Head of Access and Delivery Services & Library Service Center

Rank and Salary:Librarian III -- Hiring range $60,000-$70,000
Salary based on experience/qualifications

Position Availability: Immediately

The University of Oklahoma Libraries seeks applications and nominations for the position of Head of Access and Delivery Services & Library Service Center, a leadership role in the reorganized public services division.

Description of Institution and Library:
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 Access & Delivery Services/Library Service Center (Head/ADS&LSC) will lead a team dedicated to providing high-quality library services to the OU academic community and community patrons. This key leadership role within the newly reorganized public services division of the OU Libraries will oversee programmatic areas including circulation, billing, and reserves (textbook, print, electronic); technology lending; stacks management; interlibrary loan and document delivery; and off-site storage. Working closely with the Associate Dean and the Director of Collection Management & Scholarly Communication, the incumbent facilitates access to collections by coordinating circulation policy and management of the circulation functions within Library Service Platform (LSP); coordinates collections-related space planning in the main library; and participates in development of new services and ongoing assessment activities in addition to managing a key public services department. The OU Libraries are involved in a master planning process for the library facility and multiple renovation projects are in progress. The incumbent will play a key role in planning for the Library Service Center within this process. The incumbent will participate in development and implementation of staffing and operational plans for the renovated Library Service Center and will supervise the staff hired for this facility.

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. 

Specific job duties include:

Leadership & Management of Access and Delivery Services & Library Service Center (70%):
 
Responsible for leadership and management of access and delivery services -- circulation, billing, and reserves (textbook, print, electronic); technology lending; stacks management; interlibrary loan and document delivery -- and off-site storage (4 locations) for the University of Oklahoma Libraries.
Oversees staffing and service provided at main service points for Bizzell Memorial Library. Works with Head of Undergraduate Services & Learning Initiatives and Collaborative Learning Center Coordinator to coordinate staffing of major public service points within the Bizzell Memorial Library.
Responsible for the day-to-day management of operations and staff within the department AND at two off-site storage facilities -- Library Service Center and North Annex -- and for two other storage locations.
Develops and manages systems to ensure timely delivery of print materials from off-site storage to campus libraries and specific users.
Responsible for monitoring the conditions of stacks and collections housed in the Bizzell Memorial Library and Library Service Center, reporting conditions, and developing strategies to ensure access and proper conservation and preservation.  Coordinates compilation of detailed information on collection capacity in various library facilities. 
Identifies specific areas in the Bizzell Library stacks that are reaching capacity or are overcrowded. Works with the Director of Collection Management & Scholarly Communication to determine appropriate strategies including de-selection or transfer. Works with branch librarians to document conditions of stacks and collections housed in branches and coordinate space needs in Library Service Center.
Works with the Head of Cataloging & Metadata Department to oversee and coordinate major projects such as transfer or de-selection projects that involve both departments and to ensure timely delivery of incoming print materials to stacks and for interlibrary loan and document delivery purposes.
Work with library staff to determine which collections will be housed in off-site storage based on usage statistics and reports and determines storage needs of specific collections. Compiles data on items requested from off-site storage and delivery statistics.
Coordinates compilation of quarterly lost/missing item reports for all subject areas and/or trains liaison librarians to run reports in Alma.
Works closely with Associate Dean and other library staff to develop, plan, implement, and promote new and enhanced services. Participates in library-wide and university-wide initiatives as appropriate.
Coordinates strategic and annual planning for assigned areas with a focus on development of annual plan and objectives for specific functional areas and units and oversees implementation of annual plan.
Serves as a member of Heads of Public Services (HOPS), the management team within the Exploration & Engagement Division.
Works with Associate Dean to develop and maintain public services policies and coordinate implementation. Develops and maintains departmental policies, procedures, workflows and best practices to ensure responsive services for users. Communicates changes in policy to external and internal audiences. Works with public relations staff on librarywide signage as needed.
Serves as the resource person for copyright compliance relevant to interlibrary loan and reserves.
Oversees development of annual library calendar and hours. Communicates with building users and tenants about hours, weather closings, policies, special events, exhibits, and building resources though entrance and interior signage, maps, directories, e-mails, web page updates, etc.
Manages Library Service Platform (LSP) function, specifically functions within the circulation module including input of dates and times of operation, scheduled reports, specialized reports as requested within the department and by bibliographers and other parties; maintains and updates the circulation map, develops new item, patron, and loan period types, and investigates transaction histories as needed.
Manages the university-wide Circulation Committee and serves as liaison to branch libraries and Special Collections for matters related to circulation and public services. Coordinates handling of responses to access and delivery services inquiries received via the library website or the Email-A-Librarian (EAL) service.
Prepares budgetary requests for staff, equipment, and other items for the department as needed.
Works across the library system on space planning projects, in particular those involving space for library resources, but also including those impacting public and staff spaces.
Works with Library Facilities Manager to coordinate facilities management and security within Bizzell Library and Library Service Center. 
Assists in the development and maintenance of up-to-date emergency and disaster prevention/ response procedures and ensures library staff are informed and appropriately trained.
Works with Library Web Services Manager to coordinate development of library website content related to assigned areas.
Participates in assessment and evaluation program of the University Libraries by fostering an evidence-based culture of assessment in assigned area. Oversees development of user satisfaction surveys and other assessment methods to ensure that access and delivery services meet customer needs and are highly rated.
Compiles and submits activity reports and statistics for activities related to access and delivery services, off-site storage, and other related activities in a timely manner into public services statistics system, ensuring accuracy and completeness. 
Develops and compiles narrative and statistical reports as assigned. Oversees analysis of statistics to inform planning and staffing. 
Works on special projects related to departmental services, operations, and programs as needed.
Performs other duties as assigned.

Supervisory Responsibilities (20%):

Responsible for direct supervision of library staff including 3 FTE employees (Interlibrary Loan/Document Delivery Librarian, Circulation Supervisor, and Stacks Management Supervisor) and indirect supervision of 6 FTE staff as well as student employees.
Oversees recruitment, hiring, orientation, training, supervision, and evaluation of staff and student employees in assigned area.
Develops and maintains up-to-date job descriptions for staff.
Encourages professional development of staff employees and fosters development of skills in all levels of library employees to enhance customer service excellence and innovation. Develops and delivers or coordinates planning for specific training of staff based on operational priorities and need. 
Conducts annual performance evaluations for direct reports and oversees annual process within the department ensuring evaluations are conducted for all levels of staff in accordance with campus and library policies.
Coaches, mentors, and counsels both direct and indirect reports in order to develop staff in a positive and proactive manner.
Plays a key role in growing the capacity of the ADS team by developing skills of current library employees and by developing new positions for the Library Service Center as needed.
Establishes and maintains communication with department/unit staff to facilitate the work of the library and ensure library staff is informed of library activities and initiatives. 

Campus Contributions & Professional Activity (10%):

Participates in library and university committees and task forces related to primary job assignment as appropriate or assigned.
Serves and participates at the local, state, regional, national and international level within professional and scholarly associations as appropriate.
Publishes and presents on work-related topics.
Maintains up-to-date professional knowledge and skills in areas related to primary job assignment by participating in appropriate professional development and continuing education activities in the library, on campus, and within the library profession.

Required Education & Experience:

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

Required Skills & Proficiencies:

Three years or more of recent professional-level experience in academic or public library setting in a major functional area of library operations such as access services (circulation, reserves, stacks management, interlibrary loan, document delivery) or technical services.
Understanding of the academic library's role in teaching, learning, and research and demonstrated knowledge of current and emerging trends in higher education, academic librarianship, scholarly communication, and library service trends in academic libraries. 
Working knowledge of trends, issues, and best practices in access and delivery services, assessment of public services, and remote storage facilities.
Ability to develop, plan, and implement innovative user-focused library services and programs informed by customer service principles, understanding of contemporary trends in library facilities, and new and emerging technologies and their application in academic libraries.
Strong commitment to service excellence and innovation in access and delivery services.
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.
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 services, initiatives, collaborations, and projects.
Ability to supervise effectively including hiring, orienting, training and developing staff, organizing workloads, delegating responsibility, providing guidance and direction, coaching and mentoring, monitoring and evaluating performance, coaching and counseling as necessary.  
Demonstrated leadership abilities coupled with flexibility, strong analytical skills, and creative 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.
Excellent interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills and demonstrated effectiveness as an instructor, presenter, or trainer. Ability to communicate effectively via email and telephone with customers and resolve issues and problems in a professional and respectful manner.
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. 
Demonstrated technology proficiency and capabilities working with personal computers and software, the Web, social media, and library-relevant information technology applications.
Evidence of active involvement in professional and scholarly associations at the local, state, national, or international level.
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 relevant field.
Experience managing a public services department or unit and/or supervising librarians, library staff, and student employees.
Recent experience in planning and managing remote storage facilities including involvement in development of space and staffing plans, policy and procedures, operational plans and workflows, and delivery models.
Record of accomplishment working in a team-based organization to achieve library goals.
Excellent skills and/or formal training in project management and space planning.
Experience with ExLibris's Alma and Primo, Desk Tracker, ILLiad software, and LibGuides software.
Ability to develop online guides promoting library service for library users.
Experience in strategic planning, introducing and managing change in complex environments, budget planning and administration, and evidence-based assessment.

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 20642.

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