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Dean of Library and Information Services

Dean of Library and Information Services

Claremont School of Theology (CST) Job Location: California Date Created: 04-10-2013

DEAN OF LIBRARY AND INFORMATION RESOURCES Claremont School of Theology (CST) invites applications and nominations for Dean of Library and Information Resources. The Claremont School of Theology Library serves as the primary information resource for the Claremont Lincoln University Consortium, which is comprised of three independent schools—Claremont School of Theology; the Academy for Jewish Religion-CA; and Bayan Claremont, an Islamic graduate school—with other schools expected to join in the future. The Library seeks a visionary and dynamic leader to oversee a major program of library development in support of a rapidly advancing University. Reporting to the Vice President and Dean of the Faculty, the successful candidate will build upon the recent achievements in electronic collections and services, and further strengthen information services in Claremont. Claremont School of Theology is a multi-denominational theological school and a founding member of a new multi-religious consortium that is embarking on a bold experiment. Located in Southern California—the most diverse region in the United States—Claremont School of Theology is looking forward to the needs of the future church, one that is ready to preach and practice the Gospel message of love and compassion in a radically diverse world. Claremont Lincoln University, located in Claremont California, is an interreligious graduate level consortium. Members of the University consortium are Claremont School of Theology (CST), Bayan Claremont, and the Academy of Jewish Religion California (AJRCA). Affiliated Institutions of the Consortium include the International School for Jain Studies (New Delhi, India), the Federation of Jain Associations in North America, and the University of the West—a Buddhist-founded university in the Los Angeles area. Position Summary The Dean of Library and Information Resources provides leadership for strategic planning, a vision for the development of consortium-wide library and information services, and policy direction for collections, personnel, public services, technical services, and facilities planning. The Dean works collaboratively with University planning teams in developing and implementing strategic plans to sustain and enhance the role of the Library in the intellectual life of the University Consortium. Candidates for this position must demonstrate a clear understanding of major issues facing academic libraries, including profound changes taking place in the ecology of education; the impact of emerging technologies on teaching, learning, and research; and the challenges raised by multi-cultural and multi-religious literatures and constituencies for collections and services. As a member of the President’s Executive Team and a participant in institutional planning, the Dean contributes to University-wide planning and policy-making. The Dean of Library and Information Resources will implement, oversee, and coordinate a broad range of innovative, consortial resources and services that support a growing number of diverse institutions and academic programs. Responsibilities: Strategic Planning: The Dean is expected to establish a vision for the future of the Library and is responsible for Library strategic planning and for aligning the Library’s strategic initiatives with institutional mission. The Dean implements appropriate technologies that support the mission of the Library. The Dean evaluates the Library’s physical plant to determine its capacity to house expanding collections and services, and to provide spaces that are conducive to scholarly research, productivity and support. S/he also communicates the strategic goals of the Library to the School’s constituencies. Strategic Partnerships: The Dean builds new partnerships and agreements with other institutions and networks, in order to leverage resources and opportunities in support of the rapidly evolving Claremont Lincoln University Consortium. S/he also actively maintains and strengthens existing partnerships with various libraries, consortia, and resource sharing services, including SCELC (Statewide California Electronic Library Consortium), SCATLA (Southern California Area Theological Library Association), CAMINO (SCELC and OCLC resource sharing consortium), the Claremont University Consortium, OCLC, and WEST (Western Regional Storage Trust). Library Collection Development: The Dean oversees the growth and expansion of both print and electronic resources that meet the needs of Claremont’s degree programs and research foci. He or she collaborates with the School’s and University’s several research centers to ensure that research materials are available and properly maintained. The Dean oversees the acquisition of print and electronic resources and works with The Library of The Claremont Colleges, consortia, and regional and national organizations to ensure coordinated collection development policies and resource acquisition. Scholarship and Theological Sophistication: The Dean is expected to have a broad knowledge of the theological disciplines or religious studies, special training or expertise in a particular area or field, and a thorough familiarity with theological bibliography. The Dean should belong to appropriate professional organizations in the library field and applicable scholarly or information technology fields. The Dean is a member of the CST faculty with voice and vote, though faculty standing is without tenure. Resource Discovery Development: The Dean is responsible for implementing a seamless discovery portal that will enable students and scholars alike to use a unified search index that provides access to all Library print and licensed digital content. Services Management: The Dean is responsible for designing and overseeing innovative services in all areas that relate to the discovery, access, and use of scholarly resources; for establishing policies that ensure equitable access to information resources; for ensuring that learning and research needs of Claremont’s students and faculty are sufficiently addressed; and for anticipating and responding to changes in institutional focus, curricula, and teaching modalities. Personnel Management: The Dean is responsible for Library staff oversight, support, and advocacy; for coordination among various Library departments and projects; for performance evaluation of staff; and for provision of professional development opportunities. The Dean must exhibit a management style that is participatory, respectful, effective and fair, and that promotes a high level of professionalism and morale. Financial Management: The Dean is responsible for Library needs assessment; for monitoring of journal, monographic and database pricing trends; for preparation and defense of budget proposals; and for keeping Library operations within budget. Working through appropriate administrative structures and planning teams, the Dean identifies and justifies anticipated needs. Qualifications: • Administrative Leadership Expertise: Several years of demonstrated leadership in an academic or research library environment, including administrative and supervisory experience, and a proven ability to manage processes and personnel during rapid programmatic and structural change; significant experience developing and monitoring budgets in an academic library environment; and strong problem-solving skills. • Collaborative Leadership Competencies: Ability to exercise leadership in collaborative programs with other libraries, networks, and consortia; and ability to foster a collaborative and innovative working environment that encourages teamwork and collegiality within the Library and across the University. • Relevant Scholarship and Knowledge: MLS from an ALA-accredited library/information science program or equivalent training and experience; advanced graduate degree in theology or religion; extensive knowledge of current library trends, technology, collections, resources, and digital library issues; a clear understanding of how print and digital content can be organized, preserved, and delivered to a diverse clientele; thorough knowledge of theological bibliography; an understanding of teaching and learning practices and innovations in higher education; and a knowledge of university administration. • Communication Competencies: Ability to communicate effectively with key constituencies, including faculty, staff, and students; proven written communication skills; and some facility with languages. • Commitment: Commitment to diversity, and the ability to work respectfully and effectively in a multi-cultural and multi-religious environment. Desired Qualifications: • Project management expertise • Grant writing or fund-raising experience • Familiarity with planning and managing digital projects All inquiries and nominations should be directed to Vice President and Dean of Faculty, Claremont School of Theology, at 1325 N. College Avenue, Claremont CA 91711; or to humanresources@cst.edu. All applications should include a cover letter, full vita, and the names, addresses, and telephone numbers of at least three references. Review of applications will begin immediately, and position will remain open until filled. Salary commensurate with training and experience. Claremont School of Theology is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer.

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