Acquisitions Services Director
Princeton University Library
Princeton, New Jersey
Requisition #1400944
The Princeton University Library is one of the world’s leading research libraries, serving a diverse community of 5,200 undergraduates, 2,700 graduate students, 1,200 faculty members,
and many visiting scholars. Its holdings include more than 7 million printed volumes, 5 million manuscripts, 2 million non-print items, and extensive collections of digital text, data, and images. The Library employs a dedicated and knowledgeable staff of
more than 300 professional and support staff working in a large central library, 9 specialized branches, and 3 storage facilities.
Major Responsibilities:
The Acquisitions Services Director is responsible for all resource acquisitions operations for the Princeton University Library. This position,
reporting to the Associate University Librarian for Technical Services, is part of a highly committed leadership team, whose mission is to maximize the Library’s support for the teaching and research programs of Princeton University. The Acquisitions Services
Director will be expected to develop innovative strategies and work methodologies for obtaining and processing new print and digital resources and content, and to promote and foster partnerships with other library colleagues involved in collection development.
This position has overall responsibility for disbursement of the Library’s $29 million acquisitions budget, working closely with the AUL for Collection Development and the
Director of Library Finance and Administration on budget administration and analysis.
The Director will oversee a work unit of 35 staff. The Director will be expected to continuously evaluate work methods and workflows in light of new supporting services, financial opportunities and technological advancements,
improving existing operations and purchasing relationships through the application of creative strategies and solutions for positive change. The Director
initiates, negotiates and maintains relations with booksellers, subscription agents and content providers, and evaluates their performance.
This position is a key member of the Technical Services Steering Committee, which collectively manages the full spectrum of access to the Library’s resources, purchase through delivery.
The Acquisitions Services Director is expected to maintain awareness of best practices and progressive ideas in acquisitions through professional involvement.
Essential Qualifications:
MLS from an ALA accredited institution, or an advanced degree in another field relevant to libraries, publishing and the information services industry. A minimum of five years
pertinent professional experience in academic libraries, or one of their suppliers. A minimum of three years of supervisory and management experience at a level and of a quality which would demonstrate the capability or the promise to successfully lead and
supervise a large diverse staff and business operations comparable to those for which the position in question is responsible. Pertinent experience with library management systems, financial control systems, purchasing procedures and budget analysis. Experience
which demonstrates: a strong knowledge of the library book trade and successful management of library-book vendor relationships, a strong service orientation, a collaborative working style, strong leadership skills, the capability to develop innovative solutions
and to do effective planning. Participation in relevant national forums.
Strongly Preferred Qualifications:
Experience with electronic resource licensing practices and protocols. Experience with collection development. Experience which demonstrates skill in the use of business analytics
to drive relevant planning. Experience which demonstrates a commitment to staff development. Facility with foreign languages.
Applications will be accepted only from the Jobs at Princeton website:
http://www.princeton.edu/jobs and must include a resume/cv, cover letter, and a list of three references with full contact information. This position is subject to the University's background check policy.
Princeton University is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic
protected by law.
Heidi A. Fisher
Leader, Serials Acquisitions Team
Acquisitions Services - Periodicals, Continuations (formerly Order/Serials Division)
Princeton University Library
693 Alexander Road
Princeton, NJ 08540-6317
phone: 609-258-5415
fax: 609-258-0441
general e-mail: pers@princeton.edu