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Director, Collection Development Strategies (Open Rank)

University of Arkansas
United States, Arkansas, Fayetteville
346 North West Avenue (Show on map)
Mar 14, 2025
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Closing Date:

04/14/2025 Type of Position:Library

Workstudy Position:

No Job Type:Regular
Work Shift:

Sponsorship Available:

No Institution Name: University of Arkansas, Fayetteville

Founded in 1871, the University of Arkansas is a land grant institution, classified by the Carnegie Foundation among the nation's top 2 percent of universities with the highest level of research activity. The University of Arkansas works to advance Arkansas and build a better world through education, research and outreach by providing transformational opportunities and skills, promoting an inclusive and diverse culture and climate, and nurturing creativity, discovery and the spread of new ideas and innovations.

The University of Arkansas campus is located in Fayetteville, a welcoming community ranked as one of the best places to live in the U.S. The growing region surrounding Fayetteville is home to numerous Fortune 500 companies and one of the nation's strongest economies. Northwest Arkansas is also quickly gaining a national reputation for its focus on the arts and overall quality of life.

As an employer, the University of Arkansas offers a vibrant work environment and a workplace culture that promotes a healthy work-life balance. The benefits package includes university contributions to health, dental, life and disability insurance, tuition waivers for employees and their families, 12 official holidays, immediate leave accrual, and a choice of retirement programs with university contributions ranging from 5 to 10% of employee salary.

Below you will find the details for the position including any supplementary documentation and questions, you should review before applying for the opening.

If you have a disability and need assistance with the hiring process, please submit a request via the Disability Accommodations | OEOC | University of Arkansas (uark.edu) : Request an Accommodation. Applicants are required to submit a request for each position of which they have applied.

For general application assistance or if you have questions about a job posting, please contact Human Resources at 479.575.5351.

Department:Content and Digital Initiatives

Department's Website:

https://libraries.uark.edu/ Summary of Job Duties:This position is a tenure-track, twelve-month faculty appointment at the rank of Assistant Librarian / Assistant Professor or Associate Librarian / Associate Professor.

The University of Arkansas Libraries seeks a collaborative and results-oriented leader with expertise in strategic collection development and assessment, ensuring thoughtful implementation for building and managing collections.

Reporting to the Associate Dean for Collections and Open Initiatives, the Director of Collection Development Strategies develops and implements holistic, data-informed collection strategies that support the University's research, teaching, and learning needs. This role integrates evolving collection models, budget planning, and assessment practices to align with the Libraries' strategic priorities. The Director oversees collection assessment, applying data analysis and best practices in resource evaluation and financial planning. They work closely with library units, specialists, and academic departments to guide renewal, selection, and retention decisions, ensuring a sustainable and relevant collection.

As part of the division's leadership team, the Director actively engages in discussions on organizational health, best practices, sustainability, and resource management. They explore innovative approaches to collection development, analyze financial and usage data, and refine policies to ensure fiscally responsible decision-making. This position also supervises one (1) FTE, fostering a supportive, forward-thinking environment that encourages professional growth and continuous improvement. The Director provides training on assessment tools and methodologies, oversees performance reviews, and identifies opportunities for staff development in data-driven collection strategies.

As a tenure-track faculty member, this position includes research, creative work, and service responsibilities, in alignment with the University of Arkansas Libraries' faculty requirements.

Responsibilities include:

Collection Strategy

*Provide vision and direction for the development and stewardship of research collections.
*Develop and implement policies, procedures, and guidelines for lifecycle management of resources in all formats.
*Facilitate the Collection Development Assembly (CDA), working with stakeholders to develop collection-related policies and strategic collection decisions.
*Negotiate pricing and content with publishers and vendors, using data-driven assessments to maximize impact and cost-effectiveness.
*Advocate for sustainable publishing models and open-access initiatives that align with university research and curricula.
*Manage vendor relationships to ensure quality service and strategic acquisitions.
*Represent the University of Arkansas Libraries in consortial discussions, system-wide committees, and national and regional networks to assess collaborative agreements and emerging best practices.

Data Analysis & Reporting

*Oversee the development of a data analysis program to support collection assessment and data-informed decision-making.
*Develop analytical models and visualizations to track collection trends, benchmark against peer institutions, and monitor usage, expenditures, and resource allocation.
*Compile and submit required reports (e.g., IPEDS), ensuring accuracy and timeliness.

Supervision & Staff Development

*Supervise and mentor staff within the Collection Strategies unit, setting performance goals and providing regular evaluations.
*Identify training and professional development needs to ensure staff maintain current knowledge of collection trends, tools, and practices.
*Encourage a culture of innovation, collaboration, and shared responsibility among the team.

Relocation allowance available. Benefits include TIAA or Fidelity Investments, comprehensive health insurance, and tuition reduction. Annual leave starts at 15 days per calendar year and increases with years of service. Qualifications:

Minimum Qualifications:

  • Master's degree in Library and/or Information Science from an ALA-accredited or equivalent institution

  • Demonstrated experience in collection development and collection assessment in an academic or large public library setting

  • Demonstrated evidence of successful implementation of data-informed strategies

  • Demonstrated evidence of successful collaboration in a team-based environment

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Experience negotiating

  • Familiarity with consortial initiatives and shared print programs

  • Proficiency with library analytics tools (e.g., Alma Analytics, vendor usage reports, and data visualization software)

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

  • Knowledge of current trends and best practices in scholarly communication, publishing, and open access

  • Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills

  • Effective communication and interpersonal skills

  • Ability to oversee complex projects and lead teams in a rapidly changing environment

  • Strong service orientation, with the capacity to anticipate and respond to user needs effectively

Additional Information:

The University Libraries share in the stewardship of the University's goals and take responsibility for the health of the research and teaching collections and programs that further support the academic and land grant missions. The University Libraries are comprised of Mullins Library and three branch libraries: Chemistry & Biochemistry, Fine Arts, and Physics, as well as two off-site facilities. For more information, visit the Libraries' website: https://libraries.uark.edu

The University of Arkansas Libraries aspires to create a community built on collaboration, innovation, creativity, and belonging. Our collective success depends on the robust exchange of ideas-an exchange that is best when the variety of our perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences flourishes. To achieve this exchange, it is essential that all members of the community feel welcome, that the contributions of all individuals are respected, and that all voices are heard. All members of our community have a responsibility to uphold these values. We can strengthen our organization and institution by approaching each other and our work with intentional goodwill, honesty, and trust as we encourage others to hold themselves and each other accountable to do the same.

Salary Information:

Minimum salary: $70,000 commensurate with education and experience

Required Documents to Apply:

Cover Letter/Letter of Application, Curriculum Vitae, List of three Professional References (name, email, business title)

Optional Documents:

Other (see special instructions for details), Proof of Veteran Status

Recruitment Contact Information:

Mary Gilbertson, Chair of the Search Committee, mag@uark.edu

All application materials must be uploaded to the University of Arkansas System Career Sitehttps://uasys.wd5.myworkdayjobs.com/UASYS

Please do not send to listed recruitment contact.

Special Instructions to Applicants:

When completing your application, please upload the following: letter of application highlighting education and experience related to the position qualifications, curriculum vitae, and a list of three current references (names, addresses, emails, and telephone numbers). Candidates who received international degrees in library and information science not accredited by ALA will need to submit the foreign credential evaluation determination.

Applicants are encouraged to think broadly about and communicate how their skills and experiences transfer to the qualifications listed below in ways that may not be obvious, including how non-library-specific skills and experiences speak to the position's qualifications and needs. We welcome applicants with a range of experiences, backgrounds, and interests to apply for this position, including those new to the profession. Pre-employment Screening Requirements:Criminal Background Check, Sex Offender Registry

The University of Arkansas is committed to providing a safe campus community. We conduct background checks for applicants being considered for employment. Background checks include a criminal background check and a sex offender registry check. For certain positions, there may also be a financial (credit) background check, a Motor Vehicle Registry (MVR) check, and/or drug screening. Required checks are identified in the position listing. A criminal conviction or arrest pending adjudication or adverse financial history information alone shall not disqualify an applicant in the absence of a relationship to the requirements of the position. Background check information will be used in a confidential, non-discriminatory manner consistent with state and federal law.

The University of Arkansas seeks to attract, develop and retain high quality faculty, staff and administrators that consistently display practices and behaviors to advance a culture that embeds inclusion, opportunity, educational excellence and unparalleled access for all.

The University of Arkansas is an equal opportunity institution. The University does not discriminate in its education programs or activities (including in admission and employment) on the basis of any category or status protected by law, including age, race, color, national origin, disability, religion, protected veteran status, military service, genetic information, sex, sexual preference, or pregnancy. Federal law prohibits the University from discriminating on these bases. Questions or concerns about the application of Title IX, which prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex, may be sent to the University's Title IX Coordinator and to the U.S. Department of Education Office for Civil Rights.

Persons must have proof of legal authority to work in the United States on the first day of employment.

All application information is subject to public disclosure under the Arkansas Freedom of Information Act.

Constant Physical Activity:N/A Frequent Physical Activity:N/A Occasional Physical Activity:N/A Benefits Eligible:Yes
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