Head of Acquisitions and Collection Development

The Dartmouth College Libraries (Dartmouth Libraries) seek an experienced and forward-thinking leader to manage the Acquisitions Services department. This next leader will develop and implement highly effective strategies for the acquisition, access, discovery, development, management, and long-term stewardship of its collections, information resources, published content, and department staff in support of Dartmouth’s high level of research activity and educational mission.

Founded in 1769, Dartmouth is a member of the Ivy League and consistently ranks among the world’s greatest academic institutions. Classified as an R-1 institution (Doctoral University; Very High Research Activity) Dartmouth has forged a singular identity for combining its deep commitment to outstanding undergraduate liberal arts and graduate education with distinguished research and scholarship in the Arts & Sciences, the Guarini School of Graduate and Advanced Studies, and its three leading professional schools – the Geisel School of Medicine (founded 1797), Thayer School of Engineering (1867), and the Tuck School of Business (1900). Dartmouth enrolls approximately 4,100 undergraduates and approximately 1,600 graduate and professional students. The College employs over 1000 faculty (640 tenured and tenure track) and 3,379 staff. FY 2023 operating expenses were $1.1 billion, and Dartmouth’s endowment (as of 2023) is approximately $8 billion.

The Dartmouth Libraries are supported by a highly committed library staff of about 145, providing expertise for the Dartmouth community across the campus. Organizationally, the Libraries are responsible for the iconic spaces of the Baker‐Berry Library (which also houses the Evans Map Room and the Jones Media Center) as well as specialized libraries for Biomedicine, Health Science, Business & Engineering, Art, and Special Collections. A new offsite Library Collections and Services Facility completed in 2023 accommodates additional physical collections, ensuring the long-term stewardship of materials collected over more than 200 years.

For more information on the Dartmouth Libraries extensive collections, please visit

Dartmouth Collections.

To view the Libraries’ organizational structure, please visit Dartmouth Libraries Organizational Chart.

The Head of Acquisitions and Collection Development will report to the Associate Dean of Libraries, Collections and Content Strategies, and work closely with the Associate Dean on matters of overall acquisitions, collection management, and strategy. The Head of Acquisitions and Collection Development will supervise and mentor a team of five direct reports and seven additional staff. The Organizational Chart for Acquisitions Services shows the placement of this position within the larger library staff.

This talented individual will tackle the following strategic priorities:

·      Set Strategic Vision for Acquisitions and Collections

·      Align Collection Policy with current needs of researchers, faculty, and students

·      Manage Teams

·      Negotiate Licenses, Copyright and Publishing Agreements

·      Professionally develop self and staff

The Head of Acquisitions and Collection Development will be expected to embrace the following opportunities and challenges:

·      Championing the recruitment, inclusion, support, and retention of individuals from underrepresented backgrounds

·      Supporting and mentoring the continued professional development of staff

·      Collaborating with campus partners to ensure innovative and thoughtful use of instructional and library technology and the rapidly evolving world of copyright and scholarly communication

The ideal candidate will embody an energetic, creative, collaborative and forward-thinking approach to the future of collections. In addition, the next Head of Acquisitions and Collection Development will possess an accredited master’s degree in library or information science from an ALA-accredited institution (or international equivalent), plus six (6) or more years of experience in collection development and staff management, including team leadership. In extraordinary cases, individuals with less than six years’ experience or with different educational qualifications may be considered.

This is a full-time position that will be performed on site in Hanover, NH. Salary commensurate with experience with a generous benefits package. Applications will be reviewed immediately upon receipt and until the position is filled.

To view the full position profile, please visit our website.

For best consideration, please send nominations, applications (CV and Letter of Interest), and queries in confidence to:

Matthew Bunting, Managing Director

Susan Kart, Senior Search Associate

Storbeck Search

DartmouthAcquisitions@storbecksearch.com

Dartmouth College is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer with a strong commitment to diversity and inclusion. We prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, veteran status, marital status, or any other legally protected status. Applications by members of all underrepresented groups are encouraged.