Assistant Professor of Practice – Collection Development Librarian - #002825

Western Carolina University; Cullowhee (NC); On-site; USD 50,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

Western Carolina University is seeking an Assistant Professor of Practice – Collection Development Librarian (12‑month fixed‑term, eligible for reappointment) to lead collection workflows on-site in Cullowhee, NC. This role coordinates with library units to manage physical and electronic collections, and supports data‑driven decision making.

The position emphasizes collaboration with subject librarians, budget alignment, and implementation of systems like Leganto to enhance teaching and learning

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Library Science from an ALA‑accredited program.
• Minimum of two years in professional academic library settings or related fields.

Responsibilities

• Lead library-wide workflows for collection selection, deselection, and maintenance.
• Coordinate ordering and renewal aligned with budget priorities.
• Collaborate with Access Services on resource sharing and collection maintenance.
• Work with subject librarians on cooperative collection building.
• Analyze data and produce reports and visualizations for decision making.
• Lead assessment projects using Alma Analytics and Alma’s Collection Development module.
• Drive collection assessment aligned with teaching, learning, and research priorities.
• Implement Leganto in collaboration with faculty.
• Advocate for data-informed budgets and regional/consortial partnerships.
• Explore open access and OER as part of innovative collection development.

Skills

Communication

Collaboration

Project management

Data interpretation

Education

MLS (ALA-accredited)

Tools

Alma Analytics

Alma

Leganto

Library ILS/OLIS

Job description

Position Summary

Assistant Professor of Practice – Collection Development Librarian (12‑month fixed‑term, eligible for reappointment). Primary location: on‑site in Cullowhee, NC. Reports to the COMET Department Head and works closely with library units (Access Services, Research and Instruction Services, Technical Services), coordinating collections both physical and electronic. Oversees selection and deselection of materials, ordering and renewal processes, and collaborates with access services, subject librarians, and eResources Librarian to support data‑driven collection management.

Responsibilities

• Lead library‑wide workflows for collection selection, deselection, and maintenance.
• Coordinate ordering and renewal aligned with budget priorities.
• Collaborate with Access Services on resource sharing and collection maintenance.
• Work with subject librarians on cooperative collection building.
• Analyze and synthesize data, produce reports and visualizations for decision‑making.
• Lead assessment projects using Alma Analytics and Alma’s Collection Development module.
• Drive collection assessment aligned with institutional teaching, learning, and research priorities.
• Implement systems such as Leganto in collaboration with faculty.
• Advocate for data‑informed budget and foster regional and consortial partnerships.
• Explore and pilot innovative collection development approaches, including open access and OER.
• Evaluate vendor offerings, oversee donation and book sale activities, and ensure collection stewardship via data‑driven practices.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

• Excellent written and oral communication, interpersonal skills, and collaborative capability with internal and external stakeholders.
• Knowledge of current trends and practices in developing academic library collections, including demand‑driven acquisitions, evidence‑based acquisitions, coordinated collection development, and shared collections.
• Familiarity with collection assessment and evaluation across diverse formats, disciplines, and subject areas, including analysis and interpretation of usage data.
• Demonstrated project‑management skills.

Minimum Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Library Science or equivalent from an ALA‑accredited program.
• Minimum of two years working in professional positions in or related to academic libraries, academic library consortia, vendor resource teams, or other related fields.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with vendor platforms.
• Experience with Alma and Alma Analytics.
• Knowledge of current issues and trends in collection development.
• Advanced organizational, analytical, problem‑solving, communication, time‑management, and project‑management skills.
• Accurate and detail‑oriented work.
• Capacity to lead projects and provide forward‑looking vision for innovation initiatives.
• Knowledge of data analysis and visualization techniques.
• Experience with library systems and services including integrated library systems, online catalogs, indexes, and databases.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office products, especially Excel.

Position Type and Working Hours

Permanent Full‑Time. 40 hours per week. 12 months per year.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Western Carolina University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, ethnicity, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, political affiliation, or National Guard or veteran status, consistent with applicable federal, state and local laws, regulations, and policies, and the policies of the University of North Carolina. Persons with disabilities requiring accommodations in the application and interview process should call (828) 227‑7218 or email at [e-mail].