Head of Collection Strategy and Development

Description

The Head of Collection Strategy and Development provides leadership, vision and strategic direction for the Duke University Libraries in the development and management of the libraries' collections, insuring that the scope and caliber of the resources to which the libraries provide access are appropriate to support the mission of Duke University.  Working within a collaborative and service-oriented environment, s/he sets standards and oversees training for collections-related functions of subject and format librarians.  Compiling and analyzing multiple data sources, s/he allocates and manages the collections budget and projects budgetary needs.

Responsibilities

• Provides leadership and coordination for developing and assessing the Libraries' collections in support of the university's instructional and research programs.
• Identifies and analyzes best practices and emerging trends regarding collections; leads and coordinates the development and implementation of library policies and strategies regarding collections.
• Allocates and manages the library materials budget of approximately $14M, addressing the needs of academic programs in the university and of the university community.
• Analyzes and reports on data and trends regarding collection growth, usage, material costs, expenditures, etc. to inform decisions regarding the Libraries' collections, to project budgetary needs, and to develop collection strategies.
• Works with the head of the Acquisitions Department in negotiating and approving licenses and packages for electronic resources and media.
• Collaborates with the Office of Scholarly Communication and Copyright to promote new models of library engagement in the production and dissemination of scholarship.
• Working with subject librarians and other staff members, assesses adequacy of library collections and services in conjunction with external reviews of academic programs and proposals of new programs, majors, minors, and certificates.
• Participates in the recruitment, retention, training, and evaluation of subject librarians in conjunction with their direct supervisors; engages subject librarians in a holistic approach to collection building in the context of outreach, access, and research support.
• Oversees the Libraries' approval plans with input from the subject librarians and Acquisitions Department staff.
• Manages the operations of the Collection Development Department: hires, supervises and evaluates staff; prepares and manages the departmental budget; manages the department's web page(s).
• Works closely with department heads in International and Area Studies, Technical Services, and the Rubenstein Library to assure coordination of policies and operations.
• Collaborates on collections services activities with the professional school libraries for business, divinity, law, and medicine.
• Participates in the Libraries' advancement, fundraising, and stewardship efforts as they relate to collection development.
• Contributes to and is highly active in local, consortial, regional and national meetings to stay abreast of collection development trends and to represent Duke University Libraries.
• Consults regularly with counterparts at other Duke Libraries and within the Triangle Research Libraries Network (TRLN).
• Actively contributes to library-wide initiatives; participates in departmental and library-wide activities; serves on library and University committees.
• Displays continuing growth in professional and subject knowledge and takes an active interest in the profession. Growth and interest should be demonstrated through continuing development of professional knowledge and abilities, membership and participation in professional organizations, and service to the library, University, or community in a professional capacity.

Performs other duties as assigned.

Supervisory Responsibilities

Supervises Collection Development Department staff (3.0 FTE).
Supervises collections services work of the subject librarian division coordinators.


Qualifications
It is the expectation that all Duke University Libraries staff members will demonstrate exceptional workplace behaviors in the execution of their specific position responsibilities. These behaviors are customer focus, collaboration, creative problem solving, continuous learning and a commitment to diversity.  In addition, managers and supervisors are expected to help develop a common vision by providing clear direction and priorities, clarifying roles and responsibilities, and promoting mutual understanding through effective communication.  They are also expected to take the time to effectively plan and evaluate performance, provide feedback, recognition and coaching, and develop employees to achieve their personal and organizational goals. 
Education
Required: MLS from an ALA-accredited program or an advanced degree in a relevant discipline.

Preferred: MLS from an ALA-accredited program and an advanced subject degree.

Experience
Required:

Five years of progressively responsible professional experience related to collection development in an academic or research library; knowledge of current issues and trends in collection development; creativity, initiative, and interest in innovative approaches to collection development; ability to plan collections budgets and develop budget reports, projections, and needs assessments; excellent oral and written communications skills; effective time management, organizational and project management skills; ability to manage multiple projects concurrently, to set and meet deadlines and to adapt to new and changing situations, priorities and technologies; interest in and aptitude for learning and adapting emerging technologies; ability and desire to work with diverse groups of people; ability to work independently and as a member of a collaborative team; demonstrated commitment to providing outstanding customer services.
Preferred:

Two or more years of successful managerial and supervisory experience; experience in the evaluation, selection, licensing and acquisition of electronic resources; proficiency using enterprise library automation systems; reading knowledge of at least one language other than English.
Working Conditions
Must be able to work in an environment in which exposure to materials containing dust and mold is possible
Normal office environment
Occasional travel required
These statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by the employee in this position. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of a person in this position.

Salary and Benefits
Salary and rank dependent on qualifications and experience. Comprehensive benefits package includes 20 days vacation, 13 holidays, 12 days sick leave; health, dental, disability and life insurance and support for professional development and training.
Environment
Since its founding in 1924, Duke University has grown into one of the most prestigious private universities in the world and its medical center ranks annually among the top in the nation. The Duke University Libraries are the shared center of the university's intellectual life, connecting people and ideas. The Libraries consist of the Perkins Library, Bostock Library, Rubenstein Rare Book and Manuscript Library, Lilly Library, and Music Library, and the library at the Duke Marine Laboratory in Beaufort. Duke's library holdings of 6.2 million volumes are among the largest of private universities in the United States.

Duke's hometown is Durham, North Carolina, a city with vibrant research, medical and arts communities, and numerous shops, restaurants and theaters. Durham is located in the Research Triangle, a growing metropolitan area of more than one million people that provides a wide range of cultural, recreational and educational opportunities. The Triangle is conveniently located just a few hours from the mountains and the coast, offers a moderate climate, and has been ranked among the best places to live and to do business.

Duke offers a comprehensive benefit packages which includes both traditional benefits such as health insurance, leave time and retirement, as well as wide ranging work/life and cultural benefits. Details can be found at: http://www.hr.duke.edu/benefits/

Application
Send cover letter, detailed resume and the names, addresses (mailing and e-mail), and telephone numbers of three references to: Teresa Tillman, Library Human Resources, at library-jobs@duke.edu.  Please include COLLECTION in the subject line.  Review of applications will begin in early October and will continue until the position is filled.

Applications which are missing any of the components listed above will not be reviewed.