Collection Development & Acquisitions Librarian

Worcester Polytech; Worcester (MA); On-site; USD 62,500 - 93,700; Full time

Job summary

Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) seeks an experienced librarian to lead collections development. The role manages assessment, selection, deselection, and licensing of digital and print resources to support learning, teaching, and research.

Collaborate with the library’s Research and Instruction team, analyze usage data, monitor budgets, negotiate licensing, and participate in open access initiatives. A Master’s in Library Science and 2–5 years in academic libraries are preferred.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Library and Information Science or equivalent graduate degree in library and information studies
• 2–5 years of experience in library collection development
• Experience in an academic library and with print and electronic resources
• Familiarity with online ILS, preferably FOLIO ILS

Responsibilities

• Manage collections assessment and development
• Analyze institutional data, usage statistics, interlibrary loan data, and other metrics
• Monitor pricing and usage of ejournal packages and databases
• Oversee collection management and acquisitions procedures and activities
• Negotiate pricing and licensing terms for library e-resources
• Collaborate with the Library Research and Instruction team to support the community

Skills

Collection development

Data analysis

Vendor negotiation

Licensing management

Collaboration

Project management

Communication

Education

Master's degree in Library and Information Science

Tools

FOLIO ILS

Library procurement software

Job description

LOCATIONWorcesterDEPARTMENT NAMEScholarly Communication & Open StrategiesDIVISION NAMEWorcester Polytechnic Institute - WPIJOB DESCRIPTION SUMMARYWorking collaboratively with colleagues across all library departments, manages the assessment, selection and deselection, and licensing of digital and print resources by formulating, articulating, and managing policies and procedures to develop, shape, and balance the Library's collections to support learning, teaching, and research.JOB DESCRIPTIONManage collections assessment and developmentAnalyze institutional data, bibliographic data, usage statistics, interlibrary loan data, and other metricsUtilize collection development and assessment tools, such as Greenglass, Gold Rush, etc.Establish and monitor title selection plans, such as PDA (Patron Driven Acquisitions), DDA (Demand-Driven Acquisitions), etc.Monitor pricing and usage of ejournal packages and databasesRespond to requests for information resources made by faculty, students, and staffOversee collection management and acquisitions procedures and activitiesImplement and utilize title selection and acquisition tools and softwareSelect and deselect information resources for the general collection, based on current and proposed academic curricula and discipline needs and practicesManage and participate in the library's resource acquisitions workflow, including ordering and receiving items and processing invoicesDocument and train others as needed in use of vendor and library systems to acquire or deselect information resourcesParticipate in shared print initiatives (e.g. EAST)Collaborate with library Research and Instruction team and other library colleagues regularly to ensure the WPI community is receiving an appropriate level of support for their academic workMeet regularly to discuss the library resource needs of faculty, students, and other library usersParticipate in gathering and analyzing community feedback from surveys, interviews, and focus groupsDevelop planning and budgetary recommendations for the library's collectionsAllocate and expend the budget in the library management systemMonitor and ensure efficient expenditure of the budget in consultation with the University Librarian, Associate Library Director, and othersNegotiate pricing and licensing terms for library e-resourcesIn collaboration with the Associate Director, maintain working relationships with library vendors, publishers, and consortia to obtain the best possible pricing and terms of useAdminister digital licensing procedures and renewals in the library management systemCoordinate electronic resource trialsMonitor trends in the broader library resources community and scholarly publishing sphereAdminister the Library's gift in kind program for materialsIdentify and pursue potential gift opportunitiesSelect donations for the collection and send unwanted donations to appropriate vendors or organizations for resale, archiving, or recyclingRefer archival and special collections gift and donation offers to the University ArchivistSupport institutional compliance with accreditation and external agenciesProvide data for reports and analyses related to collections development and maintenance as required by university offices and external agencies, including ACRL (Association of College & Research Libraries) and accreditation bodiesParticipate in Library, professional, and community engagementParticipate in providing direct services to library users and customers, or providing informed referralsParticipate in collaborative library programs and activities including outreach events, strategic and annual planning, and collaborations with university community offices and student groupsParticipate in and contribute to WPI committees, initiatives, and goals contributing to WPI and library strategic initiativesEngage in and contribute to the profession through continuing learning, service, research, presentations, or professional communicationsPerforms all other duties and responsibilities as assigned or directed by the supervisor.Qualifications:Master's degree in Library and Information Science or equivalent graduate degree in library and information studiesMinimum of two to five years of experience in library collection developmentThree to five years of professional experience in an academic libraryKnowledge of current issues and trends in library collections development, information delivery and access, electronic and digital resources, and related copyright and licensing issuesFamiliarity with current print and electronic acquisitions trends, as well as academic library metadata practicesDemonstrated operational experience with an online integrated library system (ILS), preferably experience or marked familiarity with FOLIO ILSDemonstrated excellent collaboration and communication skills, including written and oral communicationsEvidence of strong skills in decision making, problem solving, independent action, analytical and critical thinking, project/program or service management, and general office technical skillsPreferred qualifications and experience:Familiarity with research and teaching in the STEM fields through education or prior work experienceFamiliarity with open access publishing modelsSalary Grade 7: $62,500 – $78,100 – $93,700 (full range); expected hiring range $73,000 – $78,000 (depending on experience)Salary is based on related experience, expertise, and internal equity; generally, new hires can expect pay between the minimum and midpoint of the range.Compensation at WPIFLSA STATUSUnited States of America (Exempt)WPI is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, or disability. It seeks individuals from all backgrounds and experiences who will contribute to a culture of creativity, collaboration, inclusion, problem solving, innovation, high performance, and change making. It is committed to maintaining a campus environment free of harassment and discrimination.