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Dean of University Libraries

Dean of University Libraries

University of Oklahoma Libraries Job Location: Oklahoma Apply By: Open until filled. Date Created: 12-10-2019

Dean of Libraries

The University of Oklahoma seeks an innovative, visionary, and strategic leader, with demonstrated commitment to the pivotal role of libraries in advancing the university’s educational and research mission, to join the senior leadership team as the next Dean of Libraries. The University of Oklahoma is a Carnegie-R1 comprehensive public research university, is known for excellence in research, teaching, and community engagement. We are committed to achieving a diverse, equitable, and inclusive university community for all by embracing each person’s unique contributions, background, and perspectives. We recognize building this community, with particular attention to the needs of historically marginalized populations, is vital to the pursuit of excellence in all aspects of our institutional mission.

As the heart and intellectual crossroads of a vibrant campus, the University of Oklahoma Libraries serves to connect our community with information and user-centered strategies that advance innovation in research, scholarship, and pedagogy. The university invites exceptional applicants for the position of Dean of University Libraries who will also hold the Peggy V. Helmerich Endowed Chair for Dean of Libraries and tenure at the rank of Professor. The university seeks applicants with breadth and depth of experience in academic librarianship and a clear vision for the University Libraries in the creation, preservation, and delivery of scholarly information and research support to students, faculty, staff, and the public in a rapidly evolving, technology-driven era.

The successful candidate will have a demonstrated commitment to academic excellence and respect for pedagogy, research and scholarship; diversity and inclusion; cultural competency; a demonstrated ability to create a climate of cooperation and trust among constituencies, and a demonstrated ability to manage technological change. As a direct-report to the Senior Vice President and Provost, the Dean will lead a team of faculty and staff focused on creating a high performing, innovative and responsive workplace, and will sustain relationships with potential donors and funding agencies.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

  • An MLIS or MLS from an ALA accredited library and information science program or international equivalent;
  • A strong history of transformative leadership in academic research libraries at an administrative level;
  • Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively with internal and external constituencies, including donors;
  • Proven commitment to diversity and inclusion in all facets of the library organization; demonstrated commitment to building community by attracting, supporting, cultivating, and leading diverse faculty and staff;
  • Demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively with internal and external stakeholders;
  • A strong record of academic scholarship and professional achievement warranting tenure at the rank of Professor at OU;
  • Demonstrated record of effective, visionary leadership and the ability to develop, enact, and articulate a vision and strategies for the future of the library;
  • Experience managing budgets, supervising personnel, and developing major initiatives;
  • Demonstrated understanding of and ability to articulate the changing and challenging landscape of academic libraries to a wide variety of constituents.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

  • Additional advanced degree (masters and/or doctorate);
  • Recent leadership experience in large-scale academic or private library settings.

Nominations and Applications

The university invites letters of nomination, applications, or inquiries about this position. Submit applications (including letter of interest, full CV, and list of references) to Kelvin White, Chair of the Search Committee, at: https://apply.interfolio.com/71179.

Nominations, including full contact and email information for the nominee, and inquiries should be directed to Kelvin White, Chair of the Search Committee, at kwhite@ou.edu.

Review of materials will begin in late January and continue until the appointment is made. Applicants will be notified prior to the solicitation of letters of reference.

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