Associate Dean of Libraries: Collection and Technology Strategies

Description

The Associate Dean of Libraries is responsible for contributing to and implementing the libraries’ plans. The Associate Dean of Libraries: Collection and Technology Strategies provides fiscal oversight for the libraries $1.5 million system and collection budget and plays a leading role in shaping and implementing a strategic vision for library collections and systems, including assessment for relevance to curriculum and representation of diverse authors and content, open access, open educational resources, advancements in discovery and artificial intelligence, and other emerging strategies. This position leads the libraries’ information resource strategy, including assessment, selection, acquisition, licensing, and metadata management; and the libraries’ technology services strategy, including web and database services, discovery and authentication systems, connectivity, and employee and patron hardware and software troubleshooting and support. This position works closely with libraries faculty and supervises collections unit specialists and information technology unit specialists within CWU Libraries, identifies staffing gaps and efficiencies, and advocates for additional resources as needed. Reporting to the Dean of Libraries, the associate dean is a member of the libraries’ leadership team and represents the libraries in the dean’s absence. All employees are expected to support CWU’s commitment to diversity and to bring and support inclusion into the university environment.

Requirements

Required Qualifications:

•      An ALA-accredited M.L.S. or equivalent degree.
•      Record of professional and scholarly activity sufficient for appointment at the rank of associate professor or professor, in accordance with CWU’s policies and faculty collective bargaining agreement.
•      Significant experience in collection development and/or technical services operations (including electronic resource management) within an academic library. 
•      Demonstrated understanding of day-to-day operations within collection development, technical services, and information technology.  
•      Demonstrated understanding of emerging issues and trends within collection development, technical services, and information technology.
•      Knowledge of academic library practices across all library services and functions.
•      Ability and skill in inclusive team building, supervision, fostering effective communication, belonging, and collaboration across diverse departments and with people with broadly varying technical skill levels. 
•      Proven fiscal management experience for collection and/or system budgets; and experience developing a long-range plan for financial sustainability.
•      Close understanding of the academic library’s role in teaching, learning, and research. 
•      Demonstrated knowledge of higher education and curriculum.
•      Demonstrated leadership and analytical skills, and creative and innovative problem-solving skills.
•      Ability to set priorities, meet deadlines, and complete tasks and projects on time and within budget.
•      Commitment to working for and with diverse populations and exceptional service orientation.  
•      Excellent oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
•      Experience working in a library consortia environment.
•      Experience or working knowledge negotiating vendor licenses and contracts. 
•      Experience with integrated library, material selection, and discovery systems.
•      Demonstrated commitment to inclusion and/or experience working with students and/or co-workers from a wide range of abilities, backgrounds and experiences.
•      OR applicable combination of education and/or experience which demonstrates the ability to perform the essential functions of the position.