LIBRARIAN POSITION
PROFESSIONAL LIBRARIAN VACANCY
Position Title: Associate University Librarian for Public Services
Reports to: University Librarian
Summary: The associate university librarian for public services (AULPS) reports to the university librarian and is responsible for leading, coordinating and managing the library’s public service functions, including reference, information literacy/instruction, academic liaison services, scholarly communication initiatives, access/delivery services, inter-library loan, media services, remote/distance service, and satellite branch services. The AULPS provides vision, dynamic leadership, cooperative strategic planning and operational direction for the public services division; and formulates, articulates, assesses and develops policy goals and actions for all areas of public service, collaborating with all other divisions and departments of University Library and with other units throughout the university. As a member of the library’s senior leadership team, the AULPS advises and assists the university librarian in all aspects of library management and administration; and represents the library and/or the university locally, regionally and nationally in meetings, groups, and forums as required or requested, especially those focused on public services issues.
Responsibilities: Leads the visioning, planning, implementation, and evaluation of University Library’s public services programming, including information literacy/instruction, academic liaison services, scholarly communication initiatives, resource sharing, satellite and remote services, circulation services (including the development of an offsite storage facility), and collection building. Oversees the management and operations of the departments in the public services division, including Reference, Circulation, Resource Sharing and Reserves, Government Information, Academic Liaison Services, and the Science and Engineering and Schaffner Libraries. Directly or indirectly supervises division staff (currently 27 professional staff and 44 support staff positions). Provides vision for, plans, organizes, prioritizes, budgets and reports on the work of the division. Promotes communication and cooperation among the library public services division departments, other divisions of the University Library, Special Libraries Division departments with public service operations, and the Chicago campus libraries. Works closely with the Associate University Librarians for Information Technology, Technical Services and Resource Management, and Special Libraries to assure effective patron services, web services development, digital library development, collection building, and resource sharing for a local, national and international audience. Serves as an advocate for patron services by working together with division staff to develop effective policies and procedures. Supports and nurtures a management environment that promotes risk-taking, experimentation, creativity, innovation and assessment. Initiates, encourages, and coordinates collaborative projects with other Northwestern University departments that support student, staff and faculty research and teaching initiatives. Seeks partnerships and manages collaborations and consortial partnerships with other organizations internal and external to Northwestern University. Represents the University Library in meetings, groups, and forums as requested, especially those which focus on public services. Standing representational responsibilities include membership on the CIC (Committee on Institutional Cooperation) public services directors. Serves on the administrative committee, the university librarian's cabinet. Serves as the liaison from the administrative committee to interdivisional committees as assigned. Assists the university librarian and works with other members of the administrative committee to carry out the mission of the library. Participates in the management council, a policy‑making forum for department heads and senior management.
Qualifications: MLS from an ALA-accredited library school or international equivalent. Experience in effectively shaping, implementing, and assessing innovative, comprehensive library programs and services. A minimum of 5 years successful experience in an academic or research library service program on a broad scale, including design and coordination of library services. Significant experience working in a research university or other large academic institution. A clearly articulated vision for the future of library services. Excellent leadership, communication, interpersonal, analytical, quantitative, planning, and organizational skills. Ability to view issues from a library-wide perspective and to contribute effectively to collaborative projects within and outside the library. Experience with research and assessment methodologies. Knowledge of trends in higher education, learning and service assessment, and information technology that affect print, media, and electronic information service delivery, on-site and remotely. Understanding of information literacy, scholarly communication issues, and curricular processes in higher education, and their ongoing transformation by emerging technologies, resource sharing, and web delivery. Commitment to strong programs for information literacy/instruction, academic liaison and other outreach activities, and web-based service initiatives. Understanding of access to and preservation of collections in all formats. Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment. Demonstrated ability to establish good patron relations. A distinguished record of service, publications and research.
Environment: Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois, is a major private university with an extensive library system. This includes the Northwestern University Library, three branch libraries on the Evanston Campus, and three libraries on the Chicago Campus. Northwestern University Library is a member of the Association of Research Libraries (ARL) and participates in programs of the Committee on Institutional Cooperation (CIC). The holdings of the libraries total over 4 million volumes. See more information about the Library at: http://www.library.northwestern.edu.
Salary: Dependent on qualifications and experience. Comprehensive benefits package.
To Apply: Send letter of application and resume, including names of three references, to Peter J. Devlin, Director of Library Personnel, Northwestern University Library, 1970 Campus Drive, Evanston , Illinois 60208-2300 or library-personnel@northwestern.edu. Applications received by September 5, 2008 will receive first consideration. Northwestern University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. Employment eligibility verification required upon hire.
