Position Description

Title: Acquisitions Services Manager (3058)

Salary Range: $33.54- $47.35 hourly (Grade 13 - Exempt)

Requirements: Masters in Library Science (MLS) from an ALA accredited institution; 3 to 5 years progressively responsible management experience; professional experience in an Acquisitions, Collection Development or Technical Services environment

Scope:

Perform functions to plan, implement and manage all aspects of library acquisitions from collection development through technical services activities, working within the limits of established policy. Uphold the Library System’s mission and values in the pursuit of all duties; respect for the individual, our organization, and the community, excellence in everything we do, and integrity in our actions, while providing excellent customer service to all internal and external customers.

Essential Functions:

1. Oversee the selection of all materials purchased for the library including books, audio, periodicals, online resources and any new formats available. Approve and submit orders and change quantities when needed based on demand and budget. Provide direction to staff regarding publishers, quantities of order and possible substitution of titles.
   
   
2. Identify new items, sources and trends in the industry.  Gather feedback from staff regarding new products and once approved by administration for inclusion, order for collection.  Negotiate pricing and contract terms if contracts are required. Respond to inquiries from local self-published authors wishing to market materials to the Library and provide guidance into the process.  
   
   
3. Monitor requests and coordinate the process whereby librarians are determining if reserved titles should be ordered for inclusion into collection or obtained through inter-library loan program. Monitor reserve listings against the database to ensure that all steps are taken to acquire materials requested and to notify patrons when materials cannot be acquired.
   
   
4. Review and analyze order recommendations and make adjustments to quantities based on business conditions and historical trends. Release orders to vendors, track progress of orders, and contact vendors to expedite orders as required. Review gifts for possible inclusion in the collection.
   
   
5. Maintain computerized ordering system. Oversee the addition of new accounts, budgets, account users, and passwords, and enter credits relating to specific invoices. Monitor the transmission of reports and results. Format and print reports. Review invoices, investigate and resolve related problems, and authorize valid invoices for payment. Track budget, identify spending trends, and make adjustments as necessary ensure that expenditures are within budgetary limits.
   
   
6. Ensure the accuracy of data transmitted into the Library's computerized collection database and the Online Computer Library Center relating to the Library's collection. Provide staff training and assist to resolve problems relating to data entry of collection data.
   
   
7. Establish ordering and processing procedures for items added to the collection and those being repaired or withdrawn. Maintain records relating to book leases and initiate returns. Gather and report on information and pricing for specific materials, and negotiate the price of materials where such factors impact acquisition decisions.
   
   
8. Review and implement contract purchases of serials, online databases, and other plans. Investigate and resolve problems related to acquisition.  Review standing orders for various materials including serials and media, and provide recommendations regarding continuation, additional orders, or contract terminations.
   
   
9. Communicate with various departments regarding the status of orders, transfers of material, or cataloging issues. Review items received from department heads for recommended transfer and determine appropriateness of transfers within the system. Monitor database for accuracy and report duplications or errors for revision.
   
   
10. Monitor and assist in the evaluation of the collection development policy.  Work with librarians to make sure that new sources such as electronic databases provide the library with opportunities to re-evaluate the need for print sources.
    
    
11. Establish departmental operating procedures and provide direction to staff. Monitor work and maintain workflow.  Investigate and resolve departmental operating concerns and develop solutions. Monitor and requisition inventory as required for processing materials into the collection.
    
    
12. Interview, hire and train departmental personnel, review and explain work, monitor work quality and assist to resolve operating problems. Explain and enforce Library rules and regulations, interpret and clarify policy, maintain discipline, handle employee grievances and maintain harmonious employee relations. Appraise performance and recommend changes in employee status.
    
    
13. Track data and prepare a wide range of reports and documentation related t o departmental activities, payroll and other operating issues.

Other duties may include but are not limited to:

1. Perform or assist with any system operations as directed to maintain work flow or respond to emergency conditions.
   
   
2. Attend and participate in any variety of meetings and task force groups to integrate activities, communicate issues, obtain or provide approvals, resolve problems and maintain specific level of knowledge pertaining to new developments, requirements and policies.
   
   
3. Maintain work area in a clean and orderly condition.  Ensure safe operating conditions within area of responsibility.  Perform other related duties as assigned.

Tools and Equipment Used:

Computer and common office equipment.

Rev. 10/08