Librarian, Head of Collections & Discovery

• Position Number: 2022160

Department:

Job Summary/Basic Function: Exciting Opportunity at the Mary & John Gray Library!

The Mary & John Gray Library is currently undergoing a $90 million dollar renovation aimed at modernizing our facilities, improving accessibility, and expanding services. This transformation will enhance research and study opportunities for the Lamar University community. About This Role:

The Librarian, Head of Collections and Discovery, reporting to the Dean of the Library, is responsible for managing and developing the unit which acquires access to information resources in support of student learning and faculty research. Collections and Discovery encompass traditional physical and electronic acquisitions and cataloging/metadata functions, as well as interlibrary loan and document delivery. The department is also responsible for maintaining data in the library's Integrated Library System (ILS), which includes both catalog and acquisitions functions. The position involves implementing best practices in resource management while being encouraged to innovate and explore new approaches. You will have the opportunity to apply effective techniques and technologies to enhance our library services and drive forward our vision. This is a tenure track, 12-month faculty appointment.

https://www.lamar.edu/library/index.html

What You'll Do - Position Responsibilities:

1. Collections Strategy and DevelopmentDevelop and implement strategies for the management and development of collections that support student learning and faculty research.

• Oversee the acquisition of information resources, ensuring alignment with best practices and innovative approaches in resource management.
• Manage the library resources budget in coordination with the Library Dean
• Supervise the creation and establishment of policies governing acquisitions, cataloging, and other relevant areas to align with best practices in resource management.
• Ensure the library management system (LMS) effectively supports catalog and acquisitions functions.2. Departmental Management and Oversight
• Supervise departmental librarians and staff, ensuring effective operation and workflow in acquisitions, cataloging, interlibrary loan, and document delivery.
• Develop and monitor key performance indicators to assess the effectiveness of the unit's operations.
• Participate actively in the library's administrative leadership team.3. Reporting and Data Contribution
• Prepare periodic reports and contribute data for university accreditation and other institutional needs related to collections and resource access.
• Collaborate with the Associate Dean to develop and analyze data to refine and enhance usage and discoverability of library resources.4. Scholarship
• Engage in scholarship and research appropriate for a tenured/tenure-track faculty librarian, including but not limited to scholarly publications, conference presentations, and professional service to the academic community, all in line with updated tenure and promotion guidelines.
• Maintain awareness of the latest trends in librarianship and information science through ongoing professional development and participation in relevant professional organizations.5. Service
• Serve on university and library committees as appointed by the Dean or other officials.
• Engage in professional service, contributing to the library and academic community, including collaboration with other departments and stakeholders.
• Perform other duties as assigned.Key Competencies:
• Familiarity and facility in the use of Microsoft Office products, such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
• Knowledge and experience in areas such as acquisitions, cataloging, or interlibrary loan.
• Ability to establish and maintain productive collaborative relationships with students, faculty, and staff.
• Effective oral and written communications skills.
• Record of achievement in maintaining and developing professional knowledge and skills.
• Ability to respond effectively to changing strategic vision and workflow management
• Ability to interact effectively and work collaboratively with a variety of colleagues.
• Ability to create and publish scholarly worksPhysical Requirements:

Able to lift 25 pounds and be able to perform a variety of physical tasks including lifting, bending, stooping, squatting, stair climbing, and walking between buildings.

Job Conditions:

This position has the option of some flex work, significant on-site work as well.Extensive computers use Who We Are:

Lamar University is an accessible global university for life-long learners with a passion for broad-based community engagement. As a vital contributor to the socioeconomic wellbeing and resilience of the Gulf Coast region, our expertise is recognized locally and beyond. Lamar University is home to more than 17,000 students and is among the fastest growing Texas colleges and universities. LU is a member of The Texas State University System, which is the first higher education system of Texas and maintains the lowest average tuition and fees of any university system in Texas. With more than 100-degree options and a community that cares, Lamar students are always proud to be Cardinals. Lamar University is committed to fostering a culture where students, faculty and staff of all backgrounds can learn, work, and serve.

Benefits:

• Health, dental & vision insurance
• Life insurance
• State of Texas Retirement plans
• Tuition covered at 100% for employees, spouses and/or eligible dependents.
• Paid time off - vacation, sick, and holidays.To see more information about the available benefits, please visit: Insurance - Lamar University

Minimum Qualifications:

• Master's degree in library or information science from an American Library Association accredited institution.
• At least 1 year of experience working as in a supervisory type of role (acquisitions, cataloging, etc.) in an academic library technical services unit. Will consider relatable experience.
• Some supervisory experience of student employees, staff or faculty. Will consider relatable experience.Preferred Qualifications:
• An additional graduate degree.
• Record of scholarship and service appropriate to a faculty role or the ability to create and engage in research and service.
• 2+ years of supervisory experienceSecurity Sensitive Statement: This position is security-sensitive and thereby subject to the provisions of the Texas Education Code 51.215, which authorizes the employer to obtain criminal history record information.

Salary: commensurate

Work Hours:

Posting Date:

Close Date: 3/2/2025

Open Until Filled:

Special Instructions:

To apply, visit https://jobs.lamar.edu/.

Lamar University is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer. It is the policy of Lamar University not to discriminate on the basis of non-relevant criteria including, but not limited to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, national origin, age, disability, or veteran status in its educational programs, activities, admissions or employment practices.