Head, Orders and Continuing Resources at Columbia University Libraries

METRO | 599; New York (NY); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

METRO | 599 in New York, NY is seeking a Head, Orders and Continuing Resources. This role involves overseeing the full lifecycle of library acquisitions for print and audio-visual materials, managing staff, and ensuring operational efficiency. The ideal candidate will have a Master’s degree in Library Science and experience with library acquisitions and vendor management. The position offers opportunities for professional engagement and development in a dynamic environment.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience with spreadsheets and databases.
• Knowledge of publishing and acquisitions concepts.
• Working knowledge of one European language.
• Basic accounting skills.

Responsibilities

• Manage and coordinate daily operations of Order and Continuing Resources Units.
• Supervise staff and train on new procedures.
• Lead hiring and performance evaluations.
• Collaborate with teams to improve operational effectiveness.
• Participate in library committees and professional development.

Skills

Library Science

Microsoft Office

Google Workspace

Accounting

Vendor management

Supervisory skills

Education

Master’s degree in Library Science (MLS)

Job description

The Collections Acquisition & Metadata Services Division (CAMS) is eager to recruit a new Head, Orders and Continuing Resources.

Reporting to the Assistant Director, CAMS, the Head, Orders and Continuing Resources will oversee the full lifecycle of library acquisitions for print and audio-visual materials across general and East Asian collections, course reserves, and patron requests. The Head will also oversee library-wide serials acquisitions functions by coordinating with internal teams and suppliers on ordering, payment, check-in, renewals, and cancellations for serials and standing orders. Additionally, they will administer market purchases for special collections.

Key responsibilities include:

Library Acquisitions & Order Management

• Manage and coordinate daily operations of Order and Continuing Resources Units, including ordering, receiving, payments, claims, cancellations, refunds, and invoice approvals
• Oversee vendor communication and resolve issues related to orders, payments, and P-card reconciliation
• Direct pre-order searching, bibliographic record matching, vendor assignment, and order processing to ensure accuracy and prevent duplication
• Support fiscal year activities, including budget encumbrance, approvals, and reconciliation of order and payment reports
• Assist in all phases of the print acquisitions lifecycle, including approval plan processing and bibliographic record updates. Serve as lead for day-to-day print acquisitions operations in the absence of the Assistant Director

Supervisory & Operational Responsibilities

• Supervise 1 Supervisor and 6 unionized support staff members. Train staff on new and evolving procedures to ensure compliance and efficiency. Assign and review staff work to maintain quality, consistency, and adherence to policies
• Lead hiring, interviewing, performance evaluations, scheduling, and timesheet management.
• Partner with CAMS leadership to manage logistics and improve operational effectiveness.
• Document, implement, and maintain up-to-date procedural guidelines
• Lead the annual cancellation and renewal process, including communicating deadlines and required actions to stakeholders
• Oversee print subscription management during end-of-fiscal-year (EOFY) rollover
• Collaborate with Electronic Resource Management staff to manage print and electronic resource access, licensing, and invoicing
• Partner with Library Finance and Acquisitions & Accounting Services to establish new vendors and resolve vendor-related issues

Professional Engagement & Service

• Participate in internal library committees related to acquisitions, collection development, budgeting, and technical services
• Engage in ongoing professional development, including leadership training and skill-building opportunities
• Contribute to national and international collaborations, committees, and initiatives focused on technical services and library operations

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in Library Science (MLS) or equivalent combination of education and experience
• Demonstrated experience with spreadsheets, databases, the Microsoft Office suite, and Google Workspace
• Knowledge of publishing, acquisitions and supervisory concepts
• Working knowledge of at least one European language
• Basic accounting skills

Preferred:

• Experienced accounting and financial skills
• Knowledge of bibliographic utilities, library systems and the management and receipt of vendor records
• Knowledge of the international book trade
• Familiarity with principles of office management with supervisory experience