Description

The Library is seeking a collaborative, forward-thinking, and analytical Collection Strategies Librarian to provide leadership for evidence-based collection development, assessment, and strategic resource management in alignment with Cal Poly’s “Learn by Doing” philosophy. Reporting to the Associate Dean for Collections, Systems, and Digital Strategy, this position supports the university’s teaching, learning, and research missions by guiding the ongoing evolution of library collections in response to changes in scholarly publishing, licensing and access models, technology-mediated discovery, and user needs.

By integrating established best practices with emerging approaches, the Collection Strategies Librarian contributes to building sustainable, well-balanced collections that prioritize bibliodiversity and equitable access in the global information landscape. This position will leverage data, emerging technologies (e.g. artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning), and evolving publishing models to build dynamic collections that support a broad range of academic disciplines, research methods, and scholarly outputs.

Tenure-track librarians hold full faculty status and are expected to be prepared to meet the requirements for tenure and promotion. Faculty are required to conduct an active ongoing program of scholarship or creative works that advances knowledge in the library and information field or other fields of one’s specialty. Faculty also participate in shared governance and actively engage in committees, task forces, and professional organizations to shape the future of the library in accordance with the goals of the library, Cal Poly, and CSU.

Kennedy Library recognizes that candidates may have acquired relevant experience in a variety of ways.  We expect candidates to be stronger in some required qualifications than others.  We are committed to helping future colleagues expand their skills as well as learning from their areas of strength.

Professional Responsibilities

• Investigate and analyze new and emerging models for collection development such as transformative agreements, Affordable Learning Solutions, demand- or evidence-based acquisition, open educational resources and shared collection initiatives.
• Collaborate with library colleagues to provide data-driven insights for collection management (e.g. COUNTER reports, dashboards, visualizations, or other communication tools) to support transparency and shared understanding of collection decisions. 
• Lead and coordinate collection development strategies across subject areas in collaboration with selectors, ensuring that the library’s 'evidence-based' approach includes quantitative and qualitative assessments of how well collections serve diverse curricular and research needs.
• Work with subject experts to ensure that historically marginalized voices, international perspectives, and non-traditional scholarly outputs are represented alongside mainstream commercial publishing.
• Investigate and analyze how emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning, are influencing scholarly publishing and collection management practices, with attention to social and environmental responsibility, transparency, accessibility, privacy, and data quality.
• Participate in library-wide planning and strategic initiatives that shape the long-term direction of collections and resource stewardship.     

Scholarly Activity and Professional Growth

• Engage in an active program of scholarship, research, or creative work, including externally validated presentations and publications. 
• Participate in regional, national, or international professional organizations, conferences, workshops, and communities of practice. 
• Contribute to the knowledge base of the profession, particularly within areas of specialized expertise. 
• Engage in ongoing professional development to remain responsive to changes in higher education, publishing, and information systems

Service

• Participate in library, university, and/or CSU system-wide committees, task forces, and working groups related to professional expertise and needs of the library.
• Contribute to shared governance through participation in university-wide faculty governance bodies, standing committees, or councils.
• Participate in other professional service such as committee work, peer review, mentoring, or leadership roles in regional, national, and/or international professional organizations.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in collaborative collection building with campus partners (e.g., ethnic studies departments, cultural centers) to ensure resources reflect the lived experiences and research interests of a diverse campus community.
• Familiarity with managing collections in an integrated library system (ILS) and discovery tool (e.g. Ex Libris Alma/Primo VE).\
• Intermediate to advanced proficiency with Excel and/or other spreadsheet software.

SPECIAL CONDITIONS 

The person holding this position is considered a 'mandated reporter' under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and is required to comply with the requirements set forth in CSU Executive Order 1083 as a condition of employment. 

Following a conditional offer of employment, a background check (including a criminal records check) must be completed satisfactorily before any candidate may start work with Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo. Failure to satisfactorily complete the background check may result in the withdrawal of the offer of employment. Note: Cal Poly cannot deny an applicant a position solely or in part due to a criminal conviction history until it has performed an individualized assessment and linked the relevant conviction history with specific job duties in the position being sought. 

Please note: Current employees who are offered positions on campus will be required to undergo a background check for any position where a background check is required by law or that Cal Poly has designated as sensitive. Sensitive positions require heightened scrutiny of individuals holding the position based on potential for harm to children, concerns for the safety and security of people, animals, or property, or heightened risk of financial loss to Cal Poly or individuals in the university community. 

For health and well-being, Cal Poly is a smoke & tobacco-free campus. The university is committed to promoting a healthy environment for all members of our community. 

In accordance with the California State University (CSU) Out-of-State Employment Policy, the CSU is a state entity whose business operations reside within the State of California and prohibits hiring employees to perform CSU related work outside of California. It is also expected that tenure-line faculty will establish an on-campus presence to fulfill their responsibilities.

Equal Opportunity and Excellence in Education and Employment

This position is open and available to all regardless of race, sex, color, ethnicity or national origin. Consistent with California law and federal civil rights laws, Cal Poly provides equal opportunity in education and employment without unlawful discrimination or preferential treatment based on race, sex, color, ethnicity, or national origin. Our commitment to equal opportunity means ensuring that every student and employee has access to the resources and support they need to thrive and succeed in a university environment and in their communities. Cal Poly complies with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, the California Equity in Higher Education Act, California’s Proposition 209 (Art. I, Section 31 of the California Constitution), other applicable state and federal anti-discrimination laws, and CSU’s Nondiscrimination Policy. We prohibit discriminatory preferential treatment, segregation based on race or any other protected status, and all forms of discrimination, harassment, and retaliation in all university programs, policies, and practices.

Cal Poly is a diverse community of individuals who represent many perspectives, beliefs and identities, committed to fostering an inclusive, respectful, and intellectually vibrant environment. We cultivate a culture of open dialogue, mutual respect, and belonging to support educational excellence and student success. Through academic programs, student organizations and activities, faculty initiatives, and community partnerships, we encourage meaningful engagement with diverse perspectives. As a higher education institution, we are dedicated to advancing knowledge and empowering individuals to reach their full potential by prioritizing inclusive curriculum development, faculty and staff training, student mentorship, and comprehensive support programs. At Cal Poly, excellence is built on merit, talent, diversity, accessibility, and equal opportunity for all.

About the University

Founded in 1901 and located in San Luis Obispo, Cal Poly is a nationally ranked public university within the California State University (CSU) system. Consistently recognized as the best public master’s-level university in the West by U.S. News & World Report and a 5-star institution by Money magazine, Cal Poly is currently undergoing a historic evolution as it prepares for full integration with the former CSU Maritime on July 1, 2026.

The university is defined by its signature “Learn by Doing” philosophy, which empowers over 22,000 students in San Luis Obispo and 800 students at the Cal Poly Maritime Academy to solve complex, real-world problems. By taking learning beyond the classroom in disciplines ranging from business and engineering to agriculture and the humanities, Cal Poly ensures students are "Ready Day One" to lead and innovate. At the heart of this mission is a steadfast commitment to student success, fostered through small class sizes and close faculty mentorship that prepare graduates to impact their communities, California, and the world. 

Current Context

In October 2021, Cal Poly began transitioning from a quarter to a semester calendar system, set to take effect in the 2026–2027 academic year. This shift aims to enhance teaching and learning depth, balance faculty research and instruction, streamline transfer pathways, and align with the rest of the 22 campus California State University (CSU) system. Enrollment is projected to grow as part of CSU’s broader goals and financial incentives, with plans to reach about 25,000 students by 2035. Cal Poly also seeks designation as a Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI). Starting in 2027–2028, the university plans a phased implementation of Year-Round Operations (YRO), enabling students to start in summer or spring terms and encouraging ongoing students to engage in high-impact experiences, such as internships and study abroad, during off-terms. Cal Poly Maritime Academy enrolls approximately 800 students and is strategically planning to expand enrollment to 1,300 students by 2030. Cal Poly is also selectively building 2+2 degree programs for specific majors with Cuesta Community College and Allan Hancock Community College as academic partners.

The CSU system serves over 350,000 students and employs 53,000 faculty and staff. With a $7 billion annual budget, it is known for providing high-quality, accessible, and affordable education. Its Graduation Initiative 2025 (GI 2025) focuses on boosting graduation rates and closing opportunity and achievement gaps across all campuses.

HOW TO APPLY 

Please attach to your electronic application the following materials:   

1. Cover letter  
2. Current curriculum vita  
3. Universal Student Success Statement - Cal Poly is a public, student-centered university that serves the diverse constituents of the state of California and has a strong emphasis on the teacher-scholar model. Please detail your approach to teaching and learning at the collegiate level, including evidence of experience with inclusive, accessible, and intentional teaching, to a wide variety of students and a description of how you will continue to develop this expertise at Cal Poly. Service or scholarship related to skills developed in these areas might also be included here. For librarian applicants, evidence of inclusive and intentional teaching may encompass support for information literacy, the provision of accessible tools for learning or discovery, or of research services that empower a diverse student body in their academic pursuits, etc.
4. Unofficial transcripts showing highest degree earned. Official sealed transcript showing highest degree earned will be required prior to appointment. 
   Please be prepared to provide three professional references with names and email addresses when completing the application. Cal Poly will directly solicit letters from the individuals listed by applicants.

This position is open until filled.  

Anticipated hiring range - $85,524 - $90,655

Projected Start Date: July 31, 2026 

Review Begin Date: March 23, 2026. Applicants with complete files by the Review Begin Date will be given full consideration.  Applications after this date may be considered.

Requirements

Required Qualifications

• ALA-accredited Master’s Degree in Library and Information Science, or comparable experience with a relevant advanced degree, at the time of appointment.
• Three years of relevant experience.
• Demonstrated experience in collection development, collection analysis, acquisitions, or related collections strategy work in an academic or research library.
• Familiarity with current and evolving scholarly resource acquisition models, such as evidence-based acquisition, consortial purchasing, shared collections, or transformative agreements.
• Strong analytical and assessment skills, including the ability to interpret usage, cost, and qualitative data to inform collection decisions.
• Experience with data visualization and collection analytics tools (e.g., Alma Analytics, Tableau, Power BI).
• Understanding of evolving scholarly communication ecosystems, licensing, and open access.
• Understanding of the legal, ethical, and technical considerations related to text and data mining, artificial intelligence, and emerging discovery technologies as they relate to collection strategy.
• Excellent oral and written communication, collaboration, and project management skills.
• Commitment to addressing barriers to equitable participation (e.g. textbook affordability, accessibility features of scholarly materials, and representation in scholarly discourse).
• Demonstrated ability to apply a critical framework to collection strategies, such as addressing the historical exclusion of marginalized voices in academic collections or identifying biases in vendor-driven acquisition models and metadata.
• Familiarity with shared print and digital preservation initiatives, such as WEST, Portico, or the Journal Archiving Campaign Service (JACS).
• Ability to work effectively as part of a team working with and supporting  culturally diverse faculty, students, and staff.