Fayetteville, Arkansas

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

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.

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: 

• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills
• Knowledge of current trends and best practices in scholarly communication, publishing, and open access
• 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

Salary Information:

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

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.

 

Application Materials: 

For the full posting, or to apply, please go to https://uasys.wd5.myworkdayjobs.com/UASYS/job/Fayetteville/Director--Collection-Development-Strategies--Open-Rank-_R0068713  When completing your application, please upload the following: letter of application, 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.

 

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.

 

The University of Arkansas is an equal opportunity, affirmative action institution. The university welcomes applications without regard to race/color, sex, gender, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability, religion, marital or parental status, protected veteran or military status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal or state law.  

 

Persons must have proof of legal authority to work in the United States on the first day of employment. All applicant information is subject to public disclosure under the Arkansas Freedom of Information Act.