Associate University Librarian for Collections and Consortia

Northwestern University Libraries

Northwestern University Libraries is seeking a dynamic senior leader to help actualize a collections program that will build on distinctive strengths while enhancing our collaborative engagement with a wide network of national and international partners. This is an exciting opportunity to spearhead innovation at a major research library and to be part of a team that seeks to bring about the “collective collection” vision recently embraced by the universities of the Big Ten Academic Alliance. The associate university librarian for collections and consortia (AUL C&C) will advance the libraries’ mission and contribute to the achievement of library and university goals within a highly collaborative, user-focused research and learning environment.

Key roles and responsibilities include: Assisting the dean and other leaders in all aspects of library management and planning. Creating, communicating, and implementing a holistic vision that integrates print and digital collection management activities with robust participation in consortial and collaborative networks. Leading and supervising staff engaged in a range of collections work, including acquisitions and materials budget management; repository development and digitization; preservation and collections care; print collection management; metadata, authority control, and catalog database maintenance operations. Representing the university and the libraries in groups and cooperative programs related to assigned responsibilities and in other situations as appropriate.

Qualifications the successful candidate will bring to this challenge include:

• Minimum of 5 years of progressively responsible experience leading operations or projects in an academic library or other not-for-profit organization with a higher education or cultural heritage-related mission.
• A well-informed appreciation of the place of academic library resources in the higher education and research landscape; record of success in shaping print and digital collection policy and practice according to user needs.
• Understanding of all stages in the collections lifecycle and of the full range of library and archival information in digital, print and other formats.
• Significant experience and record of success in consortial programs and other multi-institution collaborations.
• Commitment to inclusivity, diversity, equity, and accessibility

Library Environment: Northwestern University is a highly selective private university with campuses in Evanston and Chicago, Illinois and in Doha, Qatar. One of the leading private research libraries in the United States, Northwestern University Libraries serves the educational and information needs of the NU community as well as scholars around the world. Its collection contains more than 7 million volumes, an extensive array of digital resources on multiple platforms, and collections of distinction in Africana, transportation, and 20th-century and contemporary music. Northwestern is a member of the Association of Research Libraries (ARL) and the Big Ten Academic Alliance (BTAA). See more information about University Libraries at: http://www.library.northwestern.edu

First consideration for applications received by February 10, 2020.

Review a more complete job description and qualifications list and apply for this position on the NUHR Recruitment Website (https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/careers/index.html). In accordance with Northwestern University policy, successful applicant will need to submit to a criminal background check prior to employment.

Equal Opportunity: Northwestern University is an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action Employer of all protected classes, including veterans and individuals with disabilities. Women, racial and ethnic minorities, individuals with disabilities, and veterans are encouraged to apply. Hiring is contingent upon eligibility to work in the United States.

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