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Associate Dean of Libraries for Collections and Content

Associate Dean of Libraries for Collections and Content

University of Washington Libraries Job Location: Washington Date Created: 11-06-2015

THE LIBRARIES
The University of Washington Libraries invites applications and nominations for the position of Associate Dean of University Libraries for Collections and Content. This is an exceptional opportunity to create and shape major programs, strategic directions, and content initiatives for one of the nation's premier research libraries. 
The Libraries is an integral partner in the education, research, clinical care, and service mission of the University. It is a national leader in the development and application of innovative strategies and technologies to meet information and research needs. The UW ranks 2nd among universities in the amount of federal grant and research dollars received with close to 1.5 billion dollars in total research funding. Ranked number 15 in the world in Shanghai Jiao Tong University rankings, the UW was recently named one of the world's most innovative universities by Reuters.  
Serving three campuses, the University of Washington Libraries is one of the largest and most innovative libraries in North America. Beyond the strength of local collections and digital resources, the Libraries is recognized for its excellent service, innovative learning and research spaces, faculty partnerships, global reach, extensive assessment efforts and diverse award-winning staff. The Libraries plays a significant leadership role regionally as a member in the groundbreaking Orbis Cascade Alliance and throughout the profession as evidenced by the number of its staff selected for competitive leadership programs and honored by professional association lifetime achievement awards. 
This is an exciting time to consider a leadership role at the University of Washington. The Libraries has recently realigned its organizational structure and services to position it to more strategically and effectively support the current and future needs of University of Washington researchers and learners. The new Collections and Content portfolio aligns the critical units involved with selection, acquisition, licensing, noncash gifts, description, access and preservation. Staff in Collections and Content are professionally active and engaged in significant national and international initiatives and programs. As Associate Dean you will have an opportunity to work with outstanding colleagues and provide leadership as we make strategic collection choices about how best to meet scholarly information needs in the face of the evolving nature of scholarly publishing, changing formats and access models, and collaborative collection initiatives. 
THE POSITION 
Reporting to the Vice Provost and Dean of University Libraries, this newly created Associate Dean position is responsible for strategic visioning, policy and program development, operations and personnel, and overall innovation and excellence in Collections and Content. The Associate Dean provides leadership, direction, and planning in support of Libraries' units that comprise Collections and Content: Acquisitions and Rapid Cataloging Services; Cataloging and Metadata Services; Collections and Content Strategy; Gifts Program; and, Preservation Services. The Associate Dean also contributes to Libraries-wide leadership for innovative program and content development in support of research, teaching and learning. The Associate Dean partners with colleagues to provide leadership and support for scholarly publishing initiatives and the transition to a more sustainable publishing environment. Serving on the Libraries Cabinet, the Associate Dean: works closely with other senior leaders within and across divisional lines to ensure services and collections responsive to the needs of users; actively contributes to the ongoing stewardship and strategic directions of the Libraries; develops staff at all levels; nurtures an inclusive environment that supports diversity; and provides leadership at local, state, regional, national, and international levels. 
SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES
* Collaborate across Libraries' divisions and campuses providing collaborative leadership and coordination for processes related to the development and management of collections. 
* Working with colleagues and partners, provide strategic leadership for collection decisions made in the context of changing user needs, emerging formats and access models, the continuing transition from a primarily print to a primarily electronic environment, constrained financial resources, and the economies of scale that come from working with partners on networked and collaborative collection initiatives.
* Oversee the resources budget (over $13M annually) and work collaboratively with others to ensure responsible stewardship of the University's and donors' investment in Libraries content and collections. Administer policy related to collection endowments.
* Provide leadership that encourages innovation and excellence in acquisitions and licensing, selection, gifts, cataloging, collections management, and preservation.
* Collaborate with colleagues to support open access and other scholarly publishing initiatives.
* As a member of the University Libraries' senior leadership team, participate in strategic planning, development of new initiatives, financial planning, resource and policy development, and governance. 
* Communicate the Libraries' collection strategy and policy to the campus community, and forge collaborations and strategic partnerships with UW academic and administrative departments and programs.
* Provide leadership and mentorship to the 65 librarians and staff in Collections and Content.
* Work with external organizations, including the Orbis Cascade Alliance and the Western Regional Storage Trust to develop coalitions and strategic partnerships that ensure enduring access to content and collection resources.
* Contribute to the profession through engagement with appropriate organizations and societies.
QUALIFICATIONS 
Required 
* Graduate degree from a program accredited by the American Library Association or an equivalent graduate library science/information studies degree. 
* At least 8 years of successful post-MLS library experience including at least 5 years in a collections or technical services oriented leadership role in an academic or research library; proven track record of innovation and new program implementation; ability to articulate a strategic vision for collections and content in a rapidly evolving information landscape; understanding of the multi-faceted roles of libraries in higher education and the broader community. 
* Demonstrated awareness of the role of technology in knowledge management; track record of successful implementation of new technology to accomplish strategic goals. 
* High level of energy, creativity, and affinity for productive ambiguity; ability to foster collaborative relationships within and across administrative lines.  
* Demonstrated commitment to diversity and understanding of the contributions a diverse workforce brings to the workplace. 
* Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
* Demonstrated ability to successfully provide effective and compassionate leadership in a changing, dynamic environment. 
* Experience supervising/managing employees effectively. Demonstrated ability to support, mentor and develop librarians and staff, as well as work with diverse groups within the Libraries and across the three UW campuses. Strong commitment to staff development and mentoring.
* Demonstrated ability to work successfully in a collaborative management environment and to function effectively as a member of a strong leadership team.
* Expert knowledge of current issues and opportunities in collections strategy and management and in technical services; Understanding of current trends and changes in scholarly publishing. 
* Commitment to integrating new models for academic, research and clinical programs into planning for collections and content initiatives and policies.
* Documented experience in effectively and responsibly managing large collections and budgets.
* Established record of research, publication, and/or professional contributions. Evidence of exemplary leadership and influence.
Preferred
* Successful experience procuring and managing grants. 
* Experience working with donors and fundraising. 
* Successful change management experience.
* Experience licensing scholarly content.
* Experience working with vendors.
 
SALARY
$90,000 minimum. Starting salary commensurate with qualifications and background. An Administrative Stipend will be established at the time of appointment.
RANK
Position will be at rank of Associate Librarian or Librarian.
BENEFITS
Librarians are academic personnel and participate in the University of Washington Retirement Plan on a matching basis. Vacation is accrued at the rate of 24 working days per year; sick leave at the rate of 12 working days per year. No state or local income tax.
 
APPLICATION PROCESS
To apply for this position, please submit the following information to libhr@uw.edu:
* Cover letter (addressed to Laura Lillard, Assistant Director, Libraries Academic Human Resources)
* Curriculum vitae or resume (include a telephone number, mailing address, email address and salary requirements)
* List of three references who are knowledgeable of your qualifications for this position, one of which must be your current supervisor (include telephone numbers, mailing addresses, and email addresses)
* Please use "Librarian Application" in the subject heading.
* Please submit all components in a single, multi-page PDF document. All submissions will be maintained in a secure, password protected online file space during the course of the search. Campus constituents may have access to some material, including CVs. 
 
APPLICATION DEADLINE
The search will begin immediately and continue until the position is closed. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. For best consideration, submit applications by 5:00 pm, December 4, 2015.
University of Washington Libraries Home Page is http://www.lib.washington.edu.
University of Washington is an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, protected veteran or disabled status, or
genetic information.
In compliance with the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986, the University is required to verify and document the citizenship or employment authorization of each new employee.  
For questions about this position, or questions regarding potential disability accommodations, please contact Laura Lillard at libhr@uw.edu.
 

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