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Head of Acquisitions Services, Penn State University Libraries (apply by July 17)

  • 1.  Head of Acquisitions Services, Penn State University Libraries (apply by July 17)

    Posted Jul 05, 2017 09:53 AM

    Head of Acquisitions Services
    Penn State University Libraries

    The Pennsylvania State University Libraries invite applications and nominations for the position of Head of Acquisitions Services. This 12-month tenure-track faculty position reports to the Associate Dean for Research, Collections, and Scholarly Communications and will manage acquisitions activities throughout all libraries at Penn State University to ensure responsible and timely expenditure of a total University-wide collections budget of over $18 million. The successful candidate is expected to work in a highly collaborative organization to create and implement effective and efficient procedures in acquiring resources in all formats and be committed to innovation to enhance existing services, and willing to review long-term embedded practices. 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 Head of Acquisitions Services will provide leadership and management of the Acquisitions Services Department. The head will represent the concerns of and advocate for the department to University Libraries administration. Acquisitions Services has eighteen staff in three collaborative units: Electronic Resources, Monographs and Budgeting, and Serials. This position will collaborate closely with the Head of Cataloging and Metadata Services. Responsibilities include supervision of direct reports, oversight of all aspects of acquisitions, including ordering, claiming, receiving, and e-resource management. The selected candidate will work closely with subject liaisons on all Penn State campuses (24), Access Services, the Business Office, the Libraries Copyright Officer, the Collections Services and Strategies Librarian, Penn State Business Service's Purchasing Department, and the Office of Corporate Controller's Risk Management Division to manage the acquisitions budget, vendor relationships, licensing, and acquisitions-related consortia memberships in the Big Ten Academic Alliance (BTAA) and Pennsylvania Academic Library Consortium, Inc. (PALCI). This position will serve on the Dean’s Library Council and the Joint Collections Group. As the primary representative for all acquisitions efforts, this individual will serve as the primary contact for all vendor and publisher relations.

    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 acquisitions issues, practices and current trends; demonstrated management ability; knowledge of monographs and serials acquisitions, approval plans, endowments, and gifts; ability to manage accounting and budgetary practices; ability to foster positive working relationships with vendors, publishers, and faculty; experience with consortial agreements; knowledge of e-resources and licensing agreements; 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 knowledge and understanding of 21st century publishing practices and trends; emerging practices, standards, and trends relating to acquisitions in an academic or research library environment; knowledge and understanding of Open Access and Scholarly Communication issues; experience with Serials Solutions and SIRSI products; experience mentoring fellow library faculty; and familiarity with promotion and tenure practices in a research library.

    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/headacquisitions. 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 July 17, 2017 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.