Collection Strategies Librarian

Job Posting Title: Librarian 12-month

Working Title: Collection Strategies Librarian

Department: Library - Collections Systems & Digital Strategies

Division: Library

Position Type: full-time tenure-track faculty

Anticipated hiring Rank: Senior Assistant Librarian

Position Summary

The Library is seeking a collaborative forward-thinking and analytical Collection Strategies Librarian to provide leadership for evidence-based collection development assessment and strategic resource management in alignment with Cal Polys Learn by Doing philosophy. Reporting to the Associate Dean for Collections Systems and Digital Strategy this position supports the universitys teaching learning and research missions by guiding the ongoing evolution of library collections in response to changes in scholarly publishing licensing and access models technology-mediated discovery and user needs.

By integrating established best practices with emerging approaches the Collection Strategies Librarian contributes to building sustainable well-balanced collections that prioritize bibliodiversity and equitable access in the global information landscape. This position will leverage data emerging technologies (e.g. artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning) and evolving publishing models to build dynamic collections that support a broad range of academic disciplines research methods and scholarly outputs.

Tenure-track librarians hold full faculty status and are expected to be prepared to meet the requirements for tenure and promotion. Faculty are required to conduct an active ongoing program of scholarship or creative works that advances knowledge in the library and information field or other fields of ones also participate in shared governance and actively engage in committees task forces and professional organizations to shape the future of the library in accordance with the goals of the library Cal Poly and CSU.

Kennedy Library recognizes that candidates may have acquired relevant experience in a variety of ways. We expect candidates to be stronger in some required qualifications than others. We are committed to helping future colleagues expand their skills as well as learning from their areas of strength.

Professional Responsibilities

• Investigate and analyze new and emerging models for collection development such as transformative agreements Affordable Learning Solutions demand- or evidence-based acquisition open educational resources and shared collection initiatives.
• Collaborate with library colleagues to provide data-driven insights for collection management (e.g. COUNTER reports dashboards visualizations or other communication tools) to support transparency and shared understanding of collection decisions.
• Lead and coordinate collection development strategies across subject areas in collaboration with selectors ensuring that the librarys evidence-based approach includes quantitative and qualitative assessments of how well collections serve diverse curricular and research needs.
• Work with subject experts to ensure that historically marginalized voices international perspectives and non-traditional scholarly outputs are represented alongside mainstream commercial publishing.
• Investigate and analyze how emerging technologies including artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning are influencing scholarly publishing and collection management practices with attention to social and environmental responsibility transparency accessibility privacy and data quality.
• Participate in library-wide planning and strategic initiatives that shape the long-term direction of collections and resource stewardship.

Scholarly Activity and Professional Growth

• Engage in an active program of scholarship research or creative work including externally validated presentations and publications.
• Participate in regional national or international professional organizations conferences workshops and communities of practice.
• Contribute to the knowledge base of the profession particularly within areas of specialized expertise.

• Engage in ongoing professional development to remain responsive to changes in higher education publishing and information systems

Service

• Participate in library university and/or CSU system-wide committees task forces and working groups related to professional expertise and needs of the library.
• Contribute to shared governance through participation in university-wide faculty governance bodies standing committees or councils.
• Participate in other professional service such as committee work peer review mentoring or leadership roles in regional national and/or international professional organizations.

Required Qualifications

• ALA-accreditedMasters Degree in Library and Information Science or comparable experience with a relevant advanced degree at the time of appointment.
• Three years of relevant experience.
• Demonstrated experience in collection development collection analysis acquisitions or related collections strategy work in an academic or research library.
• Familiarity with current and evolving scholarly resource acquisition models such as evidence-based acquisition consortial purchasing shared collections or transformative agreements.
• Strong analytical and assessment skills including the ability to interpret usage cost and qualitative data to inform collection decisions.
• Experience with data visualization and collection analytics tools (e.g. Alma Analytics Tableau Power BI).
• Understanding of evolving scholarly communication ecosystems licensing and open access.

• Understanding of the legal ethical and technical considerations related to text and data mining artificial intelligence and emerging discovery technologies as they relate to collection strategy.

• Excellent oral and written communication collaboration and project management skills.
• Commitment to addressing barriers to equitable participation (e.g. textbook affordability accessibility features of scholarly materials and representation in scholarly discourse).

• Demonstrated ability to apply a critical framework to collection strategies such as addressing the historical exclusion of marginalized voices in academic collections or identifying biases in vendor-driven acquisition models and metadata.

• Familiarity with shared print and digital preservation initiatives such as WEST Portico or the Journal Archiving Campaign Service (JACS).
• Ability to work effectively as part of a team working with and supporting culturally diverse faculty students and staff.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in collaborative collection building with campus partners (e.g. ethnic studies departments cultural centers) to ensure resources reflect the lived experiences and research interests of a diverse campus community.
  
  
• Familiarity with managing collections in an integrated library system (ILS) and discovery tool (e.g. Ex Libris Alma/Primo VE).
  
  
• Intermediate to advanced proficiency with Excel and/or other spreadsheet software.

SPECIAL CONDITIONS

The person holding this position is considered a mandated reporter under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and isrequiredtocomply withthe requirementsset forth inCSU Executive Order 1083 as a condition of employment.

Following a conditional offer of employment a background check (including a criminal records check) must be completed satisfactorily before any candidate may start work with Cal Poly San Luis Obispo. Failure to satisfactorily complete the background check may result in the withdrawal of the offer ofemployment. Note: Cal Poly cannot deny an applicant a position solely or in part due to a criminal conviction history until it has performed an individualized assessment and linked the relevant conviction history with specific job duties in the position beingsought.

Please note: Current employees who are offered positions on campus willbe requiredto undergo a background check for any position where a background check is required by law or that Cal Poly hasdesignatedas sensitive. Sensitive positions requireheightened scrutiny of individuals holding the position based on potential for harm to children concerns for the safety and security of people animals or property or heightened risk offinancial lossto Cal Poly or individuals in the university community.

For health and well-being Cal Poly is a smoke & tobacco-free campus. The university is committed to promoting a healthy environment for all members of our community.

In accordance withthe California State University (CSU) Out-of-State Employment Policy the CSU is a state entity whose business operationsresidewithin the State of California and prohibits hiring employees to perform CSU related work outside of California. It is also expected that tenure-line facultywill establishan on-campus presence to fulfill their responsibilities.

Equal Opportunity and Excellence in Education and Employment

This position is open and available to all regardless of race sex color ethnicity or national origin. Consistent with California law and federal civil rights laws Cal Poly provides equal opportunity in education and employment without unlawful discrimination or preferential treatment based on race sex color ethnicity or national origin. Our commitment to equal opportunity means ensuring that every student and employee has access to the resources and support they need to thrive and succeed in a university environment and in their communities. Cal Poly complies with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act the California Equity in Higher Education Act Californias Proposition 209 (Art. I Section 31 of the California Constitution) other applicable state and federal anti-discrimination laws and CSUs Nondiscrimination Policy. We prohibit discriminatory preferential treatment segregation based on race or any other protected status and all forms of discrimination harassment and retaliation in all university programs policies and practices.

Cal Poly is a diverse community of individuals who represent many perspectives beliefs and identities committed to fostering an inclusive respectful and intellectually vibrant environment. We cultivate a culture of open dialogue mutual respect and belonging to support educational excellence and student success. Through academic programs student organizations and activities faculty initiatives and community partnerships we encourage meaningful engagement with diverse perspectives. As a higher education institution we are dedicated to advancing knowledge and empowering individuals to reach their full potential by prioritizing inclusive curriculum development faculty and staff training student mentorship and comprehensive support programs. At Cal Poly excellence is built on merit talent diversity accessibility and equal opportunity for all.

About the University

Founded in 1901 and located in San Luis Obispo Cal Poly is a nationally ranked public university within the California State University (CSU) system. Consistently recognized as the best public masters-level university in the West by U.S. News & World Report and a 5-star institution by Money magazine Cal Poly is currently undergoing a historic evolution as it prepares for full integration with the former CSU Maritime on July 1 2026.

The university is defined by its signature Learn by Doing philosophy which empowers over 22000 students in San Luis Obispo and 800 students at the Cal Poly Maritime Academy to solve complex real-world problems. By taking learning beyond the classroom in disciplines ranging from business and engineering to agriculture and the humanities Cal Poly ensures students are Ready Day One to lead and innovate. At the heart of this mission is a steadfast commitment to student success fostered through small class sizes and close faculty mentorship that prepare graduates to impact their communities California and the world.

Current Context

In October 2021 Cal Poly began transitioning from a quarter to a semester calendar system set to take effect in the academic year. This shift aims to enhance teaching and learning depth balance faculty research and instruction streamline transfer pathways and align with the rest of the 22 campus California State University (CSU) system. Enrollment is projected to grow as part of CSUs broader goals and financial incentives with plans to reach about 25000 students by 2035. Cal Poly also seeks designation as a Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI). Starting in the university plans a phased implementation of Year-Round Operations (YRO) enabling students to start in summer or spring terms and encouraging ongoing students to engage in high-impact experiences such as internships and study abroad during off-terms. Cal Poly Maritime Academy enrolls approximately 800 students and is strategically planning to expand enrollment to 1300 students by 2030. Cal Poly is also selectively building 22 degree programs for specific majors with Cuesta Community College and Allan Hancock Community College as academic partners.

The CSU system serves over 350000 students and employs 53000 faculty and staff. With a $7 billion annual budget it is known for providing high-quality accessible and affordable education. Its Graduation Initiative 2025 (GI 2025) focuses on boosting graduation rates and closing opportunity and achievement gaps across all campuses.

HOW TO APPLY

Please attach to your electronic application the following materials:

1. Cover letter
2. Current curriculum vita
3. Universal Student Success Statement - Cal Poly is a public student-centered university that serves the diverse constituents of the state of California and has a strong emphasis on the teacher-scholar model. Please detail your approach to teaching and learning at the collegiate level including evidence of experience with inclusive accessible and intentional teaching to a wide variety of students and a description of how you will continue to develop this expertise at Cal Poly. Service or scholarship related to skills developed in these areas might also be included here. For librarian applicants evidence of inclusive and intentional teaching may encompass support for information literacy the provision of accessible tools for learning or discovery or of research services that empower a diverse student body in their academic pursuits etc.
4. Unofficial transcripts showinghighestdegree sealed transcript showinghighestdegree earned will berequiredprior to appointment.

Please be prepared to provide three professional references with names and email addresses when completing the application. Cal Poly will directlysolicitletters from the individuals listed by applicants.

This position is openuntilfilled.

Anticipated hiring range - $85524 - $90655

Projected Start Date: July 31 2026

Review Begin Date:March 23 2026. Applicants with complete files by the Review Begin Date will be given full after this date may be considered.

For questions about the position please contactsearch committee chair:

Sarah Lester

Applications close: Open Until Filled