Director, Acquisitions and E-Resources Licensing
Cornell University Job Location: New York Date Created: 04-25-2014
Cornell University Library is seeking a Director of Acquisitions and E-Resource Licensing Services who will provide leadership to its Library Technical Services (LTS) department. The mission of LTS is to acquire enduring access to both physical and electronic resources to meet the research and teaching needs of one of the nation’s premier universities. Currently comprising 29 staff distributed among four units, Acquisitions and E-Resource Licensing Services is responsible for ordering, receiving, licensing, account management, and vendor negotiations in support of the acquisition of physical and/or online access to library materials and resources in all formats. In addition, AERLS is responsible for processing gifts and government documents and for providing bibliographic access to newly acquired material through the creation of brief MARC records and through fast- and copy cataloging using records derived from WorldCat and other sources. The Director sets achievable goals for the department to address evolving user needs and, with other LTS managers, prioritizes divisional needs and allocates resources in support of new LTS services. The Director also works with leaders in other library divisions, such as information technology, collection development, collection management, digital preservation, virtual libraries, and access services to meet CUL strategic goals.
Already well-known nationally for its innovative and cutting-edge approaches to both traditional and evolving technical services functions, LTS – along with its divisional counterparts at the Columbia University Libraries – has embarked on a significant, potentially groundbreaking collaborative project: the integration of Cornell and Columbia technical services into a single “virtual” organization. As part of the broader “2CUL” initiative, Technical Services Integration (TSI) aims to consolidate operations at both institutions, in conjunction with the potential implementation of a single, shared library management system by summer 2016. The Director of Acquisitions and E-Resource Licensing Services plays a critical role in 2CUL TSI and must therefore be an exceptional advocate for departmental staff, versatile as a manager and leader, flexible in outlook, and a very good team player both within the Cornell University Library and beyond. Further, s/he must be able to balance and integrate the mission, concerns, and intellectual frameworks supporting the acquisition of print and other physical formats with the growing interest in and demand for electronic resources within a department that is extensively engaged in both activities.
Duties and responsibilities:
- Provides leadership, guidance, expertise, encouragement, and inspiration to departmental staff, including regular performance reviews.
- Develops and implements training for library staff for acquisitions, licensing, and serials management activities, including support for other continuing education opportunities.
- Leads the creation and maintenance of policies and procedures to support evolving acquisitions, licensing, and serials management practices.
- In close collaboration with collection development staff, develops and refines purchasing plans and relationships with library material vendors.
- Effectively collaborates with collection development staff and other library departments to maintain Cornell’s e-resource and print serial subscriptions.
- Encourages vendors to develop new services required for the efficient, cost-effective operation of a cutting-edge acquisitions and e-resource licensing department in a large research library. Collaborates with peer institutions to advance these interests and share benefits.
- Coordinates the department's work with other units within and beyond LTS.
- Manages departmental budget accounts that cover staff costs, travel, and software.
- Serves on and actively participates in the LTS Senior Management Team to support and advance a culture of innovation, collaboration, service, and respect within LTS and beyond.
- Serves as the primary spokesperson for LTS on matters related to acquisitions, e-resources, and serials account management.
- Plays a leadership role in the 2CUL initiative, especially in regard to acquisitions and licensing activities and Technical Services Integration.
- Keeps abreast of new and emerging acquisitions and licensing practices and tools.
- Plays an active role in Cornell University Library working groups, task forces, and committees; participates actively in other committees, academic research, and/or publication on the local, regional, and national level.
Requirements:
- M.L.S. or equivalent graduate degree; experience in vendor/library relations or relevant leadership experience in library acquisitions and/or e-resource licensing may be substituted for advanced degree.
- Demonstrated success in leading and motivating others; supervisory and/or project management experience in a college or university library setting preferred
- Extensive experience in library acquisitions, electronic resources, serials management, or library material vendor activity, preferably within a large academic or research library or with a large library material vendor.
- Strong working knowledge of acquisitions and/or licensing practices.
- Familiarity and interest in the application of technology to materials and e-resource processing.
- Evidence of strong service orientation and interest in library users' values and needs
- Demonstrated ability to adapt to changing environments and ability to plan and solve problems creatively
- Record of effective participation in professional organizations
- Outstanding collegial, interpersonal and communication skills
- Spirit of adventure
Benefits:
Comprehensive benefits package including 22 vacation days, 12 paid holidays, health insurance, life insurance, and university retirement contributions (TIAA-CREF and other options). Professional travel funding available.
Apply on-line at: http://careers.hr.cornell.edu/
Application Deadline is June 7, 2014.
Please include a cover letter, resume, and the names, phone numbers, and addresses for three references. Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled. Salary will be competitive and commensurate with experience. Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.
Application Deadline is June 7, 2014.
Please include a cover letter, resume, and the names, phone numbers, and addresses for three references. Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled. Salary will be competitive and commensurate with experience. Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.
One of the leading academic research libraries in the United States, Cornell University Library is a highly valued partner in teaching, research and learning at the university. With an operating budget of over $58 million and a diverse and innovative staff of more than 400, the Library supports 2,700 faculty, 22,000 students and 94 PhD fields. Its world class collections, expert librarians, responsive services in physical and virtual library spaces inspire and nourish scholarship and learning.
Cornell University is an innovative Ivy League university and a great place to work. Our inclusive community of scholars, students and staff impart an uncommon sense of larger purpose and contribute creative ideas to further the university's mission of teaching, discovery and engagement. Located in Ithaca, NY, Cornell's far-flung global presence includes the medical college's campuses on the Upper East Side of Manhattan and Doha, Qatar, as well as the new Cornell Tech campus to be built on Roosevelt Island in the heart of New York City.
Diversity and Inclusion are a part of Cornell University’s heritage. We are a recognized employer and educator valuing AA/EEO, Protected Veterans, and Individuals with Disabilities.
