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Head of Collections and Research Services

Head of Collections and Research Services

Syracuse University Libraries Job Location: New York Date Created: 10-28-2019

Description:   The Head leads a unit of approximately twenty librarians and supervises four team lead librarians. The Head coordinates their efforts to:   - Build collections - Develop services that directly support the University’s research enterprise (including the joint Office of Research and Libraries project Experts@Syracuse) -Support new modes of scholarship and the creation/distribution of open content on the University’s behalf (including the institutional repository SURFACE) -Support the Libraries’ Information Literacy Program via departmental instructional services     The Head guides liaison-centered services that align with the University’s schools and colleges, plus Open Publishing Services and Research Data Services. The Head manages strategic spending decisions for the $12M+ collections budget and plays a key role in electronic resource licensing processes.   Responsibilities:   Management • Oversees Department of Research and Scholarship • Supervises and mentors four departmental team lead librarians • Indirectly guide activities of approximately 20 librarians divided into four teams focused on Collections, Research Impact, Digital and Open Scholarship, and Instruction • Advocates for development and sustainable delivery of all services offered via department • Develops goals and plans assessment for department • Represents Libraries in appropriate university, regional and national settings (in lieu of Associate Dean for Research Excellence when necessary) • Manages departmental operating budget • Collaborates with other department heads to coordinate and support overall operations of the Libraries. Collections • Analyzes, develops, and prioritizes allocations for $12M+ collections budget • With Head of Acquisitions and Cataloging, coordinates license processes for electronic resources that meet Libraries and University protocols • Synchronizes collection goals with Special Collections Research Center as appropriate • Coordinates major gift offers. Outreach • Works closely with Head of Learning Commons to develop, refine, coordinate, and enhance liaison-centric outreach efforts to entire University, including both academic and co-curricular units • Works closely with leaders in Graduate School, Office of Research, Office of Sponsored Programs, Humanities Center, Digital Scholarship Space, and other units to ensure coordination of services • Facilitates efforts to develop workshops, events, speaker series, etc. that promote use of collections and other departmental services. Service • Engage in activities that contribute to the advancement of the Libraries, the university, and the library profession • Professional Development • Maintain awareness of professional developments, issues, and practices through research and activities that increase one’s knowledge and abilities, and that positively impact one’s performance and service contributions.   Qualifications:   Syracuse University Libraries recognize that applicants from historically underrepresented identities often may not apply for positions if they do not meet all of the required and preferred qualifications. We want to emphasize that the preferred qualifications are not required and that we are committed to helping our future colleague develop these preferred skills. We would also like to emphasize that individuals with disabilities who are unable to carry out the physical activities of the position will receive reasonable accommodations to enable them to perform the essential functions of the position. We strongly encourage those who are passionate about fostering diverse, inclusive, and equitable libraries to apply.   • Five plus years of steadily increasing responsibility and experience in an academic research library setting • Management experience including both people and projects • MLS or equivalent degree from an ALA accredited institution • A strong record of professional engagement, leadership, and scholarly activity • Experience guiding best combination of collection development, open publishing, liaison librarian, and research impact services preferred.   Significant understanding of: • Collection management strategies, budgeting processes, and workflows • Research impact metrics and services • Academic liaison librarian services • Open publishing strategies, business models, and services • Ability to quickly synthesize information and manage a suite of complex, interlocking services • Ability to set priorities, meet deadlines, and complete tasks and projects on time and within budget • Ability to build teams, foster effective communication, and collaborate • Demonstrated oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills • Demonstrated leadership and analytical skills, creative and innovative problem-solving skills • Demonstrated commitment to service excellence • Demonstrated commitment to working for and with diverse populations

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