Head, Resource Acquisition

George Mason University
Head, Resource Acquisition

George Mason University, University Libraries seek an innovative, enthusiastic and collaborative librarian for the position of Head, Resource Acquisition. George Mason University has a strong institutional commitment to the achievement of excellence and diversity among its faculty and staff, and strongly encourages candidates to apply who will enrich Mason’s academic and culturally inclusive environment.

Responsibilities:
This position serves as an integral part of a forward-thinking, twenty-three-person-strong technical services unit. The Resource Acquisition Office is responsible for efficiently and accurately spending a robust research materials budget of approximately $10 million, roughly 80 percent of which is spent on electronic resources. The successful candidate has an opportunity to be part of a cohesive unit at an exciting time as the Mason Libraries are embarking on a system migration, and are deeply involved in digital scholarship and data management initiatives. The incumbent is also a key member of a four person Technical Services Group management team.

The incumbent provides leadership for the acquisition, access and ongoing maintenance of orders for materials in all formats. This position interacts regularly with key staff in the university’s Purchasing and Accounts Payable Office and serves as an expert resource on state and university financial regulations and guidelines and ensures compliance. The position directly manages seven full-time classified staff members and reports to the Director, Technical Services Group.

As department head, this position:

• Focuses the work of the unit on excellent customer service and timely access to scholarly resources;
• Works closely and collaboratively with Collection Development, Resource Description and Metadata Services, Digital Programs and Systems, and subject librarians to ensure materials are ordered and accessible;
• Designs and implements effective workflows incorporating current technologies and standards;
• Applies knowledge of professional best practices and keeps abreast of developments and trends within acquisitions, academic librarianship and scholarly communications; and
• Actively participates in the procurement of scholarly resources through consortium partnerships with VIVA and WRLC.

Duties:

• Responsible for the general management of the Resource Acquisition Office. Primary responsibilities include: providing supervision of monograph and electronic resource ordering and user access as well as the management of all fiscal transactions related to the research materials budget;
• Oversees and maintains consistent and usable acquisitions data for a broad range of purposes;
• Develops and maintain effective communication and good working relationships with publishers and vendors;
• Identifies training needs and provides learning and development opportunities for staff and helps others to increase their awareness and acceptance of cultural differences; and
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications:

• ALA-accredited MLS or ALA-recognized foreign equivalent;
• Significant professional-level experience in one or more functional areas of technical services;
• Supervisory experience;
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills;
• Technologically adept;
• Ability to build collaborative and mutually beneficial working relationships with people of varying backgrounds;
• Demonstrated commitment to professional development and growth; and
• Familiarity with the latest trends and issues in acquisitions and/or technical services.

Preferred Qualifications:

• At least two to three years of professional-level experience in acquisitions and/or serials in an academic library;
• At least two to three years of professional-level experience managing electronic journals and databases on a large scale;
• Experience managing invoicing and payments, including EDI (electronic data interchange) invoicing experience;
• Procurement and RFP/contract experience;
• Ability to work independently, delegate duties, and work collaboratively in a complex academic environment;
• Significant and successful managerial experience; and
• Working knowledge of Ex Libris Voyager or Alma.

Appointment/Benefits:
Twelve-month professional faculty appointment with rank dependent on qualifications and experience; health plan options and paid life insurance; several retirement plans, including TIAA-CREF; 24 vacation days and 12 paid holidays; tuition waiver for self.

The George Mason University library system, comprised of a large central library and four other distinctive libraries, is located on three campuses in the northern Virginia-metropolitan Washington, D.C., region. One of Virginia’s leading academic research libraries, the Mason Libraries continues to gain steadily in national stature as it undergoes extensive transformation in all areas that are key to a 21st century research library—innovative technologies and services, expert library faculty and skilled staff members, growing collections, publishing, modern facilities, and transformational partnerships. Visit us at library.gmu.edu for more information.

For full consideration, applicants must apply for position number FA036z at http://jobs.gmu.edu/; complete and submit the online application; and upload a cover letter, resume, and a list of three professional references with contact information (to include addresses [including e-mail] and phone numbers). Questions should be directed to Renee Prokop (rprokop@gmu.edu), Human Resources Coordinator, Office of the Dean of Libraries. Review of applications will begin after February 6, 2017 (for full consideration please apply by then), and will continue until the position if filled.

George Mason University is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer, committed to promoting inclusion and equity in its community. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.