Navigating the Evolving Digital Landscape: The Role of the Content Acquisitions Manager
In the dynamic landscape of academic research and scholarly communication, the role of the Content Acquisitions Manager has become increasingly crucial. As libraries strive to provide seamless access to a diverse range of electronic and analog resources, these professionals serve as the gatekeepers, ensuring that faculty, students, and the broader community have the tools they need to excel in their endeavors.
At Stony Brook University Libraries, the Content Acquisitions Manager is a key player in the institution’s mission of global leadership in research, discovery, and learning. This tenure-track position is responsible for making critical decisions that shape the library’s collection development strategies, negotiating licensing agreements, and proactively engaging with content providers to curate a comprehensive and accessible resource portfolio.
Responsibilities and Duties
The Content Acquisitions Manager at Stony Brook University Libraries wears many hats, each one integral to the overall success of the institution’s information services. Their primary responsibilities include:
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Collection Development: The incumbent plays a pivotal role in the decision-making processes related to the acquisition and management of electronic and analog resources. This involves carefully evaluating content proposals, negotiating licensing agreements, and ensuring seamless access to a diverse range of materials that support the research, teaching, and learning objectives of the university community.
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Vendor Engagement: The Content Acquisitions Manager maintains proactive relationships with content providers, regularly engaging with them to stay informed about new resource offerings, pricing models, and technological advancements. This knowledge enables them to make strategic decisions that optimize the library’s collection and provide the best possible value to the end-users.
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Resource Management: The selected candidate will be responsible for assisting in the maintenance and facilitation of access to the library’s electronic collections through the institution’s management platform. This includes troubleshooting issues, managing user access, and providing support to ensure the optimal utilization of these valuable resources.
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Reporting and Analytics: The Content Acquisitions Manager is expected to leverage analytics and workflow development tools to generate detailed reports that inform the library’s decision-making processes. These reports provide valuable insights into resource usage, cost-benefit analyses, and trends that help shape the library’s strategic priorities.
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Professional Development: To meet the tenure requirements of this position, the Content Acquisitions Manager is expected to maintain a record of professional activities, including scholarly work, presentations, and engagement with relevant professional organizations. This commitment to continuous learning and knowledge-sharing ensures that the incumbent remains at the forefront of industry developments and best practices.
Qualifications and Preferred Skills
To effectively fulfill the responsibilities of the Content Acquisitions Manager role, Stony Brook University Libraries seeks candidates with the following qualifications and preferred skills:
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Education: A relevant Master’s or advanced degree (or its foreign equivalent) with a combination of education and experience commensurate with the requirements of the position.
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Licensing Expertise: Familiarity with various licensing models for scholarly resources, including an understanding of the nuances and implications of different agreements.
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Acquisition and Management Experience: At least one year of experience in acquisition activities or the management of scholarly resources, demonstrating a strong grasp of the challenges and best practices in this domain.
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Data-Driven Approach: The ability to provide and maintain detailed reports using analytics and workflow development tools, enabling data-informed decision-making.
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Professional Engagement: A record of professional activities, including scholarly work, presentations, or engagement in relevant professional organizations, as required to achieve tenure.
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Technological Aptitude: An interest in leveraging emerging technologies, such as artificial intelligence, to streamline processes and enhance the discoverability of the library’s collection.
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Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion: A genuine embrace of the empathy, courage, self-reflection, and intentionality required to foster a diverse and inclusive workplace, where differences are acknowledged, respected, and celebrated.
The Stony Brook University Libraries Advantage
Stony Brook University Libraries are an essential partner in the institution’s mission, positioning themselves as the hub of collaboration, digital innovation, open scholarship, and creativity. As the largest academic research library on Long Island, the libraries serve as a vital resource for regional and global communities, contributing to the university’s commitment to furthering diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility.
The Content Acquisitions Manager will have the opportunity to work alongside a team of dedicated professionals, utilizing cutting-edge technologies and leveraging the latest industry trends to enhance the library’s collections and services. This tenure-track position offers a competitive salary range of $70,000 to $77,825, plus a $3,400 location stipend, making it an attractive opportunity for experienced IT professionals seeking to make a meaningful impact in the academic sector.
To apply for this position, interested candidates should visit the Stony Brook University Libraries’ employment page and follow the application instructions provided. The search committee, led by Laurel Scheinfeld, welcomes qualified individuals to apply before the priority deadline of September 30, 2024.
Conclusion
The Content Acquisitions Manager plays a pivotal role in shaping the future of academic libraries, ensuring that faculty, students, and the broader community have access to the resources they need to thrive. At Stony Brook University Libraries, this position offers a unique opportunity to leverage your expertise in collection development, vendor management, and data analysis to drive innovative solutions and enhance the overall research and learning experience.
By joining the Stony Brook University Libraries team, you will contribute to the institution’s mission of global leadership, while also benefiting from a supportive and inclusive work environment that values professional development and diversity. If you are an experienced IT professional with a passion for academic librarianship, we encourage you to explore this exciting opportunity and submit your application today.
