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Assistant Professor of Practice – Collection Development Librarian -

The primary location of this position is on-site in Cullowhee, NC. This position is designated as being exempt from the State of North Carolina Human Resources Act (EHRA).

This is a 12-month fixed-term Assistant Professor of Practice appointment, eligible for reappointment in accordance with university policies. The position reports to the COMET Department Head and works in close collaboration with library units, including Access Services, Research and Instruction Services, and Technical Services, serving as a central point of alignment across these areas. The position coordinates and manages collections, both physical and electronic. They provide an overall vision of the development and management of collections aligned with institutional priorities.

The Collection Development Librarian leads library-wide workflows for the selection and deselection of materials, supporting effective, forward-looking collection management, and ensuring collections remain relevant, sustainable, and responsive to user needs.
This position supports efficient ordering and renewal processes aligned with budget priorities in collaboration with the Acquisitions Librarian and works with Access Services on resource sharing and collection maintenance. They will also work with subject librarians on cooperative collection building. The Collection Development Librarian partners with the eResources Librarian and others to analyze and synthesize data, producing reports and visualizations to inform decision-making and leading assessment projects using tools such as Alma Analytics and Alma’s Collection Development module.

Additional responsibilities include driving collection assessment efforts to align with institutional teaching, learning, and research priorities; leading the implementation of systems such as Leganto in collaboration with faculty; contributing to data-informed budget advocacy; and fostering partnerships through regional and consortial initiatives. The position also leads the exploration and piloting of innovative collection development approaches, including open access and OER, evaluates vendor offerings, oversees donation and book sale activities, and ensures effective stewardship of collections through data-driven, user-centered practices.

Review of applicants will begin on or about July 27, 2026 and will continue until a candidate has been selected for hire.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities Required for this Position

Excellent written and oral communication skills, interpersonal skills, and the ability to work collaboratively and cooperatively with various groups of library staff and external colleagues
Knowledge of current trends and practices in developing academic library collections, including demand-driven acquisitions, evidence-based acquisitions, coordinated collection development, and shared collections
Familiarity with collection assessment and evaluation across diverse formats, disciplines, and subject areas, including the analysis and interpretation of usage data.
Demonstrated project management skills

Minimum Qualifications

Master’s degree in Library Science or equivalent from an ALA-accredited program
Minimum of two years working in professional positions in or in relation to academic libraries, academic library consortia, with vendors of library resources, or other related fields

Preferred Qualifications

Experience with vendor platforms
Experience with Alma and Alma Analytics
Knowledge of current issues and trends in collection development
Demonstrated advanced organizational skills, analytical and problem-solving skills, communication (written and oral), time management skills, and project management skills
Demonstrated experience in accurate and detail-oriented work
Demonstrated capacity to lead projects and provide forward-looking vision for collection development, assessment, and innovation initiatives.
Demonstrated knowledge of data analysis and visualization techniques
Demonstrated knowledge of and experience with library systems/services including integrated library systems, online catalogs, and indexes/databases
Demonstrated proficiency with relevant computer software, particularly with Microsoft Office products such as Excel

Position Type

Permanent Full-Time

Number of Hours Per Week

Number of Months Per Year

Posting Text

Open Date

07/20/2026

Close Date

Open Until Filled

Yes

Special Instructions to Applicants

Application materials must be submitted online. Review of applications will begin on or about July 27, 2026 and will continue until a candidate has been selected for hire.

Please include a cover letter, current resume and a list of three professional references with complete contact information.

For questions or additional information please contact Beth Thompson at bthompson@email.wcu.edu

Background/E-Verify

Final candidates are subject to criminal & sex offender background checks. Some vacancies also require credit or motor vehicle checks.

Western Carolina University uses E-Verify to confirm employment eligibility of all newly hired employees. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, please visit www.dhs.gov/E-Verify. Proper documentation of identity and employability are required at the time of employment.

Credential Verification

All new employees are required to have listed credentials/degrees verified within 30 days of employment. All new employees who will be teaching are required to provide official transcripts within 30 days of employment. Transcripts should be provided for the highest earned degree and/or the degree which is being used to satisfy credential/qualification requirements.

EOE

Western Carolina University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race; color; ethnicity; religion; sex; pregnancy; sexual orientation; gender identity or expression; national origin; age; disability; genetic information; political affiliation; National Guard or veteran status, consistent with applicable federal, state and local laws, regulations, and policies, and the policies of The University of North Carolina. Persons with disabilities requiring accommodations in the application and interview process please call (828) 227-7218 or email at jobs@email.wcu.edu.

University Safety

The Western Carolina University Annual Safety Report is available online at University Annual Safety Report or in hard-copy by request at the office of the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs, 227 HFR Administration Building, Cullowhee, NC 28723 (828-227-7147) or the Office of University Police, 111 Camp Annex, Cullowhee, NC 28723 (828-227-7301). The report, required of all universities participating in Title IV student financial aid programs, discusses crime statistics, procedures for reporting suspicious or criminal activity, security, police authority, crime prevention strategies, university policies on substance abuse and sexual offenses, workplace violence and fire safety.

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