College offers a vibrant community with outstanding recreational facilities, a low crime rate, and excellent public schools. The campus is within a half-day's drive to Washington D.C., Baltimore, Philadelphia, New York City, or Pittsburgh. The University Park Airport is served by three major carriers with flights to Washington D.C., Philadelphia, Chicago and Detroit. For more information, please visit http://www.libraries.psu.edu and http://www.cbicc.org.
Compensation and Benefits: Rank and salary are dependent upon qualifications and experience. Fringe benefits include liberal vacation, excellent insurance and health care coverage, state or TIAA retirement options, and educational privileges. In addition, faculty in the University Libraries are afforded funds for professional development travel annually. Faculty may be asked to travel as official representatives of the Libraries to certain events and those trips are reimbursed at full cost within limits established by the University.
Applications and all supporting materials must be submitted online. To apply, please visit https://libraries.psu.edu/collectionsstrategist. To be considered for the position, interested candidates should upload a letter of application, resume or C.V., and the names and contact information of three professional references (including email addresses). Review of applications will begin October 31, 2016 and continue until position is filled. Questions may be addressed to Lindsey Harter, Faculty Search Coordinator, at lap225@psu.edu.
Employment will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies.
Penn State is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer, and is committed to providing employment opportunities to minorities, women, veterans, disabled individuals, and other protected groups.
CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS: For more about safety at Penn State, and to review the Annual Security Report which contains information about crime statistics and other safety and security matters, please go to www.police.psu.edu/clery/, which will also provide you with detail on how to request a hard copy of the Annual Security Report.