Head of Access and Collection Services (ACS)

Caltech is a world-renowned science and engineering institute that marshals some of the world's brightest minds and most innovative tools to address fundamental scientific questions. We thrive on finding and cultivating talented people who are passionate about what they do. Join us and be a part of the diverse Caltech community.

Job Summary 

The Caltech Library seeks an innovative and collaborative Head of Access and Collection Services (ACS) who will lead the Library in providing seamless access to local and collaborative collections in support of research and learning at Caltech. Under the supervision of the University Librarian, this position will be responsible for the effective daily operation of the Sherman Fairchild Library facilities and services, including circulation, technology lending, course reserves, security, and facilities maintenance. The Head also oversees DocuServe, the Library’s highly-regarded interlibrary loan and document delivery service, and is responsible for coordinating acquisitions and collection management, electronically and physically, in all six Caltech Library locations. This position is also responsible for ensuring a friendly and welcoming environment that is conducive to learning, discovery and collaboration and looks to best practices in customer outreach and program development in other fields and sectors for inspiration. The Head of Access and Collection Services supervises a team of 12+ FTE, including librarians and staff, and plays an active role in inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility (IDEA) efforts at Caltech Library.

This is a Campus Critical position. An employee designated as campus critical is expected to be aware of the campus emergency management plan and to report to Campus as soon as possible in the event of an emergency to assist in campus wide response and recovery efforts.

Essential Job Duties 

• Serves as a member of the Library Leadership Team (LiLT) and actively engages in the administration of the Caltech Library.
• Strategically develops circulation services, inventory management, interlibrary loan, on-demand purchasing, digitization, and document delivery.
• Provides strategic leadership and serves as the point person for resource sharing and consortial partnership policies and practices. Explores and develops new partnerships, including shared print opportunities.
• Aligns Access and Collection Services with the Caltech Library’s mission and strategic priorities and leads the development of an inclusive work culture that highlights learning and development.
• Recommends best practices and implements workflows to maximize value of partnerships and provide superior access to library resources whether owned, licensed, or borrowed.
• Provides strategic direction for all acquisitions and collection management activities, both print and electronic. Oversees the LSP as part of Library’s collection access strategy. Works closely with Research Services librarians and the Digital Library Development team in the development of this strategy.
• Serves as coordinator for assessment efforts for access and collection services at Caltech Library. Analyzes library statistics and makes recommendations related to services, staffing, and other areas.
• Communicates and works effectively with librarians and staff across Library units to improve and coordinate services.
• Leads inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility (IDEA) initiatives within Access and Collection Services and plays a role in IDEA across the Library, Institute, and profession.
• Engages in Library, Institute, and professional service and development.
• Stays abreast of current best practices and innovative trends with regard to all areas of Access and Collection Services, including service development and academic learning spaces.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Basic Qualifications

• Master’s degree in library and/or information studies or other related advanced degree.
• 3 years of library experience in an access services and/or acquisitions related role.
• Supervisory experience in a customer service setting.
• Working knowledge of resource sharing technologies.
• Demonstrated ability to successfully manage complex projects across organizational boundaries; strong analytical skills.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Extensive (10+ years) academic library experience.
• Experience in organizational development, engaging employees in improving working relationships, and creating a learning environment in a work setting.
• Experience working on local or national committees, user groups, or other organizations to discover and advance common interests.
• Knowledge of trends and best practices in resource sharing and/or e-resources acquisition and management.
• Familiarity with data analysis tools (Excel, Tableau, or other).
• Experience in project management and/or workflow design.

Required Documents

• Resume
• Cover letter

Review of applications will begin March 11, 2024.

EDBI Value Statement:

We recognize that equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging are core to the mission of the Caltech Library. Equity goes beyond equality and means fair and impartial access to our collections and services for the entire Caltech community. Diversity means all of the various ways the members of our community are unique; it includes but is not limited to race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, age, and national origin. Inclusion means embracing all members of our community as part of a greater whole. Belonging means full acceptance of the members of our community and celebrating them for the richness their experiences bring to our collective work. These values are the primary guiding principle in our work, and they are both individual responsibilities and institutional imperatives.