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Head of Undergraduate Services & Learning Initiatives

Head of Undergraduate Services & Learning Initiatives

University of Oklahoma Job Location: Oklahoma Date Created: 06-17-2014

The University of Oklahoma Libraries seeks applications and nominations for the position of Head of Undergraduate Services & Learning Initiatives, a new leadership role in the reorganized public services division.


As the major research university in Oklahoma and one of the nation's leading public universities, the University of Oklahoma is located in Norman on a beautiful campus that features sculptures, fountains, and colorful gardens and is home to the Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art (ranked in the top 5 university art museums in the nation) and the Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History (recipient of the National Medal for Museum and Library Service in 2014). Known for its academic excellence and strong sense of community, OU is number one in the United States in the number of National Merit Scholars enrolled among public universities. Conveniently located approximately 20 miles south of Oklahoma City, Norman provides a friendly, small-town atmosphere that offers affordable living coupled with a vibrant array of on-campus cultural and athletic events.

As the largest research library in the state, the OU Libraries contain more than 5 million volumes, 75,000 print and electronic serial subscriptions, and 300 databases. Ranked 52th out of 125 Association of Research Libraries (ARL) in the 2011 -- 2012 ARL Index, OU Libraries reported an overall budget of $24.3 million, which included the materials budget of $14.4 million, and 148 staff members for all campuses (Norman, Law, Health Sciences, and Tulsa). The library has been a depository for federal government documents since 1893. Home to more than 17,000 linear feet of manuscripts and archives, 1.6 million photographs, more than 1.5 million maps, and more than 70 incunabula (books printed before 1501), the OU Libraries special collections include notable collections related to the History of Science, Galileo, and Western History. The History of Science Collection, located in Bizzell Memorial Library, features one of the three largest history of science collections in the world, and is the only place in the United States where you can hold a book with Galileo's handwriting in your own hands. The OU Libraries is a member of ARL, the Coalition of Networked Information (CNI), the Center for Research Libraries (CRL), the Greater Western Library Alliance (GWLA), AMIGOS Library Services, and the Oklahoma Library Technology Network. Since July 2012, OU has partnered with Oklahoma State University to launch a joint DSpace-based institutional repository -- www.shareok.org  -- in addition to launching Primo, the discovery product from ExLibris, debuting the Open Journal System (OJS), and opening a new state-of-the art digitization lab. The implementation of Alma from ExLibris as the new library service platform is in progress. A new 18,000-square foot Collaborative Learning Center is set to open in the fall and will feature new public and teaching spaces as well as a Digital Scholarship Lab.


Position Duties

Reporting to the Associate Dean for Exploration & Engagement, the Head of Undergraduate Services & Learning Initiatives (Head/UGS&LI) will lead a team dedicated to providing high-quality library services to undergraduates and supporting learning initiatives of the library and university. This key leadership role within the newly reorganized public services division of the OU Libraries will oversee programmatic areas including undergraduate research support, library instruction, information and data literacy, and outreach services with responsibility for strategic and annual planning, oversight of centralized service points, and supervision of staff (2 FTE) and approximately 16 student employees as well as coordinating some divisional events and special projects and planning for renovation of public and teaching spaces. The incumbent is expected to play a central role in growing the undergraduate services staff, developing individual skills and organizational capacity, increasing instructional offerings, and overseeing development of an assessment program. The incumbent will lead a team focused on providing services designed to deliver the best possible educational experiences for OU students.

Based in the main library, Undergraduate Services & Learning Initiatives is a department within the newly reorganized public services division. This department focuses on undergraduate research support, library instruction, information and data literacy, web-based instruction, faculty development, outreach services which includes the Email-a-Librarian service and the Librarian on Location program. 

The ideal candidate will be inspired by the prospect of working in an environment that values collaboration, active learning, the integration of technology, and the importance of community. The candidate selected will have the opportunity to join OU Libraries during an exciting period of growth and development. Multiple library renovations are in progress; in addition, a master planning process is underway to plan for additional renovations. OU is set to celebrate its 125th anniversary during the 2015 -- 2016 academic year, and the OU Libraries will be involved in the campus-wide celebration. The central library event will be Galileo's World, a major exhibition that will showcase our stellar collections related to Galileo's works and the noteworthy History of Science special collections. Public programming will enhance the exhibition and engage the academic community. 

 

Salary based on experience/qualifications.

 

Required Education & Experience

 

Bachelor's degree in library science or a related field or equivalent experience in technology and operations management.

 

Required Skills & Proficiencies

Minimum of 36 months of professional-level experience in academic or public library or comparable setting providing instruction in face to face and online environments, with an emphasis on teaching students about library resources and services and information and data literacy in one-on-one and in group settings. 
Demonstrated knowledge of trends in library instruction and information and data literacy and instructional technology concepts, trends, pedagogies, and assessment.
Demonstrated commitment to service excellence and innovation in instruction.
Understanding of the academic library's role in teaching, learning, and research and knowledge of current and emerging trends in higher education, curriculum, undergraduate education, academic librarianship, scholarly communication, library services trends, and undergraduate services in academic libraries. 
Ability to develop, plan, and implement innovative, undergraduate-focused library services and programs informed by educational theory, instructional design, customer service principles, and understanding of new and emerging technologies and their application in academic libraries.
Familiarity with and working knowledge of trends in library instruction and information and data literacy and instructional technology concepts, trends, pedagogies, and assessment.
Ability to foster a  flexible, collaborative team-oriented work environment that encourages staff to engage with faculty, students, librarians, technologists, and other interested parties to facilitate the work of the library, promote innovation, and create and facilitate new initiatives, collaborations, and projects.
Ability to supervise effectively including hiring, orienting, training and development, organizing workloads, delegating responsibility, providing guidance and direction, coaching and mentoring, monitoring and evaluating performance, coaching and counseling, and taking disciplinary action as necessary.  
Demonstrated leadership abilities coupled with flexibility, innovation, creativity, and strong analytical and problem-solving skills. 
Excellent organizational, project, and time management skills. Ability to lead and/or coordinate multiple projects and to set priorities for self and others, to meet deadlines, and complete tasks and projects on time and within budget while working with minimal supervision.
Ability to work both independently and collegially in an dynamic and rapidly changing environment while performing detail-oriented tasks, analyzing needs and developing action plans, and coordinating with appropriate personnel as required. 
Ability to establish and sustain positive working relationships with all levels of staff -- administrators, faculty, staff, and student employees -- within the library and university -- and with external constituencies.
Excellent interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills and demonstrated effectiveness as an instructor and presenter.
Demonstrated technology proficiency and capabilities working with personal computers and software, the Web, social media, and library-relevant information technology applications.
Experience with course management software and emerging technologies in higher education, including their instructional applications.
Evidence of active involvement in professional and scholarly associations at the local, state, national, or international level and/or record of scholarship (presentations, publications, research).
Commitment to fostering a diverse educational environment and workplace and ability to work with a diverse student and faculty population.

 

Preferences

Graduate degree from an American Library Association-accredited degree program in library or information science OR in education OR relevant field.
Experience managing a library instruction program and/or public services department or unit and/or supervising librarians, library staff, and student employees.
Working knowledge of instructional design theory, principles, and practices for in-person and online instruction.
Experience managing outreach programs in an academic environment.
Experience managing development of websites, guides, and content related to library services and resources.
Familiarity with web accessibility standards for persons with disabilities.
Experience in strategic planning, introducing and managing change in complex environments, budget planning and administration, and evidence-based assessment.

Experience in grant writing and management and in fundraising and development.

 

Application Procedures

Applications may be addressed to Pat Hawthorne, Associate Dean, and require: 1) a cover letter; 2) a current resume/vita detailing education and relevant experience; and 3) the names and addresses for at least three professional references, including a current or previous supervisor. Applicant screening to begin immediately; search will remain open until filled.  For complete information and to apply, go to jobs.ou.edu and search for Requisition Number 19815.

 

 

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