[LIBJOBS] Princeton, NJ / USA / Head of Acquisitions Services

Head of Acquisitions Services

Library Technical Services

 

Princeton University Library is one of the world’s leading research libraries. It employs a dedicated and knowledgeable staff of more than 300 professional and support staff working in a large central library, 9 specialized branches, and 3 storage facilities. Through a combination of exemplar services and world-renowned collections the Library supports a diverse community of 5,200 undergraduates, 2,700 graduate students, 1,200 faculty members, and many visiting scholars. Its holdings include more than 10 million printed volumes, 5 million manuscripts, 2 million non-print items, and extensive collections of digital text, data, and images. Further information:  http://library.princeton.edu/.

 

Major Responsibilities: The Head of Acquisitions Services leads and conducts all resource acquisitions operations for the Princeton University Library. This position is part of a highly committed team whose mission is to maximize the Library’s support for the teaching and research programs of Princeton University. The position holder develops innovative strategies and work methodologies for obtaining and processing new print and digital resources and content, and to promote and foster partnerships with colleagues in complementary roles advancing resource acquisition, both in Technical Services and in parallel Library departments responsible for collection development. This position has oversight responsibility for disbursement of the Library’s $30 million acquisitions budget, working closely with the AUL for Collection Development and the Director of Library Finance and Administration on budget administration and analysis. The Head of Acquisitions Services oversees a work unit of 30 staff employing classic and state-of-the-art large research library acquisition methods. The position holder continuously evaluates work methods and workflows in light of new supporting services, financial opportunities and technological advancements, improving existing operations and purchasing relationships through the application of creative strategies and solutions for positive change. The position holder also initiates, negotiates and maintains relations with booksellers, subscription agents and content providers, and evaluates their performance. This position is a key member of the Technical Services Steering Committee, which collectively manages the full spectrum of access to the Library’s resources from purchase through to delivery.

Essential Qualifications: MLS from an ALA-accredited institution, or, an advanced degree in another field coupled with professional business experience relevant to library acquisitions in publishing or the information services industry. Five years pertinent professional experience in an academic or research library, or in a business capacity strongly relevant to library acquisitions management. Three years of supervisory and management experience at a level and of a quality which would demonstrate the capability or the promise to successfully lead and supervise a large diverse staff and business operations comparable to those for which the position in question is responsible. Experience with library management systems, financial control systems, purchasing procedures and budget analysis. Experience which demonstrates: a strong knowledge of the library book trade and successful management of library-book vendor relationships, a strong service orientation, a collaborative working style, strong leadership skills, the capability to develop innovative solutions and to do effective planning. Participation in relevant national forums.

Preferred Qualifications: Experience with electronic resource licensing and/or collection development. Experience which demonstrates skill in the use of business analytics to drive relevant planning, a commitment to staff development and facility with foreign languages.

The successful candidate will be appointed to an appropriate Librarian rank depending upon qualifications and experience. Applications will be accepted only from the Jobs at Princeton website: http://www.princeton.edu/jobs and must include a resume, cover letter, and a list of three references with full contact information. This position is subject to the University's background check policy. Princeton University is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.