Collection Development and Electronic Resources Librarian

WPU The William Paterson University of New Jersey; Wayne (NJ); On-site; USD 69,373 - 79,782; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Retirement plans

Job summary

William Paterson University seeks an experienced librarian to lead collection development, licensing, and user education. You will collaborate with library staff and IT to ensure access to materials and data-driven decisions for subscriptions and renewals.

The role requires an MLS/MLIS (ALA-accredited), strong knowledge of electronic resources, and the ability to manage budgets and vendor relations. On-site position with ongoing professional development and service on committees.

Qualifications

• A master's degree in Library and Information Science (by the time of appointment) — ALA-accredited.
• Second master's degree required by the time of application for tenure.
• Knowledge of collection development policies, practices, and standards.
• Familiarity with electronic resources, licensing, and vendor management.
• Ability to evaluate information resources and assess their relevance and quality.
• Proficiency in using library systems and software.

Responsibilities

• Understand users' information needs through surveys, feedback, and usage data.
• Identify, select, and purchase materials from print and electronic environments.
• Manage collection development funds effectively.
• Regularly evaluate the collection to identify gaps and needs.
• Coordinate weeding to remove outdated materials.
• Negotiate and manage licenses for electronic resources.
• Work with vendors to ensure access and resolve issues.
• Analyze usage statistics to guide subscriptions and renewals.
• Collaborate with IT staff to ensure accessibility of resources.
• Educate users on accessing and using electronic resources.
• Provide course-related instruction and workshops as part of User Education.
• Develop instructional materials (LibGuides, tutorials) to aid information seeking.
• Work with librarians and staff to maintain the collection.
• Stay updated on technologies and best practices in collection development.

Skills

Collection development

Vendor relations

Usage analytics

Negotiation

Instructional support

Team collaboration

Education

MLS/MLIS (ALA-accredited)

Tools

Library Systems

Licensing platforms

Job description

Principal Responsibilities

• Understanding the information needs of the library's users through surveys, feedback, and analysis of usage data to ensure collection development activities are consistent with the library's mission and user needs.
• Identifying, selecting, and purchasing materials, including print and electronic resources from proprietary as well as open‑source environments.
• Managing collection development funds effectively.
• Regularly evaluating the collection to identify gaps and needs and ensuring the collection and accessible materials remain relevant and useful.
• Coordinating the library's weeding activities to ensure removal of outdated/irrelevant materials from the collection on a regular basis.
• Negotiating and managing licenses for electronic resources.
• Working with vendors to ensure access to electronic resources and addressing any emerging issues.
• Analyzing usage statistics to assess the value of electronic resources and make informed decisions about subscriptions and renewals.
• Working with IT staff and library systems personnel to ensure that electronic resources are accessible and functional.
• Educating users on how to access and use electronic resources.
• Participating in the Library User Education Program by providing course-related instruction, orientations, demonstrations, and workshops.
• Developing and maintaining instructional materials in print and digital formats—including LibGuides, tutorials, and other learning objects to assist patrons in developing information‑seeking skills.
• Working with other librarians and library staff to develop and maintain the collection.
• Staying up to date on new technologies, trends, and best practices in collection development and electronic resources management.
• Participating in the general Reference Desk coverage rotation on weekdays and weekends.
• Participating in the Library’s Liaison Program with assignment to given departments as liaison and content selector.
• Providing training to library staff on use of newly acquired or accessible resources and platforms.
• Serving on Library, University, regional and national committees as appropriate.
• Performing other duties as assigned and appropriate for the position.

Minimum Qualifications

• A master’s degree in the field of Library and Information Science (by the time of appointment) — American Library Association (ALA) accredited.
• Second master’s degree required by the time of application for tenure.
• Knowledge of collection development policies, practices, and standards.
• Familiarity with electronic resources, licensing, and vendor management.
• Ability to evaluate information resources and assess their relevance and quality.
• Proficiency in using library systems and software.

Preferred Qualifications

• Second master’s degree preferred at the time of appointment.

Personal Attributes and Traits

• Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills, with the ability to effectively engage and communicate with diverse university communities and external audiences.
• Demonstrated ability to prioritize work, set reasonable and attainable milestones, and stay on a timeline to achieve agreed‑upon goals.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and sustain relationships with diverse groups, including work colleagues, external clients, prospective students, employer representatives, and community members.
• Ability to stay motivated and effective when working independently.
• Evidence of working effectively in teams.

Salary and Benefits

Starting salary–AFT Range22:$69,373.45–$79,781.83. This position may be eligible for a comprehensive benefits package that includes health and dental insurance and retirement plans.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

William Paterson University is dedicated to providing equal opportunities and equal access to all individuals regardless of race or ethnicity, sex/gender (including pregnancy), gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, civil union status, familial status, religion, national origin or citizenship, military service status, or any other category protected by law. William Paterson University does not discriminate on the basis of any category stated above or as prohibited by applicable law. Individuals from historically underrepresented backgrounds are encouraged to apply.