Massachusetts Jobs

The Boston University Libraries seek a Chief Collections Strategist to guide the development of the library’s principal research and teaching collections. Reporting to the University Librarian, the Chief Collections Strategist provides leadership for the collection development strategies of individual subject specialists and liaisons across the libraries, including and especially in areas of interdisciplinary overlap and emerging needs. This position chairs the library’s Collections Committee and works closely with library colleagues and other stakeholders in the acquisitions and access workflows to articulate and execute a comprehensive collection development strategy in service of the research and teaching needs across academic disciplines at Boston University. The Chief Collections Strategist develops and delivers regular, timely reporting to library leadership through the use of collections assessments and analytics that incorporate localized criteria to support collection development decisions in a highly dynamic university environment. This position responds to evolving and emerging needs for research data and library materials in non-print formats essential for research and teaching activities.

The Chief Collections Strategist will:

• Lead collection development activities throughout the library system. Collaborate with library liaisons and materials selectors to develop and execute campus-wide collection development and acquisitions strategies for the general collection in concert with the research and curricular needs of the university, identifying and responding to trends across schools, departments, and programs to identify emergent areas of need and support. Partner with library departments, including Special Collections, and other campus associates to support materials acquisition through data-informed decisions, aligned with research and institutional priorities.

• Manage the library’s materials budget, under the direction of the University Librarian, to ensure equitable distribution of resources across BU’s research and teaching agenda. Monitor and report on acquisition progress to library administration, providing assessment and analytics as needed to track budgetary impacts of acquisitions and license renewal. Conduct analyses of potential purchases, including through direct vendor relations and sales inquiries. Direct acquisitions using both restricted and general funds.

• Serve as BU’s representative to collaborative and membership organizations responsible for group purchasing and collection development decisioning. Stay abreast of emergent issues and trends in collection development and academic publishing through sustained engagement within broader professional networks devoted to academic library collection management.

• Pursue professional engagement opportunities through meetings, publication, and presentation as a representative of the BU Libraries and broader BU community as appropriate.

• Develop and maintain relationships with vendor contacts and partner with university procurement and library administration on contract negotiations. Connect with colleagues across library units to identify and propose acquisitions in line with the strategic priorities of Boston University Libraries.

Required Skills

• Master’s degree in library science, information science, or a related field.

• 5-8 years of experience in academic/research libraries or similar setting.

• 3-5 years of experience in collection development and related activities.

  For consideration, please submit a cover letter, CV, and list of professional references. The libraries will begin review of candidate applications on July 19, 2024. This position will remain open until filled.

  Working at Boston University Libraries

  Boston University Libraries is a learning organization that supports BU librarians, archivists, and information and subject specialists seeking and sharing knowledge, practices, and perspectives that advance library collections services, and their own professional development. In a collaborative, supportive, and engaging work environment, BU Libraries expert staff assist multidisciplinary research and exploration, build distinctive collections and archives of enduring research value, and empower users to thrive amid an ever-changing information environment.

  The BU Libraries are at the center of BU’s vibrant academic experience, serving as a community connector, provider of vital research and instructional services for faculty and students, and access point to a wealth of timely scholarly resources. Recognizing this central role the library plays in its robust research and learning agendas, Boston University has made the BU Libraries a focal point of its BU2030 Strategic Plan, investing in core services, innovative programs, and plans for significant renovations of its central branch.

  Located in the heart of Boston, the BU Libraries are embedded in numerous vibrant regional and national library and information specialist networks. The BU Libraries are active members within the Boston Library Consortium (BLC), the Association of Research Libraries (ARL), the Northeast Research Libraries Consortium (NERL), HathiTrust, and the Coalition for Networked Information (CNI), and library staff at BU serve as engaged thought-leaders on a wide breadth of library management and service areas across diverse communities.

  Boston University, a member of the Association of American Universities (AAU), is one of the leading private research and teaching institutions in the world, with three primary campuses in the heart of Boston and programs around the globe. Chartered in 1869, the University is home to more than 33,000 students from more than 130 countries, 375,000 living alumni, 10,000 faculty and staff, and 17 schools and colleges.

  We are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, natural or protective hairstyle, religion, sex, age, national origin, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, military service, pregnancy or pregnancy-related condition, or because of marital, parental, or veteran status. We are a VEVRAA Federal Contractor.

Required Experience