Collection Strategist

THE UNIVERSITY OF TENNESSEE LIBRARIES FACULTY VACANCY Collection Strategist Appointment Rank: Assistant Professor Department: Assessment Programs & Collection Strategy Location: Knoxville, TN Reports To: Head, Assessment Programs & Collection Strategy Salary: Minimum $53,500 Available: September 1, 2022 The University of Tennessee, Knoxville (UTK), a Research 1 institution and the flagship institution for the state, is seeking an enthusiastic and highly motivated individual to join the collaborative and innovative Assessment Programs and Collection Strategy team at the University Libraries. The city of Knoxville is a hidden gem with a beautiful and walkable downtown, varied nightlife, active neighborhoods, and eclectic shopping and restaurants. UT is located within easy driving distance to Asheville, Nashville, Atlanta, and the Great Smoky Mountains. The Collection Strategist plays a key role in developing and implementing a holistic collection development strategy, ensuring the continuing excellence of the world-class collection at the heart of UT Libraries’ mission. Reporting to the Head of Assessment Programs and Collection Strategy, and with the support of a small, dynamic team in this department, the Collection Strategist provides matrix leadership throughout the organization, working closely with subject liaisons, personnel in other Library departments, and with partners on campus and elsewhere, providing strong leadership and strategic focus in developing and managing outstanding collections. Guiding evidence-based collection development and management decision making, the Strategist designs assessment strategies and analyzes quantitative and qualitative data to inform and substantiate the strategic allocation of the Libraries’ collections budget, as well as decision processes for the selection and management of content, including print, digital, media, data, and other emergent formats. The Strategist monitors local, system-wide, and vendor-provided reports to identify collection related trends and patterns. The Strategist participates and represents the Libraries in system-wide initiatives or on national level projects. In collaboration with subject liaisons, the Collection Strategist develops frameworks and leads the coordination of evidence-based content acquisition, management, and assessment regardless of format or delivery platform. In coordination with personnel in Acquisitions and Continuing Resources and in the Business Office, the Strategist contributes to budget planning, and to the oversight of funding allocations, and monographic approval plans. The strategist consults as needed with personnel in Collection Logistics on print storage and disposition decisions. SPECIFIC DUTIES Collection Strategy 1. Collaborate with personnel throughout the Libraries to continue to build and implement an evidence-based model to inform collection decisions. Engage with partners within the Libraries, with other campus constituencies, and with consortia partners to advance strategic activities in collection development and management. 2. Develop and lead innovative program activities critical to the Libraries' collection strategies such as building and stewarding distinctive collections, shifting collecting focus from print to electronic resources, and periodic and ongoing review of continuations. Work collaboratively with personnel in Collection Logistics on selection decisions for relocation of print materials and for deaccession. Provide leadership and coordination for collections-related projects and initiatives. 3. Collaborate with the Libraries’ Business Services Office to monitor and develop strategy for managing all central funds in the collections budget in alignment with the University’s needs and the Libraries' strategic directions. Manage special purpose funds and endowments as needed. Facilitate effective and appropriate use of all funds in the collections budget. 4. Enhance a program of data analysis to inform collections strategy and apply data to collections decisions. Participate in the assessment of curricular and research needs of the University and assist in developing library collections in response to those needs. Make data transparent and available for decision-making as needed for all constituents. 5. Provide effective and consistent communications with campus constituencies regarding the library’s strategies and programs for collection development and management. Research, Scholarship & Creative Activity 1. Conduct and disseminate research and scholarship through publications and presentations. 2. Create original materials that support the mission and goals of the Libraries. Service & Professional Development 1. Contribute to planning activities and faculty governance in the library. 2. Serve on library and university committees. 3. Serve the library profession through active participation in professional organizations and through cooperative efforts with other library and information professionals. 4. Participate in professional development and continuing education opportunities to enhance and update skills and to keep abreast of developments in the field of collection assessment and development. QUALIFICATIONS Required ● ALA-accredited Master’s degree in Library/Information Science or equivalent international post baccalaureate degree by time of appointment ● Evidence of commitment to diversity and inclusion in a professional setting. ● Evidence of leadership ability and skills. ● Experience with collection development and management in libraries. ● Ability to manage complex projects and lead project-oriented teams. ● Knowledge of current, evolving, and innovative models of collection development and scholarly communication. ● Knowledge of data analysis related to evaluation and decision making in collections. ● Demonstrated effective interpersonal skills to establish and maintain close, productive working relationships with colleagues. ● Demonstrated ability to work effectively in a collaborative team environment accompanied by initiative and a creative, flexible, and problem-solving attitude. Preferred ● Experience supervising staff and students. ● Experience managing budgets. ● Experience working in academic libraries. ● Experience in library content acquisition, management, and assessment. ● Experience negotiating price and license terms for electronic resources. ● Experience working with and maintaining positive relationships with vendors. ● Demonstrated data analysis skills to gather, assess, interpret, and present quantitative and qualitative data for varied audiences. ● Demonstrated commitment to scholarship, service, and professional development. ● Familiarity with licensing electronic resource practices. ENVIRONMENT The University of Tennessee Libraries serves the flagship campus of Tennessee’s premier public research university. The University of Tennessee holds the Carnegie Foundation Research 1 designation, granted to doctoral universities with very high research activity. As a land-grant university and as Volunteers, serving our state and nation are key to our mission. UT enrolls approximately 31,700 students at its Knoxville campus. Demographically, 19% of all students identify as non-white, 24% identify as first-generation students, 29% are Pell-eligible, and 55% of all students identify as female. The University culture is guided by adherence to core values that define the Volunteer spirit and include: seeking knowledge; leading with innovation and integrity; advancing diversity and inclusion; engaging locally and globally; and embracing responsible stewardship of resources. The UT Libraries supports the teaching, research, and service mission of the university and enhances the academic experience of each student at the Knoxville campus—through outstanding print and electronic collections, reference and instructional services, and top-notch facilities and technological resources. The John C. Hodges Library in the heart of campus houses the majority of the UT Libraries' collections and many unique services. Two branch libraries offer specialized collections and services: the Webster C. Pendergrass Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine Library and the George F. DeVine Music Library. The UT Libraries is a national leader in digital collections; in support of open access though our digital repository, TRACE; and through a rich history of designing innovative spaces and building key partnerships that enhance the teaching/learning enterprise. The UT Libraries is a member of the Association of Research Libraries, the Association of Southeastern Research Libraries, HathiTrust, the Library Publishing Coalition, LYRASIS, and the Center for Research Libraries. The UT Libraries collaborates actively at the state level with the other University of Tennessee System libraries as well as the libraries in the Tennessee Board of Regents system. The UT Libraries champions diversity in collections and staffing. The University of Tennessee is committed to creating a welcoming environment. More information about how we put our principles of civility and community into action is available at https://www.lib.utk.edu/diversity/. Additional information about this position and the UT community is available at https://www.lib.utk.edu/employment/position/collection-strategist/ BENEFITS Appointment at the rank of Assistant Professor with a salary of $53,500. Faculty rank and status; twelve-month, tenure-track appointment. Library faculty must meet University requirements for promotion and tenure. Excellent benefits include 24 annual leave days; choice of state retirement plan (TCRS) or the Optional Retirement Program (ORP) (VOYA, TIAA) with nonrefundable contributions paid for the employee by the University; optional group health and life insurance plans. Tuition remission is available for all university employees and partial undergraduate tuition remission is available to dependent children and spouses of UT employees. Start-up funding in the amount of $10,000 allocated over a three-year period; annual support for travel & professional development. UT’s Prospective Faculty Viewbook has information on academic support, personal support, and living in Knoxville. APPLICATION PROCEDURES A background check and official transcripts are required prior to hiring. In order to be considered for candidacy, you must submit, via Interfolio at http://apply.interfolio.com/108857, a cover letter addressing the above qualifications, a current resume or CV, and the names, addresses, e-mail addresses, and telephone numbers of three recent references. Questions may be directed to Susan Pritchard, Libraries HR & Administration Manager, srush2@utk.edu. Review of applications will begin August 1, 2022, and will continue until the position is filled. All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment and admissions without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, pregnancy, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, physical or mental disability, or covered veteran status. Eligibility and other terms and conditions of employment benefits at The University of Tennessee are governed by laws and regulations of the State of Tennessee, and this non-discrimination statement is intended to be consistent with those laws and regulations. In accordance with the requirements of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, The University of Tennessee affirmatively states that it does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, or disability in its education programs and activities, and this policy extends to employment by the University. Inquiries and charges of violation of Title VI (race, color, and national origin), Title IX (sex), Section 504 (disability), ADA (disability), Age Discrimination in Employment Act (age), sexual orientation, or veteran status should be directed to the Office of Equity and Diversity (OED), 1840 Melrose Avenue, Knoxville, TN 37996-3560, telephone (865) 974-2498. Requests for accommodation of a disability should be directed to the ADA Coordinator at the Office of Equity and Diversity.

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