Collection Development Coordinator

The Collection Development Coordinator supports the operations Collection Development team by coordinating workflows, managing data and reporting, and assisting with bibliographic and acquisitions activities across jurisdictions and formats. Reporting directly to the Manager of Collection Development, and supporting the Foreign, Comparative and International Collection Development Libarian, this position will apply established policies and procedures to prepare selection recommendations, monitor budgets, and support collection assessment and maintenance. This position works with a high degree of independence within defined guidelines and provides advanced analytical, technical, and operational support to ensure effective stewardship, access, and continuity of the library’s collection. 

The incumbent provides day-to-day operational support of the Collection Development Unit, serving as a first point of contact related to approval plans, fund activity, electronic resource issues, reporting, and collection coordination. The position works closely with Access Services, Harvard Library Central, and ITS partners and requires demonstrated knowledge of an integrated library system, preferably Ex Libris Alma, including the ability to design, and produce analytical reports in support of collection development and assessment.

As Collections Development Coordinator you will:

Collection Development and Bibliographic Responsibilities

• Participate in collection activities, including cancellations, format transitions, and disposition projects, in collaboration with Collection Development colleagues.
• Support the intellectual and fiscal integrity of collections across jurisdictions, subjects, and formats.
• Review and assign newly received materials on approval plans, exercising bibliographic judgment in accordance with established collection development policies, fund structures, and subject priorities.

Project Coordination and Administrative Support & Analytics

• Provide administrative and project support to the Collection Development Unit, including tracking project activities, assisting with logistics, and maintaining documentation to ensure continuity and transparency.
• Support unit workflows and daily operations by responding to requests, assisting with workflow activities, and helping maintain continuity across subject areas, formats and jurisdictions. 
• Assist with documentation of collection and maintenance of collection development policies, procedures, and workflows, ensuring records are accurate and up to date.
• Liaises with Shared Services and Law Library staff to coordinate collection-related workflows across local and shared services environments.
• Design and runs standard reports and compile data in support of collection development, approvals processing, budget oversight, and assessment activities.; Monitors LibAnswers queue with FCIL CD Librarian and Manager of CD.
• Assist with daily monitoring and management of collection budgets, including tracking expenditures, monitoring fund balances, and supporting reconciliation and reporting activities.; Makes recommendations regarding appropriate fund use for new and continuing acquisitions.

Electronic Resources and Systems 

• Serve as a primary troubleshooter for electronic resource access issues, independently diagnosing problems and coordinating resolution with vendors, ITS staff, and Harvard Library Central.

Collection Management and Access Coordination 

• Liaise with Access Services to support collection management activities, including material movement, recalls, space planning, and access-related workflows.
• Coordinate with Access Services staff to support the timely availability of collection materials and to collaborate on collection-related projects and initiatives, ensuring clear communication of priorities, responsibilities, and timelines, as well as effective stewardship and user access.

Qualifications

Basic Qualifications

5 years of related experience in an academic library or similar environment. Degree in library science may count toward experience. 

Additional Qualifications and Skills

• Bachelor's degree a plus.
• Familiarity with Ex Libris Alma and Alma Analytics a plus.
• Familiarity with legal electronic resource platforms, access models, and licensing concepts.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and communication skills.
• Ability to exercise independent judgment within established policies and apply analytical findings to decision-making.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a complex, collaborative environment.
• Reading knowledge of one or more foreign languages relevant to legal or academic collections is desirable.

Additional Information

Standard Hours/Schedule: 35 hours per week; Full-Time, M-F.

Visa Sponsorship Information: Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position

Pre-Employment Screening: Identity, Education

Other Information:

While the position is based on site in Cambridge, MA, this role has the opportunity for a hybrid work arrangement (some combination of on site and remote), subject to business need and manager review/approval.  At Harvard Law School Library, we typically work three days on-site, including Wednesdays as our anchor day.  

All offers are made my HLS Human Resources.

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Work Format Details

This position has been determined by school or unit leaders that some of the duties and responsibilities can be effectively performed at a non-Harvard location. The work schedule and location will be set by the department at its discretion and based upon operational needs. When not working at a Harvard or Harvard-designated location, employees in hybrid positions must work in a Harvard registered state in compliance with the University’s Policy on Employment Outside of Massachusetts. Additional details will be discussed during the interview process. Certain visa types and funding sources may limit work location. Individuals must meet work location sponsorship requirements prior to employment.

Salary Grade and Ranges

This position is salary grade level 055. Please visit  Harvard's Salary Ranges  to view the corresponding salary range and related information. 

Benefits

Harvard offers a comprehensive benefits package that is designed to support a healthy work-life balance and your physical, mental and financial wellbeing. Because here, you are what matters. Our benefits include, but are not limited to: 

• Generous paid time off including parental leave 
• Medical, dental, and vision health insurance coverage starting on day one 
• Retirement plans with university contributions 
• Wellbeing and mental health resources 
• Support for families and caregivers 
• Professional development opportunities including tuition assistance and reimbursement 
• Commuter benefits, discounts and campus perks 

Learn more about these and additional benefits on our Benefits & Wellbeing Page. 

EEO/Non-Discrimination Commitment Statement

Harvard University is committed to equal opportunity and non-discrimination. We seek talent from all parts of society and the world, and we strive to ensure everyone at Harvard thrives. Our differences help our community advance Harvard's academic purposes.

Harvard has an equal employment opportunity policy that outlines our commitment to prohibiting discrimination on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, religion, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law or identified in the university's non-discrimination policy. Harvard's equal employment opportunity policy and non-discrimination policy help all community members participate fully in work and campus life free from harassment and discrimination.