Lead Librarian Acquisitions

Overview

The Syracuse University Libraries invites applications for the Lead Librarian for Acquisitions. Under the direction of the Head of Acquisitions and Cataloging, the Lead Librarian is responsible for the acquisitions of all materials purchased via the multi-million dollar collections budget. This position supervises acquisitions staff who have primary responsibility for monograph purchasing and serial maintenance. Responsibilities include communicating with hundreds of vendors worldwide, purchasing and renewing content in all formats, gathering and approving all invoices, and facilitating license agreements through the University’s protocols.

Job #: 042389
• Department Code  
• Department SU Libraries
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Location:

Syracuse, NY (Campus Syracuse, NY)
• On-Campus commitment; remote work arrangements are limited per University policy.

Required: Master’s degree in library or information science (ALA-accredited), or equivalent combination of education and experience. Three (3) plus years of experience in acquisitions, preferably in an academic library.

• Best Combination Of: Significant understanding of contemporary trends in academic library acquisition models; academic libraries collections budgeting; contemporary trends in access models for electronic resources; academic libraries licensing processes, issues and trends.
• Ability To: Effectively problem solve and develop new strategies to meet organizational needs for resource description; meet promotion requirements; work effectively with internal stakeholders and external vendors; work cooperatively in a demanding and rapidly changing environment; take a broad view of library, university, and academic issues; work effectively in a collegial team environment to explore and promote the application of new technologies.
• Demonstrated: Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills with internal colleagues and external; strong analytical skills and ability to use data to communicate findings and influence decision making; effective time management and organizational skills; commitment to providing responsible and innovative services and collections to a campus welcoming to all; knowledge of library and standard office software programs.

This position will be appointed at the Senior Assistant Librarian or Associate Librarian without Permanent (ranking) Status ranks based on the successful candidate’s qualifications. Final salary will be commensurate with experience and assigned rank.

• Senior Assistant Librarian – MLS or equivalent degree; successful professional library experience; demonstrated competence in position responsibilities; ability to work effectively with diverse stakeholders; evidence of professional growth and initiative.
• Associate Librarian Without Permanent (Ranking) Status – MLS or equivalent degree; excellent/outstanding performance in previous library roles; demonstrate significant contributions to library operations; provide evidence of professional commitment (e.g., committee work, conference attendance, publications, or professional development activities).

• Required Qualifications: Master’s degree in library or information science (ALA accredited), or equivalent; three (3) plus years in acquisitions, preferably in an academic library.
• Desired Qualifications: Experience with Alma and Primo VE; experience reviewing license agreements; supervisory experience in an academic library or bargaining unit context.

• Acquisitions (40%) Direct operations of the acquisitions unit; manages bargaining unit library technicians; acquire resources in all formats and models; manage renewal process for continuations; collaborate on workflows to ensure collection decisions are implemented; resolve issues from publisher mergers and acquisitions; process license agreements and invoices; contribute to yearly spend-out planning.
• Electronic Resources (25%) Acquire electronic resources, including licensing processing and activation; coordinate workflow with Lead Librarian for Electronic Resources…