Collections Strategy Librarian - The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston

Location: Houston, TX
Salary: $45,000-52,000/year
Employment Term: Full-time
Employer Contact: HR@mfah.org

Collections Strategy Librarian

The Collections Strategy Librarian focuses on the management of the library’s collection with regards to access, inventory control, workflows and collection movement.

Responsibilities

Collection Management: Oversees ongoing stacks and collection management activities

• Manages all offsite access and collection maintenance
• Collaborates closely with library staff to develop efficient workflows among acquisitions, cataloging and user access
• Retrieves and replaces materials from offsite locations
• Participates in space planning and management, including space analytics and move coordination
• Plans, implements and manages all collection inventory processes
• Collects, compiles and distributes collection statistics and reports
• Works closely with staff to purchase appropriate resources in all formats and to evaluate relevance of materials in existing collections

Acquisitions: Provides oversight of the library acquisitions processes for all library materials, including books, serials and special collections

• Supervises the Library Assistant, Acquisitions
• Supervises daily activities including ordering, receiving, claiming and invoicing
• Enters purchase orders into the Museum’s accounting system
• Enters orders into the Libraries’ automated system
• Works directly with publishers and vendors to establish accounts and negotiate purchasing agreements; preserves contracts in library’s automated system
• Serves as backup in the absence of the Library Assistant, Acquisitions

Serials: Manages serials collections, auction catalogs and special projects

• Performs professional cataloging and bibliographic control duties, including classification and description of serials adhering to local and professional cataloging standards
• Receives and checks in periodicals, auction catalogs and commercial gallery catalogs
• Responsible for purchasing, invoicing and claiming all serials
• Manages automated serials management system
• Handles all commercial bindery needs, including determination of need, preparation and communication with vendor, as well as updating of circulation records
• Determines best practices for housing, preserving, and shelving special collections periodicals
• Maintains records for electronic serials;manages library EZProxy server for offsite access to serials and databases

Other Responsibilities: 

• Manages ongoing projects as necessary
• Participates in public services rotation
• Participates in libraries and archives committee activities
• Maintains knowledge of and engages in continuous professional development to keep up with current and developing standards and practices
• Works collaboratively with the library’s management team to develop strategic concepts, practices, techniques and innovations to continually improve the quality of the library’s services and collections

Skills, Knowledge and Abilities

• Excellent analytical, interpersonal, time management, organizational and problem-solving skills
• Knowledge of planning, designing, and implementing innovative practices or tools to improve collection management
• Understanding of the construction of bibliographic and authority records
• Familiarity with the Library of Congress classification schedules, subject headings and name headings
• Proficiency with an ILS system and analytics; familiarity with OCLC WorldCat and WorldShare Management Services preferred
• Strong computer skills, including knowledge of Windows, Microsoft Office programs and databases
• Ability to work well independently but must have good judgment regarding when to ask questions
• Must be able to lift heavy boxes and climb ladders

Education and Experience

• ALA-accredited Master's Degree in Library and Information Science or currently working in program (must earn MLIS within twelve months of hire date)
• Three years of progressively responsible library experience
• Experience with library acquisitions and serials
• Experience reviewing contracts for digital resources
• Experience with project management
• Experience managing staff
• Bachelor of Arts, Art History degree or closely related subject

Apply Here