Director of Library Technical Services and Collection Development Librarian, Sam Houston State [...]

Digital Library Federation; Huntsville (TX); On-site; USD 75,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Sam Houston State University seeks a Director of Library Technical Services and Collection Development Librarian. This tenure-track position requires leadership in managing library collections and technical services with a focus on innovation, collaboration, and accessibility. The ideal candidate will hold an ALA-accredited master’s degree and have substantial experience in library services.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Relocation assistance

Comprehensive benefits

Flexible work environment

Qualifications

• Minimum of three years of library leadership experience required.
• Strong background in collection management and technical services.
• Ability to manage budgets and supervise staff effectively.

Responsibilities

• Oversee acquisitions, cataloging, and leadership of technical services.
• Manage departmental staff and maintain efficient operations.
• Lead initiatives for open access resources and Open Educational Resources.

Skills

Leadership

Collection Development

Technical Services

Collaboration

Project Management

Education

ALA-accredited master’s degree

Job description

Sam Houston State University (SHSU) and the Newton Gresham Library (NGL) are seeking a highly skilled, collaborative, and strategic leader for the dual role of Director of Library Technical Services and Collection Development Librarian. This position is essential for shaping and managing the library's collections and technical services, including acquisitions, cataloging, and systems administration.

The successful candidate will ensure effective acquisition, organization, and accessibility of library resources, while leading initiatives to enhance technology systems and services. This role requires expertise in collection development, management of technical services, and strong leadership skills to foster innovation in library operations.

This is a tenure-track faculty position, which includes librarianship, professional service, scholarship, and an administrative stipend for the Director of Library Technical Services. A competitive salary and relocation assistance are available.

SHSU offers a rewarding career with comprehensive benefits, competitive salaries, and a flexible work environment promoting work-life balance. The university is located in Huntsville, Texas, serving over 22,000 students, situated along the Interstate 45 corridor between Houston and Dallas, in the scenic "piney woods" near outdoor recreation areas.

Responsibilities of the Position

Administrative

The Director will oversee six tenured and tenure-track librarians and 14 professional staff in areas including acquisitions, cataloging, collection development, digital initiatives, preservation, special collections, systems, and web services. Responsibilities include:

• Maintaining departmental efficiency and establishing standards and priorities.
• Developing and implementing policies and procedures for technical services and collection development.
• Serving as Department chair in the Department of Library Technical Services.
• Participating in university meetings and supporting faculty in promotion and tenure reviews.
• Leading departmental meetings and overseeing staff evaluations.
• Managing budgets (~$4.7 million) and coordinating efforts to ensure collections are discoverable and accessible.
• Collaborating with various librarians to set goals and strategies for library systems, acquisitions, cataloging, digital initiatives, and special collections.
• Representing library leadership on campus committees as needed.

Collection Development

The Librarian will:

• Manage development of collections and resources, including electronic and digital collections.
• Work with academic departments to meet student and faculty needs.
• Serve as a representative on the University Curriculum Committee.
• Lead collection management projects and oversee budget planning.
• Analyze usage statistics and manage open access resources.
• Promote Open Educational Resources (OER) and participate in library instruction and professional activities.

Required Qualifications: ALA-accredited master’s degree and at least three years of library leadership experience.

Preferred Qualifications: A record suitable for initial tenure at the rank of Associate or Full Professor.

Application Deadline: July 18, 2025.

Interested parties should email a CV and a 2-page cover letter to [e-mail]. The cover letter should address why you are interested, your qualifications, and your vision for the units under your leadership.

SHSU is an Equal Opportunity Employer and Smoke/Drug-Free Workplace. All qualified applicants will be considered without regard to various protected statuses. Background checks are required for security-sensitive positions.