Strategic Library Collection Leader

Harvard University; Massachusetts; Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

Harvard University’s Harvard Law School Library seeks a Manager for Collection Development & Resource Strategy to lead the library’s collection development program and align resources with strategic priorities. You will oversee budgeting, licensing, policy implementation, and cross-unit collaboration.

You will supervise senior librarians, negotiate licenses, and partner with Harvard Library central offices to advance scholarly resources that support faculty research and teaching across

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Library/Information Science from an ALA-accredited program or equivalent; 4+ years of professional experience in an academic/research environment, preferably law library; supervisory experience.
• Familiarity with Ex Libris Alma and Alma Analytics is a plus.
• Experience with collection development activities, including selection, resource evaluation, and budget-related decisions.
• Experience using data, assessment tools, or financial information to inform decision-making.
• Familiarity with legal electronic resource platforms, access models, and licensing concepts.
• Experience coordinating workflows or collaborating across departments or institutions.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and communication skills.
• Ability to build productive working relationships and navigate differing perspectives.
• Reading knowledge of one or more foreign languages relevant to legal/academic collections.

Responsibilities

• Manage the collections budget in alignment with strategic priorities; forecast expenditures and allocate resources.
• Conduct data-informed analysis to support renewal, cancellation, acquisition, and format decisions.
• Develop financial models and budget projections for long-term collection sustainability.
• Select materials in U.S. law and other jurisdictions to support faculty research and curricular priorities.
• Lead assessment of print and digital collections to inform strategic planning.
• Develop and refine collection development policies, procedures, and workflows for consistency.
• Collaborate with Harvard Library central offices and peer institutions on collection development priorities.
• Supervise the Foreign, Comparative & International Collection Development Librarian and the Collection Development Coordinator.
• Negotiate license agreements for electronic resources to secure favorable terms.
• Manage relationships with publishers, vendors, and consortia to support collection priorities.

Skills

Analytical skills

Organizational skills

Communication skills

Relationship building

Foreign language reading knowledge

Education

Master’s degree in Library/Information Science

Tools

Ex Libris Alma

Alma Analytics

Job description

Harvard University’s Harvard Law School Library seeks a Manager for Collection Development & Resource Strategy to lead the library’s collection development program and align resources with strategic priorities. You will oversee budgeting, licensing, policy implementation, and cross-unit collaboration.

You will supervise senior librarians, negotiate licenses, and partner with Harvard Library central offices to advance scholarly resources that support faculty research and teaching across