Head of Licensing and Acquisitions

Code4lib; Pittsburgh (Allegheny County); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

A university library is seeking an Acquisitions and Licensing Librarian to manage the full lifecycle of acquiring and licensing information resources. This role involves overseeing a substantial materials budget, negotiating agreements, and ensuring seamless access to e-resources. The ideal candidate will hold an M.L.S. or M.L.I.S. degree and possess strong experience in acquisitions and project management. Exceptional communication and analytical skills are essential for success in this position.

Qualifications

• Experience with acquisitions/serials, financial components of integrated library systems.
• Demonstrated skill in statistical reporting and analysis.
• Proven ability to manage personnel and projects.

Responsibilities

• Lead the full lifecycle of acquiring and licensing information resources.
• Manage a $3M+ materials budget.
• Negotiate agreements and maintain documentation of license terms.

Skills

Acquisitions/serials management

Statistical reporting

Project management

Communication skills

Service orientation

Education

M.L.S. or M.L.I.S. from an ALA-accredited institution

Tools

FOLIO ILS

COUNTER

Job description

Acquisitions and Licensing Librarian (Faculty, Non-Tenure Track) – Gumberg Library

Position Summary

Leads the full lifecycle of acquiring and licensing information resources in all formats—print and electronic (e-books, e-journals, streaming video, databases, and more). Oversees ordering, receiving, licensing, payment workflows, vendor relations, and electronic resources maintenance (including EDS and FOLIO). Additionally, leads discovery/access workflows and systems for electronic resources, and ensures seamless integration of e-resources with library systems and user access. The position reports to the Assistant University Librarian for Collections and Metadata Services.

Key Responsibilities

Budget leadership: Manage a $3M+ materials budget, including endowment funds; prepare projections and mid-year/annual analyses.

E-resources lifecycle & access: Oversee renewals and payments; track pricing, title/format changes, service levels, and total cost of ownership. Configure and maintain proxy/stanza settings, ensure IP/single-sign-on (SSO) access, monitor usage data, and troubleshoot access issues.

Licensing & compliance: Negotiate and route agreements in collaboration with Procurement, CTS, and the Office of General Counsel. Maintain documentation of license terms, renewal schedules, and vendor contacts.

Team supervision: Direct daily acquisitions operations; supervise, mentor, and evaluate two full-time staff.

Reporting & analytics: Compile, assess, and present statistical, financial, and evaluative reports; produce 5-year expenditure reports by department/subject as needed. Use usage and turn-away data for electronic resources to inform cancellations and acquisitions.

Vendor strategy: Maintain strong vendor relationships, negotiate contracts, assess new products/services; monitor vendor performance and new access models.

System & metadata oversight: Ensure e-resources are discoverable via library discovery tools (EDS, FOLIO, etc.), oversee metadata loading, holdings accuracy, and integrations (link resolvers, OpenURL, SUSHI/COUNTER). Develop documentation and workflows for e-resources management.

Professional & trend engagement: Monitor emerging trends in acquisitions, licensing, electronic resource management, and technical services; contribute to professional literature and organizations; ensure awareness of accessibility and evolving library systems.

Teaching: Teach section(s) of the BRDG-100 Research & Information Skills class.

Service & governance: Serve on library, university, and external committees and working groups.

Growth & promotion: Pursue ongoing professional development and service consistent with library promotion criteria.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

M.L.S. or M.L.I.S. from an ALA-accredited institution.

Experience with acquisitions/serials, financial components of integrated library systems, and electronic resource lifecycle management.

Demonstrated skill in statistical reporting and analysis.

Proven ability to manage personnel and projects; excellent oral and written communication.

Strong service orientation; ability to prioritize, meet deadlines, work both independently and collaboratively in a complex, service-focused environment.

Demonstrated knowledge of e-resources access technologies (e.g., proxy systems, link resolvers, knowledge bases) and metadata workflows.

Preferred Qualifications

Substantial professional experience in academic library acquisitions/serials, and e-resources management workflows.

Significant budget management experience and successful supervisory record.

Working knowledge of FOLIO ILS or equivalent ILS/ERMS; experience with usage data (COUNTER), OpenURL/Z39.50, SSO/IP access, and e-resource discovery platforms.

Familiarity with accessibility standards for electronic resources, and experience integrating e-resources into discovery tools.

Alternately, the applicants may possess any equivalent combination of experience and training, which provides the knowledge, skills, and abilities required to perform the essential job functions.

Application Instructions

Applicants are asked to submit a cover letter, resume/CV, and contact information for a minimum of three professional references.

Duquesne University was founded in 1878 by its sponsoring religious community, the Congregation of the Holy Spirit. Duquesne University is Catholic in mission and ecumenical in spirit. Motivated by its Catholic identity, Duquesne values equality of opportunity both as an educational institution and as an employer.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with the University Community.

Ability and willingness to contribute actively to the Mission of the University and to respect the Spiritan Catholic identity of Duquesne University. The Mission is implemented through a commitment to academic excellence, a spirit of service, moral and spiritual values, sensitivity to world concerns, and an ecumenical campus community.

How to apply

https://apply.interfolio.com/181509