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Caleb T. Winchester University Librarian

Caleb T. Winchester University Librarian

Wesleyan University Job Location: Connecticut Date Created: 11-18-2017

Reporting to the Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs, the Caleb T Winchester University Librarian has primary oversight for the Wesleyan University Library, and focuses particularly on library wide goals, objectives, and outcomes that support the institution.

Wesleyan's Library has holdings of more than 1.6 million items in a variety of formats, including a rapidly growing collection of electronic resources, extensive holdings in art, music, and government documents, and rich special collections and archives. The wide array of resources stems from its two separate libraries (Olin Library and the Science Library) as well as its participation in the CTW library consortium with Connecticut College and Trinity College. The library provides strong support for the university's educational mission and plays a central role in teaching, learning and research of faculty and students. 

The University Librarian serves as the main public voice for the Library and participates actively in many collaborations both on and off campus. The University Librarian directly supervises the work of the Library leadership team of two Associate University Librarians, the Science Librarian, and the Director of Special Collections & Archives, who manage the day to day operations of their respective areas.  The University Librarian also supervises the Archaeological Collections Manager and the Curator of the Davison Art Collection.

Primary responsibilities include: 

  • Articulate, advocate for, and implement a clear and compelling vision for the role and future of the library in the university's educational mission.  
  • Raise the profile and impact of the library on campus.
  • Provide visible leadership that unites and empowers the librarians and library staff to discover, explore and deliver useful, innovative library services to the community.
  • Identify opportunities and strategies for librarians and library staff to become even more integral parts of the university and wider community
  • Provide library management -- financial, technical, and interpersonal
  • Support transparent, collaborative management and staff training and development.
  • Utilize data in decision-making for library services and for the establishment of priorities.
  • Build effective working collaborations with multiple internal constituencies, including librarians, library staff, faculty, students, staff, and administration.
  • Collaborate with Information Technology Services to strengthen the use of technology and information literacy to support teaching, learning and research.
  • Partner with university development officers to seek out and obtain appropriate sources of capital for the development of the University Library; assist in preparing written proposals for fundraising from foundations, corporations, and/or individuals.
  • Strengthen external partnerships and relationships, including with other academic institutions and professional associations.
  • Provide leadership in redesigning existing physical resources in ways that support and encourage the best utilization of space
  • Develop strategies to evaluate and enhance the pedagogical value of the university's physical and digital collections. Enhance the application of new technologies in support of scholarship, teaching and learning. 
  • Develop a compelling vision and strategic plan for acquiring, promoting and preserving intellectual content.
  • Other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Master's degree in Library Science or in Library and Information Science from an ALA accredited program and at least seven years of progressively responsible administrative experience in libraries.
Demonstrated track record of innovation, creativity, and invention 
Demonstrated experience in meeting strategic goals and the ability to translate vision into reality while championing best practices.
Proven ability to inspire innovation and provide sophisticated executive direction
A successful history of staff development and team building, including a demonstrated commitment to building and supporting diverse staff
Proven ability to delegate effectively but work collaboratively both within and outside the library.
Proven ability to develop and sustain relationships with administrators, deans, faculty, staff and students
Demonstrated knowledge of current library functions and issues facing academic research libraries in areas such as collection development, evaluation and management, technology integration, publishing, and open access.
Experience managing and supporting rapidly changing user needs and expectations.
Experience managing both people and processes.
Prior experience managing budgets, grant writing and fundraising.
Demonstrated knowledge of emerging digital technologies and their potential within the domains of scholarship and scholarly communication
Demonstrated effective communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to communicate successfully within the library, across the campus community and externally
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Excellent public speaking skills.
Demonstrated commitment to work within a diverse environment and interact openly with individuals of different backgrounds.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
Demonstrated track record as a change agent
Experience in academic research library leadership
A varied career in librarianship
A distinguished track record of scholarly and professional accomplishments.
Experience in space planning and utilization
Demonstrated experience representing the University effectively for purposes of engagement, outreach, development and inter-institutional cooperation
Experience using social networking, and other forms of technology for social media outreach and to deliver information services to library constituents


Wesleyan University, located in Middletown, Connecticut, does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religious creed, age, gender, gender identity or expression, national origin, marital status, ancestry, present or past history of mental disorder, learning disability or physical disability, political belief, veteran status, sexual orientation, genetic information or non-position-related criminal record. We welcome applications from women and historically underrepresented minority groups. Inquiries regarding Title IX, Section 504, or any other non-discrimination policies should be directed to: Antonio Farias, VP for Equity & Inclusion, Title IX and ADA/504 Officer, 860-685-4771, afarias@wesleyan.edu.

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