Manager, Physical Collections Operations

US-NJ-Princeton

Job ID: 2024-19104
Type: Full-Time
# of Openings: 1
Category: Library

Princeton University

Overview

Princeton University Library(PUL) seeks an energetic and experienced individual for the Collections Management unit in the Content Access (CA) Department. Reporting directly to the Assistant Director, Content Access, the Manager, Physical Collections Operations exercises authority delegated by the Department head to manage all activities in the daily operation of the Holdings & Project Management and Stacks Maintenance & Paging Services Teams and coordinate collection management functions across PUL. The successful candidate will lead two teams of staff members responsible for the proactive management of the library’s physical collections, working with the Assistant Director and other members of the Collections and Access Services Leadership Team to anticipate future collection space and growth needs while supporting continuous, seamless access to PUL materials with a commitment to the highest standards of quality control on all workflows.

Princeton University Library, one of the world’s leading research libraries, has a dedicated, knowledgeable staff of 300 in a large central library, 9 specialized branches and 3 storage facilities. PUL supports a diverse community of 5200 undergrads, 2700 graduates, 1200 faculty, and many visiting scholars. 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 Manager, Physical Collections Operations will:

• Provide strategic oversight of several distinct workflows in two separate units, including library holdings management, stacks management, paging services, Collections and Access Services departmental specific projects, as well as supporting and coordinating implementation of collections projects throughout the Library system.
• Coordinate the transfer of materials between PUL and ReCAP, applying extensive and diverse knowledge of collection management principles to ensure sustainable growth in the library stacks and the responsible stewardship of physical collections in all formats.
• Coordinate collections management operations with Circulation and Fulfillment Services, aligning strategic priorities and identifying opportunities for closer collaboration between CA units to promote efficiency and streamline operations where appropriate.
• Coordinate physical collections moves and operations across PUL, providing direction and logistical support for the management of library materials among Firestone and the branch libraries.
• Engage as a representative of PUL with collection management peers at the regional, consortial, and national levels.

Essential Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of education and professional experience
• A minimum of five years relevant professional experience in an academic or research library, or the equivalent, which must include a minimum of three years of supervisory and management experience
• Deep understanding and work experience of circulation, collection management and/or resource sharing services of a large academic library with multiple branches
• A commitment to staff development
• Strong interpersonal skills; teamwork and team building skills
• Strong planning, organization and problem-solving skills
• Strong oral and written communications skills
• Well-developed computer skills.

Preferred Qualifications:

• MLS from an ALA accredited institution
• Demonstrated successful experience working with cataloging/acquisitions/inventory management in an academic research library (e.g. experience with shelf ready materials or copy cataloging)
• Successful experience working with vendors and various library service providers (e.g. binders, material suppliers).
• Demonstrated ability to assess, develop and implement new workflow efficiencies.
• Demonstrated understanding of the mission and functions of a large research library.
• Experience working successfully in a complex organizational structure.
• Experience of library access service with a large offsite storage facility
• Knowledge/work experience of digitization of many types of library materials
• Active participation in relevant regional/national professional organizations and forums

Princeton University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. KNOW YOUR RIGHTS