Collections Data Analyst

Full-Time, Chicago, IL | Hybrid & Remote Options Available | Expected Starting Salary: $65,000-$75,000

Position Summary

The Center for Research Libraries (CRL) is seeking a highly motivated and analytical Collections Data Analyst to support strategic decision-making around shared collections, resource licensing, acquisitions, and member value. Supervised by the Licensing Librarian and positioned within CRL’s Collections Acquisitions & Licensing Directorate, this role will focus on evaluating the usage, cost-effectiveness, and impact of collective investments across all formats—including electronic resources, print, and digital materials.

The Collections Data Analyst will play a key role in synthesizing and visualizing complex data to guide negotiations, measure outcomes, and demonstrate the value CRL provides to its membership. This position will strengthen CRL’s culture of assessment and accountability in collaborative collection development.

Center for Research Libraries

Based in Chicago, IL, the Center for Research Libraries is an enduring model for cooperative collection development and community building among the research library community. From its original founding in 1949 by ten member libraries in the Midwestern United States, today CRL represents an international consortium of university, college, and independent research libraries collectively building, stewarding, and sharing a wealth of resource materials from all world regions to support inspired research and teaching.

CRL is dedicated to advancing the values and first principles of academic librarianship, including the defense of intellectual freedom, celebration of diversity, advocacy of responsible stewardship, and promotion of social responsibility and the social good.

As a place of work, CRL places a high value on excellence, accountability, innovation, inclusivity, and teamwork.

Key Responsibilities

Gather, clean, and analyze data related to collections usage, licensing costs, member participation, and impact metrics.
Create dashboards and reports that clearly communicate the value of CRL’s collective acquisitions and licensing efforts.
Support licensing teams with data-driven insights to inform negotiation strategies and evaluate potential agreements.
Collaborate with CRL staff and member institutions to build shared understanding of assessment frameworks and reporting.
Provide internal reporting from platforms such as ConsortiaManager (CM) and contribute to external reporting that demonstrates cost savings and access outcomes for members.
Conduct analysis of collections investments across formats (e.g., e-resources, print archives, digital collections).
Lead the implementation of data collection processes for member surveys and other assessment tools.
Support the development of predictive models and benchmarks for evaluating future acquisition opportunities.
Serve on working groups, committees, and negotiation teams as a data and assessment liaison.
Ensure accuracy and consistency of all externally reported data; maintain internal repositories of datasets and documentation.
Embrace emerging technologies and methodologies, such as machine learning and AI, to drive innovation and stay ahead of industry trends.
Perform other duties as assigned

Qualifications

Required:

Master’s degree in Library and Information Science (ALA-accredited), data science, statistics, or a related field.
At least one year of experience in a library, cultural heritage, or academic research setting.
Experience analyzing and visualizing data using tools such as Excel, Tableau, SPSS, or Google Data Studio.
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with attention to detail and accuracy.
Demonstrated ability to communicate findings to both technical and non-technical audiences.

Preferred:

Familiarity with library systems and tools such as ConsortiaManager, Unsub, or integrated digital library platforms.
Understanding of licensing, acquisitions, or collections management workflows.
Knowledge of usage statistics and standards such as COUNTER.
Experience with collaborative or consortial assessment work.
Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities and communicate effectively across stakeholder groups.

Compensation & Benefits

This is a full-time, permanent position with an expected starting salary range of $65,000-$75,000. CRL offers competitive benefits including health, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance, and flexible PTO including vacation, sick, personal time, 2 floating and 12 paid holidays per year. In addition, CRL offers generous retirement benefits with a monthly 10% contribution after a year of employment (immediately vested). Employees will receive funding for professional development activities.

Application Process

Expertise in each requirement listed above is not expected — instead, we encourage applications from those who demonstrate a mix of expertise in some areas and commitment to learning and experimentation in others. Skills and relevant experience outlined in your application may be paid or unpaid and can include internships, volunteer work, and practicums. We understand that experience, education and learning, and creativity take many forms and expect that qualified applicants may bring additional skills to this position that we’ve not considered or listed here. If this role interests you, we encourage you to apply!

To be considered for this position, please submit a cover letter and resume to hrteam@crl.edu. Please include ‘Collections Data Analyst’ in the subject line. Applications will be received until the position is filled. Applications received by close of business Wednesday, October 15th, 2025 will receive priority attention.

Equal Opportunity Employer

CRL is an Equal Opportunity Employer and complies with all applicable federal, state and local laws regarding recruitment, hiring and employment and is dedicated to providing employees with a work environment free of discrimination and harassment. All employment decisions at CRL are based on organization needs, job requirements and individual qualifications, without regard to race, color, religion or belief, national, social or ethnic origin, sex (including pregnancy), age, physical, mental or sensory disability, HIV Status, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, marital, civil union or domestic partnership status, past or present military service, family medical history or genetic information, family or parental status, or any other status protected by the laws or regulations in the locations where we operate. CRL will not tolerate discrimination or harassment based on any of these characteristics.