Title of Position: Dean of Libraries
Department/School: Alfred University Libraries
Title of Supervisor: Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs Part II: Position Summary
(Option 1: Based on Current Description):
The recently restructured Alfred University Libraries seek an innovative and collaborative leader to pProvides vision, leadership and direction for the Alfred University Libraries. Key to realizing the mission will be including effective management of the libraries’ financial, physical, technological and human resources. Consults The successful candidate will be committed to consulting with faculty, staff, administration, and students, in addition to bringing experience and expertise, to define objectives and set priorities for the information services which support the educational and research needs of the Alfred University community in a rapidly changing technological environment.
Represents The Dean of Libraries will represent the libraries’ interests to the administration through service on appropriate University councils and committees,; providinges effective advocacy for maintaining excellence in library services by articulating information goals and objectives to a diverse audience.
Alfred University Libraries are characterized by a collegial, diverse, and supportive work environment. The successful candidate will be committed to seekingSeeks ways to create working environments which foster collegiality and diversity continue to foster this work environment, contribute to the success of library employees at all levels, and which provide opportunities for the professional development of library faculty and staff.
Alfred University Libraries serve both the private Alfred University and the New York State College of Ceramics; the Dean of Libraries aActs as the liaison between the libraries and the State University of New York.
Facilitates The Dean of Libraries will lead the development and implementation of long range plans which recognize the libraries’ individual missions of Herrick Memorial Library and the Samuel R.
Scholes Library while supporting the University’s overall mission and strategic goals. As part of the joint leadership team for both libraries, the Dean of Libraries will assist in the coordination of joint library initiatives. Assesses Both long- and short-term planning will include the assessment of outcomes and uses data for the further planning and continuous improvement of library services in a cost-effective manner. Assists in the coordination of joint library initiatives to achieve service goals and objectives.In addition to conducting assessment for internal use, the Dean of Libraries will be responsible for maintaining and reporting library statistics and for submitting reports to outside agencies.
Maintains The successful candidate will be excited to continue his or her own professional development. As a leader of the Alfred University Libraries, the Dean will be expected to maintain familiarity with developing research and trends in library and information science. current trends in scholarly communications and information services through involvement The Dean of Libraries will
be involved in appropriate regional, state and national professional organizations and p. Promotes collaborative and consortial relationships with other regional libraries and library systems.
Responsible for maintaining and reporting library statistics and for submitting reports to outside agencies.
(Option 2):
The Dean of Libraries is the chief administrative and budgetary officer of the Alfred University Libraries, and s/he plays a key role in working with faculty, other deans, the Provost, and the President to advance the mission of the AU Libraries in conjunction with the mission of Alfred University. The Dean will pProvides strategic vision and is be responsible for leading the strategic planning process to achieve that vision. Leads and directsThe Alfred University Libraries are made up of a dynamic and highly engaged team, preserving; the Dean will preserve the current strengths of the libraries while building on and advancing the solid foundation already in place. The duties of the Dean of Libraries include rRepresentings and advocatinges for the libraries to the greater campus, trustees, SUNY-system and additional communities outside the University. Success in that mission will require understanding of and enthusiasm for the unique role of libraries in higher education and a desire to share that perspective. Embraces The successful candidate will embrace new perspectives and have the ability to leads the library staff to identify and act on opportunities for collaboration and effective change. Maintains and reports library statistics. OverseesThe Dean of Libraries will oversee the assessment of library services and their continuous improvement of them, which includes maintaining and reporting library statistics..
Part III: Requirements Formal Education:
An ALA-accredited MLS/MLIS or equivalent degree Professional Experience:
Minimum of seven years of professional experience in an academic library, with a record of increasing administrative and supervisory responsibility. The successful candidate will have a strong record of effective project leadership, problem solving skills, and engagement with complex issues in a changing environment.
[OR something more specific, like]
XXX years of administrative experience in an academic library with management background, including a strong record of effective project leadership, problem solving skills, and engagement with complex issues in a changing environment
Additional Knowledge, /Skills and Abilities
Understanding A clear vision of the issues impacting library service today and awareness of current and emerging trends and technologies
A vision for the future of libraries, particularly academic libraries, in the changing information environment and a plan for how libraries can continue to best serve their communities
Demonstrated ability to work within a collaborative and collegial framework, and to foster this ability in others
Proven success in strategic planning and policy initiatives
Excellent interpersonal, communication, leadership and fiscal management skills, with a strong service orientation
Strong record of scholarly and professional achievement
Excellent understanding of all aspects of contemporary library operations
Demonstrated initiative, creativity and flexibility
Familiarity with promotion, tenure and faculty status issues, and an understanding of the scholarly and professional contributions required of tenure track librarians
Demonstrated organizational and planning skills
Knowledge of the challenges and opportunities facing higher education, broadly, and university libraries, in particular, and creative approaches to meeting the challenges and opportunities
UA clear understanding of the changes that are reshaping scholarship, publication, and the dissemination and preservation of knowledge
Ability to serve as an energetic champion for the AU Libraries inside and outside Alfred University
Ability to foster an organizational culture of collegiality in an inclusive, participatory team environment,
Supervisory and budget management experience
Comfort with risk taking and change in a rapidly evolving profession
Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in written word with key constituencies, including faculty, staff, and students,; and the ability to facilitate communication between others
Committed Commitment to the libraries’ long-standing tradition of exemplary customer service and collaboration between the libraries as well as with other campus units Part IV: Job Responsibilities
1. Works with the library faculty and staff to develop, administer and implement strategic planning initiatives, ensuring alignment with and support of the Academic Affairs and the University strategic plans and missions
2. Leads the libraries successfully through changing work environments within a system of participatory management
3. Ensures the delivery of quality library service by allocating the budgets of the Alfred University Libraries (around $1.5m) appropriately and effectively to maximize the benefit to the campus community.
4. Analyzes and negotiates a variety of contracts for services and resources through the State University of New York Office of Library Services (OLIS) as well as private vendors.
Commented [DSL1]: Are these in any particular order (i.e. priority)? If not, I’d say go with a bulleted, not numbered, list.
5. Maintains current awareness of national trends and new methods in providing library services.
6. Responds to concerns from all constituencies about matters related to the AU Libraries.
7. Encourages collegiality, cooperation and professional development of the library faculty and staff
8. Assists in the coordination of joint library initiatives to achieve service goals and objectives 9. Schedules and leads all-staff meetings as well as the bi-annual strategic planning retreats.
10. Supervises and works cooperatively and collaboratively with the Director of Libraries and the Administrative Assistant
11. Writes tenure- and promotion-related support material as required of the AU Libraries Promotion and Tenure process
12. Acts as the primary liaison between the AU Libraries and the University administration (including the other Deans and Vice Presidents), and as the liaison to the State University of New York
13. Serves on multiple campus committees and councils to actively participate in the overall governance of the University and to communicate library concerns and maintain awareness of the changing needs of the University community
14. Analyzes and evaluates library services in order to prepare annual, accreditation, statistical and other reports as needed. Works with the Administrative Assistant to coordinate the compilation of relevant statistics from all library departments. Is accountable for accuracy of data required by SUNY, IPEDS, and other institutional research agencies.
15. Maintains and reports library statistics as needed for University and outside agency reports 16. Sustains personal professional development and supports librarians and staff continuing
education opportunities through workshops, conferences, online educational programs, etc.
17. Demonstrates ability to work comfortably in and supportSupports and works comfortably in a culturally -diverse environment
18. Works with library faculty and staff to establish, document and interpret library policy for a wide range of operations and services.
19. Assesses effectiveness of library services and processes through surveys and other
assessment tools; uses outcomes and data for further planning and continuous improvement of library services
20. Contributes to the University and the library profession by through research, scholarship and professional service as appropriate for a senior member of the University faculty.
21. Safety: participateParticipates in safety training and compliesy with safety rules, regulations and protocols. Ensures that library faculty and staff are aware of and in compliance with new and/or changing rules, regulations, protocols, and best practices.
22. Performs additional duties and assists with special projects as assigned or needed.
Other:
• Maintains a safe working environment within and around their facilities and associated equipment and supplies including, but not limited to, obtaining Safety Data Sheet (SDS) information pertaining to any hazards associated with their work environment.
• Safety: Participate in safety training and comply with safety rules, regulations, and protocols.
• Perform additional duties and assist with special projects as assigned.
Start Date: July 1, 2019
12 month position with faculty rank,
Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled.
Send cover letter, CV and three references to:
Other HR required language
Commented [DSL2]: These are in the list of job responsibilities above.
