Association of Research Libraries (ARL®)

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Library

West Virginia University Libraries

Institution

West Virginia University

Job Title

Dean

Closing Date

2013-02-15

Description

WEST VIRGINIA UNIVERSITY DEAN OF LIBRARIES WVU seeks a Dean of Libraries with a clear vision of the future of academic research libraries, who will strategically develop and promote the Libraries’ significant contributions to the intellectual vibrancy of the university. As the chief academic and administrative officer of the WVU Libraries, the Dean reports to the Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs, and oversees 38 library faculty members, 70 staff members, two depository facilities, and three (including Health Sciences) libraries with a combined area of over 300,000 square feet. About West Virginia University and the University Libraries West Virginia University is strongly committed to the success of its Libraries and recognizes their essential role in fulfilling its research and educational missions. In the last decade, WVU invested $37 million to build the new Downtown Campus Library, including the renovation of the historic Wise Library, $6.2 million to build two depositories on campus, and $17 million to construct a new library for the Health Sciences. In 2009, an $800,000 renovation of the Evansdale Library was completed. Currently, renovation plans are being developed to transform the Evansdale Library into an innovative academic learning environment that will include the addition of a restaurant, group study areas, and substantial flexible space that will be used to develop collaborative endeavors with other units on campus, like the Office of Information Technology, the Office of Student Retention, and the Office of Graduate Education and Life. The new and renovated facilities have proven to be ideal spaces for the Libraries’ diverse array of academic services. The Libraries provide access to more than 2 million books, 246 databases, over 48,000 journals, and numerous unique digital collections. In addition, the Libraries have outstanding Rare Books and Appalachian Collections, and serve as a Regional Depository Library. The Libraries have strong reference and research services, and a substantial instruction and information literacy program. They are engaged in numerous digitization projects, and have also been involved in several initiatives to support new forms of scholarly publishing and communication. Additional information can be found at www.libraries.wvu.edu. WVU (www.wvu.edu) is West Virginia’s flagship research university and is classified by the Carnegie Foundation as a High Research Activity Research University. WVU offers 184 degree programs at the bachelor, master, doctoral, and professional level of study through 14 colleges and schools. Funding from externally sponsored programs currently exceeds $122.9 million annually. Enrollment is approximately 30,000 students. WVU is located in Morgantown, WV, a vibrant university town that enjoys a reasonable cost of living, world-class healthcare, a strong commitment to education, exciting recreation and art facilities, and a strong business community. Morgantown has been ranked more than once as one of the top three small cities in the East (www.morgantown.com), and was named the #7 Best Small Place for Business and Careers by Forbes Magazine in 2012. Major cities are within driving distance: Pittsburgh is approximately 1.25 hours away, and Cleveland, Columbus, and Washington, DC are no more than 3.5 hours from Morgantown. The successful candidate will: • lead the continuing transformation of the WVU Libraries into a learning information commons that encourages research and academic excellence in a technologically-rich environment, • support intellectual inquiry by aligning library services with advances in research, instructional delivery, curriculum development, and academic study, • foster interactive relationships with the university community and external sources to improve library services and facilities, enhance the quality of resources, and increase operational efficiency, • ensure that the Libraries stay at the forefront of changes in technology, communication, information literacy, and the storage and delivery of information, • appreciate the diverse needs of research library patrons, such as undergraduates, graduate students, professional students, faculty, staff, alumni, and the community, and promote a service-based environment to support these constituencies effectively, • further encourage a responsive culture that welcomes change and innovation, and strengthens global engagement, • systematically implement and advance the Libraries’ strategic plan, • cultivate external relations and development opportunities, and • provide visionary and effective leadership to library faculty and staff. Qualifications • Masters in library science from an American Library Association-accredited program required, second graduate or professional degree required, earned doctorate preferred • 10 or more years of progressive experience in a comprehensive research or university library required, including 5 or more years of administrative experience with supervisory responsibilities • A record of achievement appropriate for a position at the rank of University Librarian at West Virginia University required • Proven leadership in program management and interdisciplinary collaboration in a complex research library setting • Commitment to the educational role of academic libraries, and alignment of library activities with curricula, information literacy, and research • Evidence of success in securing external funding and an appreciation of stewardship and collaborative relationships within and beyond the university • Dedication to diversity and social justice, including diverse learning styles and promoting a respectful work environment • Skill in advancing digital initiatives and coordinating with information technology units • Exceptional oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills Application Review of application materials will begin on January 15, 2013. To ensure priority consideration, applications should be submitted by February 15, 2013. The starting date of this position is July 1, 2013. The application package should include: 1) a letter of application that describes the candidate’s vision for the future of academic research libraries, as well as how the candidate’s knowledge and experience will guide the WVU Libraries to the achievement of that vision, 2) a current curriculum vitae, and 3) the names, email addresses, and telephone numbers of five professional references. Applications should be sent electronically to: wvulibrarydeansearch@mail.wvu.edu For additional information, please contact: Deborah Brown-Ebert Special Assistant, Office of the Provost West Virginia University dlbrown@mail.wvu.edu (304) 293-2530 West Virginia University is an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action Employer and the recipient of an NSF ADVANCE award for gender equity. WVU is strongly committed to diversity and welcomes nominations and applications from all qualified individuals.

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URL

www.libraries.wvu.edu.