Harvard University

Head, Humanities and Social Sciences Collection Development

Harvard University

Remote
Full-TimeDepends on ExperienceSenior LevelMasters
Job Description

Welcome to Harvard University's collection development team! We are currently seeking a Head of Humanities and Social Sciences to lead our efforts in building and maintaining a robust collection of resources for our esteemed academic community. As a top-ranked institution, we are committed to providing our students and faculty with the most comprehensive and diverse collection possible. We are looking for a passionate and experienced professional to join us in this mission. If you have a strong background in collection development, a deep understanding of the humanities and social sciences disciplines, and a dedication to supporting academic research and teaching, we encourage you to apply for this exciting opportunity.

  1. Develop and implement strategic plans for the acquisition and management of humanities and social sciences resources in accordance with the university's academic goals and priorities.
  2. Oversee the selection, evaluation, and deselection of resources in all formats, including print and electronic materials.
  3. Collaborate with subject librarians and faculty to identify and address collection needs and gaps.
  4. Stay up-to-date with current trends and developments in the humanities and social sciences fields to inform collection decisions.
  5. Manage the collection budget and allocate funds effectively to ensure the collection remains relevant and of high quality.
  6. Negotiate with vendors and publishers to secure favorable pricing and licensing terms for library resources.
  7. Stay informed about copyright laws and licensing agreements to ensure compliance with regulations.
  8. Lead and supervise a team of librarians and staff responsible for collection development in the humanities and social sciences.
  9. Develop and maintain relationships with academic departments and faculty to understand their research and teaching needs and provide appropriate resources and services.
  10. Collaborate with other departments and libraries within the university to facilitate resource sharing and access to a wider range of materials.
  11. Evaluate and implement new technologies and tools to enhance collection management and access.
  12. Contribute to the library's outreach and instruction efforts by participating in workshops, presentations, and other activities related to collection development and management.
  13. Keep accurate records and statistics related to collection development activities to inform decision-making and assessment.
  14. Stay informed about diversity, equity, and inclusion issues and incorporate these principles into collection development practices.
  15. Participate in professional development activities and stay connected with the larger library community to stay current with best practices in collection development.
Where is this job?
This job opening is listed as 100% remote
Job Qualifications
  • Advanced Degree In A Humanities Or Social Sciences Discipline, Preferably From An Accredited University

  • Minimum Of 5 Years Of Experience In Collection Development And Management, Preferably In An Academic Library Setting

  • In-Depth Knowledge Of Current Trends And Best Practices In Collection Development, Including Digital And Open Access Resources

  • Demonstrated Experience In Budget Management And Resource Allocation For A Large And Diverse Collection

  • Strong Communication And Collaboration Skills, With The Ability To Work Effectively With Faculty, Staff, And Students From Diverse Backgrounds And Disciplines

Required Skills
  • Project Management

  • Data Analysis

  • Budget management

  • vendor negotiations

  • Interdisciplinary Collaboration

  • Digital Preservation

  • Research Techniques

  • Information Literacy

  • Subject Expertise

  • Collection Assessment

  • Collection Curation

Soft Skills
  • Communication

  • Conflict Resolution

  • Emotional Intelligence

  • Leadership

  • Time management

  • creativity

  • Attention to detail

  • Teamwork

  • Adaptability

  • Problem-Solving

Compensation

According to JobzMall, the average salary range for a Head, Humanities and Social Sciences Collection Development is $60,000 to $90,000 per year. However, this can vary depending on factors such as location, level of experience, and specific job responsibilities. Some positions may offer higher salaries, particularly in larger organizations or at universities with well-funded libraries. Additionally, those with advanced degrees or specialized skills may also command higher salaries in this field.

Additional Information
Harvard University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We do not discriminate based upon race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, or other applicable legally protected characteristics.
Required LanguagesEnglish
Job PostedMarch 4th, 2025
Apply BeforeApril 11th, 2026
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About Harvard University

Harvard University is a private Ivy League research university in Cambridge, Massachusetts, with about 6,800 undergraduate students and about 14,000 postgraduate students. Established in 1636 and named for its first benefactor, clergyman John Harvard, Harvard is the United States' oldest institution of higher learning. Its history, influence, wealth, and academic reputation have made it one of the most prestigious universities in the world.

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