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Head of Gorgas Information Services Librarian

Head of Gorgas Information Services Librarian

University of Alabama Libraries Job Location: Alabama Apply By: 12/18/2019 Date Created: 10-18-2019

THE UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA LIBRARIES Head of Gorgas Information Services Librarian RESPONSIBILITIES:  The University of Alabama Libraries is seeking a creative, innovative, and experienced librarian to lead the instructional, reference, and information services program in Gorgas Library, which serves six colleges on campus. The candidate will possess the vision and leadership skills necessary to develop a user-focused instructional and teaching program for the 21st century and will assist in setting standards for a positive, service-oriented atmosphere. Evaluation and assessment of current programs, and the development of new programs, will be expected as well as marketing programs and services to the campus community. The candidate must possess a broad understanding of teaching and learning methods in multiple disciplines and is committed to supporting and developing training to deliver instruction and research services both physically and virtually. The candidate must possess the ability to develop benchmarks to provide assessment for the instructional program and research services and be able to assess programs using multiple methods. Additional responsibilities include: Leading a unit of 8 librarians in Gorgas Library, overseeing the Sanford Media Center, and student workers. Providing leadership and oversight in the continual development, promotion, assessment and reporting on a comprehensive instruction program that fosters excellence in teaching and learning, enhancing user experience, and deepening academic engagement. Working with the Associate Dean for Research & User Services to develop and facilitate a program of innovative 21st century services and programs that are aligned with the University Libraries Strategic Plan. Developing a robust and rigorous assessment and reporting program for the unit. Understanding and responding to the methodological differences in subject area. Research and developing strategies to best target the needs of users within these areas. Collaborating with other Gorgas Library units as well as branch libraries on instructional programs and services. Developing relationships with faculty and staff to strengthen instructional and teaching programs and to foster collaboration on campus. Overseeing the projects undertaken by librarians and staff in the area and coordinating annual goal setting and achievement across Gorgas Information Services. Overseeing the creation of digital learning objects and audio/visual production toward enhanced learning outcomes. Overseeing liaison engagement in the distance learning programs. Implementing programs and services toward increased student success. Coordinating customer-service initiatives toward enhanced user experience. Providing leadership for the music and fine arts collection. REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS: MLS/MILS degree from an ALA accredited program. At least five years’ experience in an academic or research library. Demonstrated leadership experience with innovative use of resources and emerging technologies. Advanced knowledge of issues and trends in reference and instruction services. Deep understanding of instruction and teaching design. Demonstrated teaching skills. Experience with assessment of different disciplines. Demonstrated experience managing, supervising, and motivating faculty, staff, and students. Demonstrated success in engaging in outreach to faculty and students. Ability to facilitate continuous quality improvement. Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written, along with expert skills associated with listening, negotiating, compromising, and adapting. Record of scholarship and professional service. Ability to meet the requirements for tenure and promotion. Commitment to conduct research and scholarship consistent with a tenure track faculty appointment. Commitment to engage in continuing professional development. Responsibilities of the position evolve as the library environment continues to change. PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS: Additional graduate degree in the social sciences or humanities. Record of mentoring and leading librarians and staff. Leadership experience as a unit head in instruction and/or reference in an academic library. Demonstrated knowledge of current and emerging trends in 21st century academic research libraries. Demonstrated experience designing and assessing instruction using qualitative and quantitative methods. ENVIRONMENT: The University of Alabama, The Capstone University, is the State of Alabama’s flagship public university and the senior comprehensive doctoral level institution in Alabama. UA enrolls over 38,000 students, is ranked in the top 50 public universities in the United States. The University is a leader among public universities nationwide for enrollment of National Merit Scholars, with more than 600 currently enrolled. Under the leadership of President Stuart Bell, UA launched a strategic planning process that includes an aggressive research agenda and expansion of graduate education.  The University has achieved Doctoral Universities – Very High Research Activity status in the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education. The University of Alabama Libraries is essential in advancing the educational mission of the University. We provide innovative instruction, services, and resources to facilitate teaching, research, and learning. The University of Alabama Libraries is committed to be student-centered and research-focused in order to support discovery, learning, and creativity at The Capstone. Gorgas Library serves the Humanities and Social Sciences in the College of Arts and Sciences, College of Human Environmental Sciences, College of Communication & Information Sciences, Honors College, College of Continuing Studies, and the School of Social Work. The University Libraries maintains memberships in the Association of Research Libraries, the Center for Research Libraries, the Coalition for Networked Information, centerNet, LYRASIS, the Association of Southeastern Research Libraries, the HathiTrust, Scholars Trust, the Rosemont Alliance, the Network of Alabama Academic Libraries, and the Alabama Digital Preservation Network.  We are the oldest academic library serving as a U.S. Government Documents Regional Depository.  In this role we serve the academic community and the public. The University Libraries is an EBSCO FOLIO beta partner. The University Libraries homepage may be accessed at http://www.libraries.ua.edu The University of Alabama is located in Tuscaloosa, a metropolitan area of 100,000, with a vibrant economy, a moderate climate, and a reputation across the South as an innovative, progressive community with an excellent quality of life. Tuscaloosa provides easy access to mountains, several large cities, and the beautiful Gulf Coast. Prior to employment the successful candidate must pass a pre-employment background investigation. SALARY/BENEFITS: 12-month tenure track faculty appointment at the Assistant Professor or Associate Professor rank, depending on qualifications and experience.  Salary range is commensurate with qualifications and experience. Strong benefits including professional development support and tuition fee waiver. TO APPLY: Applications are accepted online only at https://facultyjobs.ua.edu    Click Search Positions. University Libraries in Organization drop down box. Please include your application, Curriculum Vitae, and names, addresses, phone numbers, and e- mail addresses of three references, including one current supervisor. Position open until filled. Applications received by November 18, 2019 are assured of receiving full consideration. The University of Alabama is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer and is strongly committed to the diversity of our faculty and staff. Applicants from a broad spectrum of people, including women, members of ethnic minorities and disabled persons, are especially encouraged to apply.  For questions regarding the search, contact Dr. Millie Jackson, Senior Associate Dean, at mljackson@ua.edu

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