Head, Collection Strategies — Strategic Library Leader

Penn State University; Ferguson Township (PA); On-site; USD 95,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

75% tuition discount

Benefits package

Job summary

Penn State University Libraries in University Park, PA, seeks a forward‑looking Head of Collection Strategies. This tenure‑line role provides strategic direction for development, stewardship, assessment, and long‑term direction of the Libraries’ research and teaching collections, aligning with institutional priorities and user needs.

The position requires on-site presence, leadership of the Collection Strategies Department, and collaboration with university partners to advance budget planning,

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in library and information science from an ALA-accredited program or equivalent.
• Five+ years of professional experience in academic or research library collections, acquisitions, or related area.
• Strong knowledge of collection development, open access models, and transformative licensing.
• Experience with data-informed decision making and cross-departmental collaboration.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership for collection development and budget planning.
• Supervise and mentor Collection Strategies staff across sub-units.
• Lead negotiations with vendors and publishers and oversee licensing frameworks.
• Represent PSUL in professional associations and contribute to scholarly activity.

Skills

Leadership

Data analysis

Budgeting

Negotiations

Open access / scholarly publishing

Education

MLS / MSLS from an ALA-accredited program

Job description

Penn State University Libraries in University Park, PA, seeks a forward‑looking Head of Collection Strategies. This tenure‑line role provides strategic direction for development, stewardship, assessment, and long‑term direction of the Libraries’ research and teaching collections, aligning with institutional priorities and user needs.

The position requires on-site presence, leadership of the Collection Strategies Department, and collaboration with university partners to advance budget planning,