Head of Health Sciences Collections, University Libraries

State University of New York at Buffalo; New York (NY); On-site; USD 110,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

The University at Buffalo Libraries seeks a visionary Head of Health Sciences Collections to lead collection development and assessment for health sciences resources, with emphasis on electronic formats. You will guide policy, collaborate with HSLS and Discovery Services, and steward budgets and vendor relationships to support faculty, staff, and students.

You will play a pivotal role in advancing research, teaching, and learning across UB’s five Health Sciences Schools while contributing to

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in library and information science from an ALA-accredited program.
• Ability to use independent judgment and data-driven decision making in managing collections.
• Familiarity with scholarly medical and clinical resources (databases, e-journals, e-books).
• Ability to work independently and balance priorities in a dynamic environment.
• Excellent communication skills tailored to diverse audiences.
• Diversity, equity, and inclusion commitment in a learning environment.
• Authorized to work in the United States by start date.

Responsibilities

• Collaborates to assess the Health Sciences Collection for development and accreditation needs.
• Monitors growth and development of the HSLS collection across formats.
• Caches material selection to advance research, teaching and learning in Health Sciences Schools.
• Manages funds, including tracking purchasing and vendor communications.

Skills

Independent judgment

Communication skills

Diversity, equity, inclusion

Independent work

Education

Master’s degree in library and information science

Tools

Job description

Head of Health Sciences Collections, University Libraries

Position Title Head of Health Sciences Collections, University Libraries

The University at Buffalo (UB) Libraries seek a creative, collaborative, and self-motivated individual to serve as the Head of Health Sciences Collections. The successful candidate will manage the selection, collection development, and review of information resources in all formats with a particular focus on electronic resources, in the subjects of the five Health Sciences Schools.

The candidate will also play a key role in developing and refining the library’s health sciences resources to support faculty, staff, and student needs. This position requires independent judgment and data-driven decision making in managing and assessing the Health Sciences Collection. The individual will be an important part of the Health Sciences Library Services ( HSLS ) team and will also work closely with the Discovery Services Unit.

Primary duties will include:

• Collaborates with fellow HSLS team members to assess the Health Sciences Collection for collection development, deselection, and accreditation needs.
• Monitors overall growth and development of the HSLS collection.
• Systematically selects material in all formats (print, digital, data sets, fixed and streaming multimedia, etc.) to advance research, teaching, and learning in the five Health Sciences Schools.
• Carries out strategy, planning, problem-solving, and coordination of collections policies.
• Consults and collaborates proactively with the Discovery Services department and others across the Libraries.
• Manages funds allocated to the Health Sciences Collections area, including tracking purchasing.
• Coordinates vendor and publisher relationships and communications for all health sciences resources, including trials, renewals, platform changes, and negotiations.
• Serves as HSLS’s representative on Collections Committees and collaborates on university-wide collection development guidelines and procedures.
• Demonstrates commitment to continued professional growth and active participation in professional activities and service.

The Head of Health Sciences Collections will report to the Head of Health Sciences Library Services and will work with librarians and staff across the University Libraries.

The University Libraries is a welcoming multicultural environment that serves an increasingly diverse constituency of patrons. Our employees, services, collections, and policies honor and reflect this diversity, and we invite individuals whose perspectives and experiences will enrich and strengthen our organization to apply.

Learn more:

• Our benefits , where we prioritize your well-being and success to enhance every aspect of your life.

University at Buffalo is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer and, in keeping with our commitment, welcomes all to apply including veterans and individuals with disabilities.

Minimum Qualifications

• Master’s degree in library and information science from an ALA -accredited institution and one year of relevant experience. A combination of education and experience may be considered in lieu of the education requirement.
• Ability to use independent judgment and data-driven decision making in managing and assessing the Health Sciences Collection.
• Familiarity with scholarly medical and clinical resources, including databases, e‑journals and e‑books.
• Ability to work independently, balance tasks efficiently, and manage priorities without day-to-day supervision in a rapidly changing environment.
• Excellent communication skills ability to tailor communications based on the audience.
• Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion with the ability to support and enhance a diverse learning and working environment.
• Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States by their start date. The University at Buffalo does not guarantee that it will sponsor, support, or otherwise assist with obtaining work authorization.

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced knowledge of resource management, acquisitions, and collection assessment.
• Experience working in an academic library, health sciences library, special library, or with the health sciences research community.
• Familiarity