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Library

George A. Smathers Libraries

Institution

University of Florida Libraries

Job Title

Chair, Department of Special and Area Studies Collections

Closing Date

2013-01-31

Description

JOB SUMMARY The George A. Smathers Libraries, University of Florida, seeks applications and nominations for the position of Department Chair for Special and Area Studies Collections. The successful candidate will be a forward thinking leader who is knowledgeable and enthusiastic about the changing nature of librarianship for special collections and area studies collections. Reporting to the Associate Dean for Scholarly Resources and Research Services, this position is a key member of the Library team, ensuring organizational effectiveness, efficiency, and development of policies for library operations. The Department Chair for Special and Area Studies Collections is a tenure track library position which will provide leadership, strategic vision and direction for the department by blending traditional academic library practices with innovation to expand collections and usage, redesign spaces, and increase available resources. The Chair works collaboratively with departmental colleagues to assess strengths and weaknesses in the various collections, determine priorities, establish policies, and develop departmental service plans that enhance and support the academic mission of the University. The library encourages staff participation in reaching management decisions and consequently the Chair of Special and Area Studies Collections will serve on various committees and teams. To support all students and faculty and foster excellence in a diverse and global society, the Chair will be expected to include individuals of diverse backgrounds, experiences, races, ethnicities, genders, and perspectives in work activities. The Chair of Special and Area Studies Collections will pursue professional development opportunities, including research, publication, and professional service activities in order to meet library-wide criteria for tenure and promotion. RESPONSIBILITIES • Collaborates with the Dean of University Libraries, the Associate Dean for Scholarly Resources and Research Services, and the Associate Dean of Development and Advancement to enhance the outreach mission of the department by shaping both the physical housing of the collections and their availability in digital environments. • Works with departmental faculty and staff to define needs, set priorities, develop policies, and establish goals, objectives, strategic plans, and budgets to ensure effective management and development of services and collections. • In conjunction with the Dean of University Libraries and the Associate Dean of Development and Advancement, seeks financial support for the department’s collections and operations. • Oversees and coordinates the work of the units comprising the department of 23 faculty and staff plus graduate assistants who have responsibility for acquiring and managing the Libraries’ special and area studies collections. Curators and subject liaisons in this department also provide reference, research support, exhibits, and instructional services. • Leads special collections staff to establish policies and procedures for the delivery of public services in the Special Collections Research Room and to determine appropriate measures to safeguard special collections materials. Ensures that special collections materials are housed in conformance with established practices and standards for rare and unique materials. Represents the Libraries’ special collections at appropriate professional meetings and among special collections units in Florida’s state universities. Coordinates with curators of the Area Studies collections and serves as liaison of their programming and work to the administration of the Libraries. • With department faculty and staff, oversees symposia, lectures, and exhibitions that showcase and enhance the curricular and scholarly use of the University of Florida’s special and area studies collections within the academic and research communities. • Fosters a collaborative work environment, encouraging personnel to work within and across departments in the University Libraries to support the goals and initiatives of the Libraries’ strategic plan. • Participates actively in the cooperative management of the Libraries through service on the Library Council (library deans/administration and the chairs of departments), and other library consultative bodies. Participates in University of Florida committees as appropriate. • Creates innovative library spaces, particularly designing a new reading room and new staff work areas. • Establishes and maintains on-going contact with faculty, researchers, students, and potential donors. • Participates in appropriate professional organizations on the state, regional and national levels and pursues professional development goals, including publication, in order to meet requirements for tenure. QUALIFICATIONS Required: • ALA-accredited MLS or equivalent advanced degree in a relevant field • Appointment at the Associate University Librarian rank requires a minimum of 8 years of relevant experience; and appointment at the University Librarian rank requires 12 or more years of relevant experience at an advanced level • Experience in leadership of special collections and/or area studies • Demonstrated ability to lead a team and to promote teamwork among colleagues • Demonstrated success in supervision, including the ability to lead and engage staff through the process of organizational improvement and change • Commitment to user-oriented service • Experience in effective planning and budgeting • Ability to cultivate and maintain effective relations with donors • Demonstrated knowledge of digitization practices related to special collections and area studies • Evidence of fostering staff professional development and growth • Excellent interpersonal skills • Excellent verbal and written communication skills • Ability to work both independently and collaboratively with faculty, students, administrators and the general public • Initiative, flexibility, and the ability to adapt and work creatively in a complex, rapidly changing academic environment • Strong potential for meeting the requirements of tenure and promotion (outlined at http://www.uflib.ufl.edu/pers/cdh) Preferred: • Additional advanced degree in a relevant field • Successful track record in project development and management • Successful grant writing experience • Demonstrated experience employing digitization practices to enhance special collections and area studies collections • Record of including individuals of diverse backgrounds, experiences, races, ethnicities, genders, and perspectives in research, teaching, service and other work APPLICATION PROCESS The University of Florida is an equal opportunity employer and is strongly committed to the diversity of our faculty and staff. Applicants from a broad spectrum of people, including members of ethnic minorities and disabled persons, are especially encouraged to apply. As part of the application process, applicants are invited to complete an on-line confidential and voluntary demographic self-disclosure form which can be found at: http://www.hr.ufl.edu/job/datacard.htm. This information is collected by the University of Florida's Office of Human Resources to track applicant trends and is in no way considered by the Smathers Libraries in the selection process. Please submit application materials via e-mail. Send, as attachments (MS-Word and PDF format preferred), a cover letter detailing your interest in and qualifications for this position including a discussion on your research focus and accomplishments; a written statement regarding “developing collections and services of special and area studies collections to enhance and support academic programs” (250 words); your current resume and a list of three references including their address, telephone and email information. The search will remain opened until filled. Applications will be reviewed beginning November 1, 2012. Send all required application materials to Bonnie Smith, Smathers Libraries Human Resources Office, at: bonniesmith@ufl.edu.

URL

http://www.uflib.ufl.edu/pers/FacultyPositions.html