Strategic Leader: Library Collections & Access

Pennsylvania State University; State College (Centre County); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Tuition discount

Paid time off

Retirement plans

Benefits package

Job summary

Penn State University Libraries is seeking a Head of Collection Strategies to provide strategic direction for the development, stewardship, and long‑term direction of the Libraries' research and teaching collections.

The role focuses on aligning collection development with institutional values, budget realities, and user needs, while collaborating across university partners and external stakeholders. Regular on‑site presence at University Park is required.

Qualifications

• Five or more years of professional experience in academic or research library collections, acquisitions, or a closely related area.
• Knowledge of collection development principles and trends in academic libraries; print and electronic resources.
• Experience using data and assessment methods to inform collection decisions; communicate findings for strategic planning.
• Experience in consortia or networked library environments.
• Knowledge of open access models and scholarly publishing developments, including transformative Read & Publish agreements.
• Demonstrated leadership experience, supervision, mentoring, or project management.
• Strong analytical, written, and oral communication skills with cross‑department collaboration.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership for collection development and build sustainable collection strategies.
• Lead and mentor the Collection Strategies Department staff and faculty.
• Shape collection budget strategy, analyze usage trends, and guide equitable fund allocation.
• Lead vendor and publisher negotiations and assess transformative licensing frameworks.
• Represent PSUL in national groups (e.g., BTAA) for shared collection projects.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Written communication

Oral communication

Leadership

Collaboration

Education

Master's in library and information science

Job description

Penn State University Libraries is seeking a Head of Collection Strategies to provide strategic direction for the development, stewardship, and long‑term direction of the Libraries' research and teaching collections.

The role focuses on aligning collection development with institutional values, budget realities, and user needs, while collaborating across university partners and external stakeholders. Regular on‑site presence at University Park is required.