Lead Librarian for Acquisitions

Job Description

The Syracuse University Libraries invites applications for the Lead Librarian for Acquisitions. Under the direction the Head of Acquisitions and Cataloging the Lead Librarian is responsible for the acquisitions of all materials purchased via the multi-million dollar collections budget. This position supervises acquisitions staff who have primary responsibility for monograph purchasing and serial maintenance. Responsibilities include communicating with hundreds of vendors worldwide, purchasing and renewing content in all formats, gathering and approving all invoices, and facilitating license agreements through the University ’s protocols.

SU Libraries / Library

Education and Experience

Best Combination Of:

Significant understanding of:

• Contemporary trends in academic library acquisition models.
• Academic libraries collections budgeting.
• Contemporary trends in access models for electronic resources.
• Academic libraries licensing processes, issues and trends.
  
  

Ability To:

• Effectively problem solve and develop new strategies to meet organizational needs for resource description.
• Meet promotion requirements.
• Work effectively with a variety of internal stakeholders and external vendors.
• Work cooperatively in a demanding and rapidly changing environment.
• Take a broad view of library, university, and academic issues.
• Work effectively in a collegial team environment to explore and promote the application of new technologies.
  
  

Demonstrated:

• Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills with both internal colleagues and external.
• Strong analytical skills and ability to use data to communicate findings and influence decision making.
• Effective time management and organizational skills.
• Commitment to providing responsible and innovative services and collections to a campus welcoming to all.
• Knowledge of library and standard office software programs.
  
  

Librarian Rank And Compensation

This position will be appointed at the Senior Assistant Librarian or Associate Librarian without Permanent (ranking) Status ranks based on the successful candidate’s qualifications. See the detailed rank criteria requirements here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1S9fdYc2-Ko1WZ2FxGeINFajbtato5DtBvKPRaGuzfyA/edit?usp=sharing.

Final salary will be commensurate with experience and assigned rank.

Senior Assistant Librarian – Candidates May Be Appointed To This Rank If They Have Successful Professional Experience. It Has a Maximum Of Three Terms Before They Are Expected To Apply For Promotion To The Next Rank (Associate Librarian). Requirements For This Rank Include:

• MLS or equivalent degree
• Successful professional library experience
• Demonstrated competence in position responsibilities
• Ability to work effectively with diverse stakeholders
• Evidence of professional growth and initiative
  
  

Associate Librarian Without Permanent (Ranking) Status – Candidates May Be Appointed To This Rank If They Have Substantial Professional Achievement And Commitment. Librarians Hired At The Associate Rank Will Be Required To Apply For Permanent (ranking) Status, Which Signifies Sustained Achievement And Contributions To Syracuse University Libraries. Requirements For This Rank Include:

• MLS or equivalent degree
• Show excellent/outstanding performance in previous library roles
• Demonstrate significant contributions to library operations
• Provide evidence of professional commitment (such as committee work, conference attendance, publications, or professional development activities)
  
  

Skills and Knowledge

Required Qualifications:

• Master ’s degree in library or information science (ALA accredited), or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Three (3) plus years of experience in acquisitions, preferably in an academic library.
  
  

Desired Qualifications:

• Experience with Alma and Primo VE.
• Experience reviewing license agreements.
• Supervisory experience in an academic library or bargaining unit context.
  
  

Responsibilities

Acquisitions (40%)

• Direct operations of the acquisitions unit; manages bargaining unit library technicians.
• Responsible for the acquisition of resources in all formats and acquisition models.
• Manage renewal process for all continuations to prevent expiration.
• Serves as a critical resource for the Department of Research and Scholarship and collaborate on workflows to ensure that collection decisions are implemented.
• Solve problems related to changes in publisher mergers and acquisitions.
• Process all license agreements, communicating between collections team, procurement office and vendor.
• Review and approve all invoices designated for collections budget.
• Contributes to yearly spend out planning for the collections budget.
  
  

Electronic Resources (25%)

• Responsible for the acquisition of electronic resources, including licensing processing and activation.
• Coordinate workflow processes with Lead Librarian for Electronic Resources and Lead Librarian for Cataloging.
  
  

Resource Support (20%)

• Serve as a resource for department staff and others in SU Libraries for questions related to acquisitions of all materials.
  
  

Service and Professional Development (5%)

• Maintain awareness of issues and best practices through activities that increase one’s knowledge and abilities, and that positively impact performance and service contributions.
• Participates in interdisciplinary library teams as assigned and works collaboratively and creatively to implement and enhance programmatic services that benefit the University.
• Engages in activities that contribute to the advancement of the Libraries, the University, and the library profession.
  
  

Process Improvements (5%)

• Responsible for monitoring national trends, developments, and best practices in acquisitions for an academic research library and for creating an environment of continual process improvement including workflow changes and the adoption of new tools and technologies.
  
  

Other duties as assigned. (5%)

Physical Requirements

Not Applicable

Tools/Equipment

Not Applicable

Application Instructions

In addition to completing an online application, please attach a resume and cover letter.

About Syracuse University

Syracuse University is a private, international research university with distinctive academics, diversely unique offerings, and an undeniable spirit. Located in the geographic heart of New York State, with a global footprint, and over 150 years of history, Syracuse University offers a quintessential college experience.

The scope of Syracuse University is a testament to its strengths: a pioneering history dating back to 1870; a choice of more than 200 majors, 100 minors, and 200 advanced degree programs offered across the University’s 13 schools and colleges; over 15,000 undergraduates and over 6,000 graduate students; more than a quarter of a million alumni in 160 countries; and a student population from all 50 U.S. states and 123 countries. For more information, please visit http://www.syracuse.edu.

About The Syracuse Area

Syracuse is a medium-sized city situated in the geographic center of New York State approximately 250 miles northwest of New York City. The metro-area population totals approximately 500,000. The area offers a low cost of living and provides many social, cultural, and recreational options, including parks, museums, festivals, professional regional theater, and premier shopping venues. Syracuse and Central New York present a wide range of seasonal recreation and attractions ranging from water skiing and snow skiing, hiking in the Adirondacks, touring the historic sites, visiting wineries along the Finger Lakes, and biking on trails along the Erie Canal.

EEO Statement

Syracuse University is an equal-opportunity institution. The University prohibits discrimination and harassment based on race, color, creed, religion, sex, gender, national origin, citizenship, ethnicity, marital status, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable law to the extent prohibited by law. This nondiscrimination policy covers admissions, employment, and access to and treatment in University programs, services, and activities.

Commitment to Supporting and Hiring Veterans

Syracuse University has a long history of engaging veterans and the military-connected community through its educational programs, community outreach, and employment programs. After World War II, Syracuse University welcomed more than 10,000 returning veterans to our campus, and those veterans literally transformed Syracuse University into the national research institution it is today. The University’s contemporary commitment to veterans builds on this historical legacy, and extends to both class-leading initiatives focused on making an SU degree accessible and affordable to the post-9/11 generation of veterans, and also programs designed to position Syracuse University as the employer of choice for military veterans, members of the Guard and Reserve, and military family members.

Commitment to a Respectful and Welcoming Community

Syracuse University fosters a welcoming learning environment where students, faculty, administrators, staff, curriculum, social activities, governance, and all aspects of campus life reflect a broad range of perspectives and experiences. The University community values the many similarities and differences among individuals and groups. At Syracuse, we are committed to preparing students to engage with and appreciate the richness of backgrounds, beliefs, and experiences that shape our society. To achieve this, we strive to cultivate a community that respects and encourages open dialogue, understanding, and mutual respect.