Human Resources

Job Description Summary

The Collections Strategist Librarian serves in a dynamic role responsible for the development, management, and assessment of the library's collections. This position is crucial in supporting the university's teaching, learning, and research activities. Reporting to the Library Director, the Collections Strategist Librarian will collaborate with library units, faculty, and other stakeholders to ensure that the library's collections are relevant, diverse, and accessible. The ideal candidate will embrace the constant transformation of the library environment, seizing opportunities for professional development and growth to stay at the forefront of the field.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities (other duties may be assigned)

• Develop and implement collection strategies that support the university's academic programs and research initiatives
• Review and update the library’s collection development policy
• Analyze a materials budget of over $3 million to create and maintain budget strategies for the general collection and ensure alignment with university priorities
• Collaborate with RADS, Archives, and other library units in matters related to collection development and management
• Collaborate with RADS and the Renewals Team on regular subscription audits, analysis of usage data, user feedback, and other inputs to optimize resource allocations
• Serve as a contact for vendors and collaborate with stakeholders to negotiate and review resource contracts
• Identify and evaluate emerging trends in collection development to ensure the library remains responsive to user needs
• Participate in the library's efforts to advocate for open access and other initiatives that promote equitable access to information
• Coordinate the Gifts-in-Kind donation process and evaluate materials for inclusion in the library collection
• Engage with consortium partners to advance strategic collections activities, including creating, evaluating, and responding to proposals for consortia purchases of resources
• Lead the library’s faculty liaison program, which fosters connections with faculty, researchers, and other stakeholders regarding the library's collections and services
• Serve as the library’s Federal Depository Library coordinator
• Create a thorough and intentional strategy to foster diversity, equity, and inclusion in the collection, with well-defined collection metrics to assess effectiveness
• Keep up to date with the most current methods and technologies regarding collection management, preservation, and accessibility
• Participate in research and reference support and instruction
• Comply with the ALA Code of Professional Conduct and support the library's confidentiality of information and data requirements
• Understand and uphold the CARE Library Service Standards, a culture of respect and service within and from the library, across campus, and our community
• Commit to learning about continuous improvement strategies and applying them to everyday work. Actively engage in University continuous improvement initiatives.
• Apply safety-related knowledge, skills, and practices to everyday work.

Required Education, Certifications, Licensures (minimum requirements)

• ALA-accredited master’s degree or an international equivalent or combination of relevant experience and advanced degree

Required Experience (minimum requirements)

• At least 2 years of experience in an academic or research library or equivalent in a collections capacity
• Demonstrated experience building collections and collection development policies in a research library or equivalent, providing collection assessments, and managing collection budgets
  
  

Desirable Education and/or Experience

• Experience with an integrated library system (ILS), preferably Alma and Primo
• Demonstrated experience with collection analysis
• Demonstrated experience using collection analysis tools and effectively interpreting analysis results to propose modified collection strategies
• Demonstrated experience providing reference and instruction services
• Demonstrated experience in managing complex collections projects with multiple stakeholders
  
  

Required Knowledge, Skills, and/or Abilities (minimum requirements)

• Knowledge of best practices, current trends, and issues in collections management
• Strong commitment to service and an ability to effectively communicate with library colleagues, faculty, and other stakeholders about collection management topics
• Organization, analytical, and problem-solving skills
• Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion with a desire to develop and steward diverse and inclusive collections

Desirable Knowledge, Skills, and/or Abilities

• Project planning experience
• Demonstrated success in, or potential future contributions to, working with persons from diverse backgrounds, creating a sense of belonging, and fostering a fair, objective, welcoming place to work for persons with a wide variety of personal characteristics and viewpoints
• Demonstrated commitment to contribute to a safe work environment

Work Environment and/or Physical Demands

• The Collections Strategist Librarian typically works in a library setting with low to moderate noise levels. The work environment is generally well-lit and climate- controlled, with extended periods spent in an office or at a computer workstation. Work will also take place in library stacks, processing areas, public service desks, and classrooms. The position requires a high level of interaction with other library staff, faculty, students, and vendors.
• The Collections Strategist Librarian must be able to sit or stand for extended periods while performing desk work or attending meetings
• The position may require occasional lifting, bending, pushing, pulling, and carrying of library materials, such as books, journals, or packages (up to 30 pounds)
• Manual dexterity and visual acuity are necessary for operating computer systems and handling library materials
• The ability to communicate effectively in person, over the phone, and via email is crucial to this role

Required Training and Other Conditions of Employment

Every employee at Michigan Technological University will receive the following 4 required trainings; additional training may be required by the department.

Required University Training:

• Employee Safety Overview

• Anti-Harassment, Discrimination, Retaliation Training

• Annual Data Security Training 

• Annual Title IX Training

Background Check:

Offers of employment are contingent upon and not considered finalized until the required background check has been performed and the results received and assessed.

Other Conditions of Employment:

Please note that successful applicants are responsible for ensuring their eligibility to work in the United States (i.e. a citizen or national of the United States, a lawful permanent resident, a foreign national authorized to work in the United States without the need of an employer sponsorship) on or before the effective date of your appointment, and maintain eligibility without sponsorship throughout your appointment.

Michigan Technological University is an Equal Opportunity Educational Institution/Equal Opportunity Employer that provides equal opportunity for all, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities

1.0

FLSA Status

Exempt

Pay Rate/Salary

No Less than $65,000

Title of Position Supervisor

Library Director

Posting Type

Dependent on Funding