Subject Librarians are responsible for:

• Having subject expertise sufficient for making knowledgeable selection decisions

• Knowing the Libraries

Includes familiarity with the library’s collection in assigned subject areas; knowledge of library policy for ordering non- book formats such as software, microforms, computer tapes and electronic materials; and awareness of cooperative purchasing agreements with other libraries and institutions.
• Frequent interaction with academic faculty and students, book publishers and dealers, and approval plan representatives

• Handling of requests for materials

Library representatives send requests for materials to the subject librarian assigned to their subject areas. Subject librarians review the requests based on the priorities set for the department. After approval, subject librarians initial, date and stamp the requests with the appropriate fund code. All requests are forwarded to the Acquisitions Department. In addition to faculty requests, subject librarians should encourage requests from all library users, to be approved at the subject librarian’s discretion.
• Consultation with faculty when selecting highly specialized or expensive titles

• Developing a selection strategy

Includes compilation of an annually updated working list of selection sources that might include: specialized journals with book reviews, books, slips or flyers; dealers’ lists and catalogs; publishers’ catalogs and brochures; subject and trade bibliographies; non-print format catalogs; current acquisitions lists from other libraries or professional organizations; foreign and antiquarian catalogs; interlibrary loan reports; national bibliographies and other review sources; and online publisher databases.
• Knowing approval plan profiles in assigned areas

Includes providing feedback to the Collection Development and Acquisition Librarians on coverage, omissions and necessary changes. Subject librarians, or their substitutes, review approval materials biweekly. Thorough review of approval materials and standing orders can acquaint subject librarians with research and publishing trends. Teaching faculty can be notified of approval books integral to their research and/or teaching activities.
• Monitoring the allocations and expenditures for their assigned areas

Subject librarians receive an estimate of annual income from restricted funds designated for purchasing items in certain subject areas. Requests over $1000 are sent to the Collection Development team leader for approval.
• Handling of gifts-in-kind

Includes selecting gifts-in-kind based on curriculum and research needs, collection strength enhancements, and whether the items will be significant additions to the collection. Although free, gifts are expensive to process and require shelf space. The Collection Development team notifies subject librarians when gift items are received in their assigned area(s). Occasionally, subject librarians will be asked to review large offered collections to assess suitability of the material. This may require travel to the site of the collection.
• Handling of retrospective selection

Involves special consideration and careful analysis of collection strengths and weaknesses as well as perusal of a variety of bibliographies and catalogs.