Job Description
Summary
The Collections Librarian will join the library’s Discovery & Access team, which connects the Wheaton community to scholarly resources that support teaching and learning at the College. The Collections Librarian works to implement a holistic collections strategy that balances print and electronic collections, monographs and continuing resources, course reserves, open educational resources and Wheaton’s unique digital collections in a community that prioritizes inclusion and belonging.
Primary Responsibilities
- Conduct collection development in support of the library’s strategic priorities. Perform data-driven analyses for library administration and partner with selector librarians as well as faculty to proactively identify collection needs. Fill coverage gaps and maintain sustainable growth of the collection in identified areas. Manage a data-driven approach to donations.
- Manage the lifecycle of both print and electronic resources. Investigate and acquire new content, acting as a resource for administration on contracts with vendors. Run trials of new products for the community. Monitor trends in access, review usage annually and recommend cancellation, deselection and replacement as appropriate.
- Coordinate with colleagues to balance open educational resources and course reserves in support of curricular needs. Using data and practical experience, improve access to library collections via consortial initiatives, shared print programs and controlled digital lending activities. Support these functions at the library service desk.
- In collaboration with colleagues, identify and fill coverage gaps in unique collections and develop sustainable workflows to maintain ongoing collection development in these areas.
- Monitor and recommend response to trends in the collection development and electronic resource management landscape. Collaborate with colleagues on consortial initiatives and engage in professional development opportunities.
- Identify the equity and access needs of our community and the ways to effectively meet those needs with library resources. Contribute professional expertise to projects that advance equity, inclusion, justice and belonging on campus.
- Perform all other duties and responsibilities as assigned or directed by the supervisor. This may include attendance of and participation in required training for role.
We want to talk with candidates who see themselves broadly represented below.
Education
- Master’s degree from an ALA-accredited library/information science program or significant, relevant work experience
Experience
- Minimum of one to three years experience in library collections, electronic resource management or acquisitions, preferably in an academic or research institution
- Demonstrated experience managing workflows and processes associated with collection development and the acquisition and management of physical or electronic resources
- Demonstrated ability to facilitate group decision-making
- Demonstrated commitment to practices that foster inclusion and belonging
Knowledge & Skills
- Understanding of the information needs of different user communities
- Aptitude for imagining, prioritizing, and managing complex library collections projects
- Flexibility and curiosity in exploring new technologies and trends as they relate to library collections
- Ability to work both independently and collaboratively and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers and members of the college community
- Effective oral and written communication skills
- Proficiency in Microsoft Excel or Google Sheets
- Experience with integrated library systems, preferably WorldShare Management Services
The Dean of Library Services, Megan Brooks, is eager to speak with potential candidates who have questions about the position, the library and the College before applying. Please feel free to reach out to her at brooks_megan@wheatoncollege.edu at your convenience.
Additional Info & Requirements
To prevent the infection and spread of COVID-19 and as an integral part of our public health and safety measures, Wheaton College requires that all successful applicants hired provide proof of full vaccination for COVID-19 at the time of employment, unless an exemption from this policy is requested and approved. Applicants believing that they need an accommodation of this policy because of a disability, medical condition, or sincerely-held religious belief should inform the Office of Human Resources after an offer of employment is extended.
The Community
Wheaton is a private coeducational liberal arts college within easy
commuting distance of Boston and Providence. We have nearly 1,700
undergraduates from 40 U.S. States and more than 70 countries. Nearly 23%
of our undergraduates are U.S. students of color and 11% are international
citizens. Wheaton College is an equal opportunity/affirmative action
employer and does not discriminate against any individual or group on the
basis of gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age,
race, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, genetic
information, or disability. In a continuing effort to maintain and enrich
an intellectually diverse learning environment, the Department and the
College actively encourages applications from women and members of
underrepresented groups.