The University of Houston Libraries seeks a Collections Strategies Librarian to support the development, management, and assessment of a dynamic, research-driven collections program.
Working across library units and with campus partners, the Collections Strategies Librarian supports resource selection, evaluation, and stewardship in alignment with institutional priorities. Reporting to the Head of Collections Strategies and Services, this role incorporates data-informed decision-making, user-centered approaches, and responsiveness to evolving models in scholarly communication and publishing.
Position Responsibilities
- Contributes to Libraries-wide collections strategy and management activities, including selection, deselection, evaluation, and budget planning, ensuring alignment with evolving research, teaching, and curricular priorities.
- Engages with faculty, students, and campus stakeholders to address collection needs, including resource requests, access strategies, donations, and support for accreditation initiatives.
- Monitors institutional priorities and trends in collection management and scholarly communication, adapting strategies to maintain relevance and sustainability.
- Develops and maintains productive vendor relationships.
- Evaluates products and supports informed acquisition decisions.
The Collections Strategies Librarian is a promotion-eligible librarian position. Librarians hold academic rank pursuant to the University of Houston Libraries’ Bylaws and are expected to develop a record of service, scholarship, and professional involvement. UH Libraries supports the ongoing professional development of librarians, and our goal is to recruit librarians committed to continuous learning.
The University of Houston prepares students to thrive in a globally interconnected world while contributing impactful research and innovation to the region and beyond. We welcome candidates who are prepared to engage in this environment.
Required Qualifications
- Master’s degree from an American Library Association (ALA) -accredited program
- Demonstrated interest in or relevant coursework related to collection development and collection management in academic or research libraries
- Demonstrated ability to use data to inform, support, and communicate decisions
- Strong communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to engage effectively with diverse stakeholders
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience conducting evidence-based collection assessments in academic libraries
- Proficiency in data visualization tools and techniques
- Experience working with Ex Libris Alma Analytics or similar library systems
Salary: Salary is dependent on qualifications and rank. The salary range is $66,000-$68,000 for Assistant Librarians and $73,000-$75,000 for Associate Librarians. We anticipate filling this position at the rank of Assistant Librarian. Comprehensive benefits package; choice of retirement programs, including TIAA; tax-deferred annuity program available; release time to take a class up to 3 hours/week; no state or local income tax.
How to Apply: Apply at https://careers.uh.edu/jobs/collections-strategies-librarian-houston-texas-united-states. Applications must include a cover letter, CV or resume, contact information for three (3) professional references, and an unofficial transcript of ALA-accredited library/information science degree. Incomplete applications will not be considered. Visit the UH Libraries Employment page at https://libraries.uh.edu/about/employment/. Potential applicants seeking further information should contact Santi Thompson, Associate Dean for Librarian Affairs and Operations, at 713-743-9685 or sathompson3@uh.edu. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.
Official transcripts are required for a faculty appointment and will be requested upon selection of the final candidate.
Employees are expected to have a home address in the state of Texas for the duration of their appointments.
All positions at the University of Houston System are security sensitive and will require a criminal history check.
Library Information: UH Libraries is a member of the Association of Research Libraries, the Greater Western Library Alliance, HathiTrust, the Council on Library and Information Resources, the Digital Library Federation, the Texas Digital Library, Associate of Academic Health Sciences Libraries, and the South Central Academic Medical Libraires Consortium. The campus libraries provide access to over 3.1 million volumes. The University Libraries’ total staff is 160 FTE, including 62 professionals. Additional information about UH Libraries is available at https://libraries.uh.edu. UH Libraries’ 2021-2027 strategic plan (https://libraries.uh.edu/strategic-plan) is in alignment with the University’s ambitious strategic plan (https://uh.edu/strategic-plan/).
General Information: The University of Houston, a dynamic research institution founded in 1927, stands as a vibrant hub of academic excellence and cultural diversity in Texas. With over 46,000 students, it offers a comprehensive range of programs across 15 colleges, fostering innovation in fields such as energy, health, hospitality, business, education, law, STEM, and the humanities. Boasting top-tier faculty, state-of-the-art facilities, student success initiatives, and a strong commitment to community engagement, UH prepares students to thrive in a globally interconnected world.
The University’s prime location in America’s fourth-largest city supports extensive industry partnerships and experiential learning opportunities. Renowned for its energy industry and NASA’s Space Center, Houston is home to a vibrant cultural scene with world-class museums, theaters, and restaurants. The University of Houston is an institutional member of the Texas Medical Center, the largest medical center in the world. Houston thrives as a hub for innovation, education, and arts, fostering a unique blend of community charm and modern progress.
The University of Houston System and its universities are Equal Opportunity Institutions. Everyone is encouraged to apply.