Head of Acquisitions and Metadata Services

Colorado State University, United States

Updated: about 2 hours ago
Location: Fort Collins, COLORADO
Deadline: 15 Jul 2024

Posting Details
Posting Detail Information


Working Title Head of Acquisitions and Metadata Services
Position Location Fort Collins, CO
Work Location Position qualifies for hybrid/in-office work
Posting Number 202400122F
Proposed Annual Salary Range 79,000-96,800 Salary is commensurate with experience and rank at hire.
Employee Benefits
Colorado State University is not just a workplace; it’s a thriving community that’s transforming lives and improving the human condition through world-class teaching, research, and service. With a robust benefits package, collaborative atmosphere, commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion , and focus on work-life balance, CSU is where you can thrive, grow, and make a lasting impact.
  • Review our detailed benefits information here.
  • Explore the additional perks of working at CSU here .
  • For the total value of CSU benefits in addition to wages, use our compensation calculator .
  • Lastly, click here for more information about why Fort Collins is consistently ranked in the top cities to live in !
Position Type Faculty
Work Hours/Week 40
Description of Work Unit
The Colorado State University Libraries is the heart of learning and research on campus, connecting curious minds to vital information and knowledge. The library system includes a primary library, Morgan Library, and a branch library in CSU’s Veterinary Teaching Hospital. The Libraries’ mission is to curate inclusive collections and provide equitable access to materials and services critical to student success, research brilliance and community engagement. The Libraries employs approximately 80 faculty and staff and 100 student employees who collaborate to meet the informational needs of users in the Libraries’ physical and digital spaces. The CSU Libraries is committed to diversity, equity, inclusion and social justice. As part of a land grant university built on indigenous lands, we are mindful of our history and recognize that equity and social justice work requires intention, persistence and humility. We believe that improving equity and enacting social justice—among our staff, in our services, in our spaces, and in our communities—is a guiding star toward a better future.
The Acquisitions and Metadata Services unit manages the acquisition of library resources, including books, databases, and journals. The unit is also responsible for metadata creation to support resource discovery and access.
Tenure/Tenure Track? No
% Research 0
% Teaching 90
% Service 10
% Administration 0
To ensure full consideration, applications must be received by 11:59pm (MT) on 07/15/2024
Number of Vacancies
Desired Start Date
Position End Date
Position Summary
Colorado State University Libraries seeks a strategic, flexible, and results-oriented leader for the position of Head of Acquisitions and Metadata Services (AMS). The Head of Acquisitions and Metadata Services oversees the acquisition, processing, and discoverability of the library’s print and electronic materials. With strong support from the administration in the CSU Libraries, the Head of Acquisitions and Metadata Services will help further the university goals and the integration of the CSU Principles of Community into the work of the CSU Libraries. This position will be a continuing faculty appointment.
The Head of Acquisitions and Metadata Services will prioritize seamless discovery and access and ensure the library’s acquisitions and metadata management decisions are driven by the needs of our patrons. The Head provides leadership and vision for the work of the unit and oversees all activities, including electronic resource management, print acquisitions and processing, and metadata management. Reporting to the Associate Dean for Collections and Discovery, the Head collaborates across the library and will need to build and maintain strong working relationships with Collection Strategies, Finance, Library Technology Services, Resource Sharing, Special Collections, and CSU Pueblo Libraries Acquisitions.
The Head of Acquisitions and Metadata Services is an active member of the Library Leadership Advisory Group, contributing to strategic planning and organizational development. This position is responsible for adapting staffing plans and workflows to meet the changing needs of the unit; working closely with Collection Strategies; collaborating with Library Finance personnel to manage financial resources; and ensuring clear communication between AMS and other library units.
Job-specific responsibilities:
  • Establishes priorities for unit projects, activities, and innovations related to acquisitions, electronic resources, and metadata management.
  • Reviews and evaluates operations with a goal of improving efficiency and user experience.
  • Provides leadership and guidance for improving resource access and discovery in Primo and other systems.
  • Fosters open communication within and beyond the unit; documents policies, procedures, and decisions as appropriate.
  • Assesses new developments in ILS software and implements workflow changes as appropriate.
  • Responsible for communication of financial and budget status with stakeholders and coordination between ILS and University financial system.
Conditions of Employment Pre-employment Criminal Background Check (required for new hires)
Required Job Qualifications
  • Master’s degree in library/information science from an ALA-accredited program or international equivalent.
  • Minimum 2 years of supervisory or leadership experience.
  • Demonstrated understanding of emerging trends and their implications for acquisitions and electronic resource management, metadata management, and discovery.
  • Demonstrated ability to effectively manage projects and resolve complex challenges.
  • Demonstrated knowledge of operations in one or more of the department’s areas of responsibility (acquisitions, electronic resources, and/or metadata).
  • Excellent oral and written communication skills.
  • Demonstrated understanding of the principles of diversity, equity, inclusion, and social justice and how they relate to the mission of the Libraries.
Preferred Job Qualifications
None
Special Instructions to Applicants
At Colorado State University, diversity, equity, and inclusion are more than words – they are a call to action. The CSU Libraries supports this vision with a commitment to boosting equitable access to knowledge by eliminating barriers to discovery. We seek candidates from a rich diversity of lived experiences who are excited to work with users in an inclusive university community that welcomes and affirms the diversity of people, identities, perspectives, and ideas. Applicants are encouraged to think broadly about and communicate how their skills and experiences transfer to the qualifications in ways that may not be obvious. We strongly encourage those who will further advance the Libraries’ commitment to fostering a diverse and inclusive community. We welcome applicants with a range of experiences, including those new to the profession.
To apply, please upload a cover letter that addresses the required job qualifications, a resume, and the contact information for three professional references.  References will not be contacted without prior notification to candidates. 
CSU is committed to full inclusion of qualified individuals. If you are needing assistance or accommodations with the search process, please reach out to the listed search contact.
Background Check Policy Statement
Colorado State University strives to provide a safe study, work, and living environment for its faculty, staff, volunteers and students. To support this environment and comply with applicable laws and regulations, CSU conducts background checks for the finalist before a final offer. The type of background check conducted varies by position and can include, but is not limited to, criminal history, sex offender registry, motor vehicle history, financial history, and/or education verification. Background checks will also be conducted when required by law or contract and when, in the discretion of the University, it is reasonable and prudent to do so.
EEO Statement
Colorado State University is committed to providing an environment that is free from discrimination and harassment based on race, age, creed, color, religion, national origin or ancestry, sex, gender, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, or pregnancy in its employment, programs, services and activities, and admissions, and, in certain circumstances, marriage to a co-worker. The University will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. Colorado State University is an equal opportunity and equal access institution and affirmative action employer fully committed to achieving a diverse workforce and complies with all Federal and Colorado State laws, regulations, and executive orders regarding non-discrimination and affirmative action. The Office of Equal Opportunity is located in 101 Student Services.
The Title IX Coordinator is the Director of the Office of Title IX Programs and Gender Equity, 123 Student Services Building, Fort Collins, CO 80523-0160, (970) 491-1715, [email protected] .
The Section 504 and ADA Coordinator is the Director of the Office of Equal Opportunity, 101 Student Services Building, Fort Collins, CO 80523-0160, (970) 491-5836, [email protected] .
The Coordinator for any other forms of misconduct prohibited by the University’s Policy on Discrimination and Harassment is the Vice President for Equity, Equal Opportunity and Title IX, 101 Student Services Building, Fort Collins, Co. 80523-0160, (970) 491-5836, [email protected] .
Any person may report sex discrimination under Title IX to the Office of Civil Rights, Department of Education .
Diversity Statement
Ability to advance the department’s commitment to diversity and inclusion through research, teaching and outreach with relevant programs, goals and activities.
Search Contact Alyssa Baechle, [email protected]

Essential Duties


Job Duty Category Leadership
Duty/Responsibility
  • Assumes leadership role in acquisitions and metadata strategy through coordination and prioritization of unit projects and duties.
  • Shows depth of understanding of traditional and emerging library materials and formats.
  • Develops the knowledge of automation possibilities in acquisitions and discovery in collaboration with Library Technology Services.
  • Uses tools and applications to analyze and share statistical and assessment data related to acquisitions and collections.
  • Works with the Associate Dean for Collections and Discovery to set strategic direction for acquisitions and metadata services.
Percentage Of Time 70
Job Duty Category Supervision
Duty/Responsibility
  • Works with the Associate Dean for Collections and Discovery on strategic planning and unit goal setting.
  • Supervises and conducts performance review of Acquisitions and Metadata Services faculty and classified staff.
  • Administratively coordinates unit activities.
  • Updates unit workflow documentation, policies, and procedures.
  • Provides reports and statistics to library management, the Faculty Council Committee on Libraries and other departments as requested.
Percentage Of Time 20
Job Duty Category Service
Duty/Responsibility
  • Participates in service activities in support of the CSU Libraries, the university, and/or relevant professional organizations
  • Reflecting departmental and institutional values, participates in diversity initiatives to advance the Department’s commitment to diversity and inclusion.
Percentage Of Time 10

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