Collection Development Librarian

The Marriott Library at the University of Utah is in the process of completely rethinking the way in which it acquires and provides access to knowledge and information resources for the University community.  In an information environment characterized by deep instability, one in which the functions of publishers, vendors, authors, and libraries are in radical flux, such a rethink is not only essential, but unavoidable.

In this context, the Library is seeking an energetic, forward-thinking, and patron-focused Collection Development Librarian who can help us envision and implement new collections programs while continuing to provide our patrons with effortless access to needed resources.

Position summary:

Reporting to the Head of Collection Development, the Collection Development Librarian develops and uses knowledge of the University community and the publishing world to select, acquire and make accessible the journals, databases, books and other media needed by the community. Will help to define best professional practices, and models them while helping colleagues work effectively to shape and build the collection. The Collection Development Librarian will focus on new developments in information access while acting as primary contact for traditional collection activities, and will explore and help develop new models of collection building and information access. The Library recently replaced a traditional system of individual subject specialists with a structure of College and Interdisciplinary Teams, who collaborate in collection building and campus outreach across broad subject areas; the Collection Development Librarian will work closely with these teams to train their members in use of new selection tools, and to keep them abreast of policy and procedural changes and relevant developments in the world of scholarly communication.

Representative Duties:

·         Day-to-day integration of collection development activities with those of Acquisitions and the Director of Planning and Assessment.

·         Coordination with College and Interdisciplinary Teams

·         Oversee major journal packages

·         Database licensing

·         Monitor discoverability and access issues related to online resources.

·         Collection / use analysis

·         Collection oversight

See the Marriott Library webpage to review the complete position description at http://libtools.library.utah.edu/mlib_job_list/viewer/ .

Required qualifications

·         ALA-accredited MLS/MLIS, by January 2011

·         Experience with issues and processes related to academic collection development

·         Ability to lead change associated with new and emerging forms of technology and librarianship

·         Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain cooperative, collaborative working relationships

·         Strong service orientation and patron-centered attitude

·         Excellent interpersonal skills

·         Proficiency using both PC and Macintosh platforms

·         Proficiency with basic productivity software, in particular Microsoft Word

·         Experience or demonstrated aptitude in learning and using new types of technology and software

·         Experience or demonstrated aptitude in project management

·         Excellent written and oral communication skills

·         Demonstrated ability to work effectively both alone and with groups in a collaborative, diverse environment

·         Demonstrated ability to be flexible and positive in a changing work environment

·         Demonstrated organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to prioritize work

·         Ability to meet the University’s requirements for promotion and continuing appointment (tenure equivalency)

·         Successful completion of a criminal background check, as required by Utah state law (http://www.regulations.utah.edu/humanResources/5-130.html)

Preferred qualifications

·         Two years’ collection development experience in an academic library

·         Reading comprehension of at least one European or Asian language other than English

·         Successful experience working with teams

·         Experience developing and implementing collection development policies

·         Experience with collection evaluation and assessment

·         Strong presentation skills

Salary

$45,000 minimum

Benefits

Excellent benefits calculated at approximately 35% of salary including TIAA-CREF, medical, dental, generous paid sick and vacation accrual, sabbaticals, professional development time.  Marriott Library is an ARL library with holding of nearly 3 million volumes, 32,000 journals in electronic and print formats, and a considerable number of other networked electronic resources.  The University, with a student population of 29,000 is situated on a 1,500 acre campus in Salt Lake City.  The library has just completed a large-scale renovation which includes a state-of-the-art Knowledge Commons and a center to create multimedia digital content.  Teaching facilities, used by campus and library instructors, include 18 classrooms, labs and seminar rooms and a 250 seat auditorium.

Salt Lake has a population of over 1 million and offers residents a wide variety of cultural entertainment and recreational activities, all located along the Wasatch Mountain Range. Information can be found on the web at http://www.utah.com/, www.slcgov.com/visitors and http://www.saltlakecityutah.org/relocate.htm.

APPLICATION PROCEDURES

Send a detailed letter of application addressing how your experience matches the qualifications; curriculum vitae; and names and contact information, including email, mail and phone numbers, of three references electronically to Kris.Arnold@utah.edu.  Applications received by October 31, 2010 will be given full consideration.

The University of Utah is an EO/AA Employer.  We encourage applications from women and minorities and provide reasonable accommodations to known disabilities of applicants and employees.

The University of Utah values candidates who have experience working in settings with students from diverse backgrounds and who possess a strong commitment to improving access to higher education for historically underrepresented students.

Collection Development Librarian - Millar Library

The Collection Development Librarian provides work related to the selection, processing, evaluation, and assessment of library resources; assists in the development and implementation of collection development policies and procedures; and performs some reference, liaison, and instructional duties. This is a full-time, 12-month, tenure-track position with the rank of Assistant Professor in the Resource Services and Technology (RST) unit. This position is expected to work very closely with the Associate University Librarian, to whom the position reports, as well as to collaborate with the Head of Acquisitions, the Head of Electronic and Continuing Resources, and subject liaison librarians. The incumbent contributes to the profession through professional service and scholarly activities, and participates in faculty governance activities within the Library and University.

Specific Responsibilities
• Provide leadership for and participate in collection management activities across the Library including the selection, assessment, de-selection, and dispersal of collections.
• Participate in the development and review of collection development policies and funding models, and monitor their effectiveness.
• Lead the Library’s Information Resources Management Council (IRMC) in order to coordinate the work of the subject liaison librarians in their efforts to develop collections for academic priorities and curricula.
• Assist with managing and monitoring the Library’s collections budget.
• Play a key role in analyzing and reporting on the funding, use, and assessment of library resources, including the assessment of quality and suitability of the collection when required for program or course proposals. This involves reviewing collection key indicators, analyzing pertinent statistical and other data, and preparing regular reports, as well as reports for special projects.
• Provide assistance to subject liaison librarians related to the use of vendors’ collection management systems.
• Participate in cooperative collection development activities with Oregon University System institutions, the Orbis Cascade Alliance, and other groups, as assigned.
• Coordinate and perform work related to the development and ongoing management of the general collection, including making recommendations on the arrangement, location, and accessibility of collections.
• Participate in providing some reference services on a scheduled basis.
• Serve as subject liaison to one or more small academic departments, as assigned. This would include providing some user instruction as part of the Library’s instruction program.
• Participate in marketing and outreach efforts by contributing content to the Library’s Web sites, blogs, and electronic publications.
• Adhere to University and Library policies and procedures, including Portland State University’s Professional Standards of Conduct (http://www.pdx.edu/hr/professional-standards-conduct).
• Participate in the establishment of short- and long-range goals, objectives, and priorities, aligned with those of the Library and the University.
• Participate in promoting and providing visibility for a positive, responsive image of the Library and its services to the University community and the community at large.
• Communicate openly and professionally with staff, colleagues, and with Library administration.
• Maintain current expertise through participation in workshops, classes, professional associations and networks, and through continued awareness of the scholarly literature.
• Pursue active publication and research agenda in accordance with the Library and University’s promotion, tenure, and post-tenure review guidelines.
• Other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications:
• MLS from an ALA-accredited library and information science program.
• Minimum of three years of professional experience working in collections or acquisitions services in an academic library.
• Thorough knowledge of collection development and management strategies, and familiarity with emerging trends with collection selection tools and processes.
• Significant experience with collection evaluation and assessment, including data collection and analysis, and advanced skills in using a variety of software, including spreadsheets and databases.
• Demonstrated experience with vendor services.
• Demonstrated project management experience.
• Experience with budget projections and allocations, and development of collection development-related reports.
• Strong familiarity with integrated library systems.
• Experience negotiating and acquiring electronic resources.
• Demonstrated knowledge of current trends in scholarly communication and content management.
• Excellent organizational, analytical and problem-solving skills with excellent attention to detail and a high level of accuracy.
• Ability to work both independently and in collaborative and cooperative situations.
• Commitment to professional development and service.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to prioritize, meet deadlines, and set goals and time frames for work to be accomplished.
• Technology skills and experience appropriate for the position.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with diverse colleagues, faculty, and students.
• Ability to successfully complete a background check.

Preferred Qualifications:
• Experience with Integrated Library System acquisitions and electronic resource management modules.
• Experience with academic library liaison services, reference services, and library instruction.
• Knowledge of the principles, standards, and technological framework for digital preservation of library collections.
• Familiarity with European languages as well as bibliographic and trade terms in other languages, and with bibliographies in all forms and languages.

The Environment:
Located in one of the most livable cities in the United States, Portland State University is a nationally recognized leader in community-based learning, and is located on the tree-lined blocks of downtown Portland. The University offers its 28,000 students more than 100 undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral degrees.

Salary and Benefits:
Compensation and rank are commensurate with experience. The salary range begins at a minimum of $61,320, and includes an excellent benefits package including fully paid health care, reduced tuition rates, and a generous retirement and vacation package.

Deadlines:
Review of applicants will begin approximately July 25, 2010, and will remain open until finalists are identified.

To Apply:
Send cover letter; resume; and names, address, phone numbers, and e-mail addresses of four references to: Anne Keech, Search Coordinator, keecha@pdx.edu. Transcripts and background checks will be required for finalists. In cover letter, address how your knowledge and experiences meet qualifications. Electronic application materials are strongly preferred (Word or .pdf documents). However, materials may be mailed to:

Portland State University Library – LIBW
Post Office Box 1151
c/o Anne Keech, Search Coordinator
Portland, OR 97207-1151

Portland State University is an Affirmative Action, Equal Opportunity Institution and welcomes applications from diverse candidates and candidates who support diversity.