Librarian (Posting)

Description

POSITION TITLE: Associate University Librarian for Collections and Access

REPORTS TO: Dean of Libraries/University Librarian

POSITION TYPE:Full-time Librarian Faculty

LOCATION: Evanston Campus

SUMMARY: The Associate University Librarian for Collections and Access (AUL-CA) advances the libraries’ mission and contributes to the achievement of library and university strategic goals within a highly collaborative, user-focused research and learning environment. Provides organization-wide leadership as part of the senior leadership team, advising and assisting the dean and other leaders in all aspects of library management and planning. Communicates a vision for the future that integrates local collections with consortial and collaborative networks; implements multiple strategies to fulfill faculty, student, and NU campus community information resource needs; and pursues innovation, efficiency, and cross-institutional collaboration in discovery and delivery of research materials. Leads, supervises, and collaborates with staff engaged in a range of academic and operational services, including collection development and specialized research support; acquisitions and materials budget management; access and delivery services; and management and development of general, special, archival, and distinctive collections. Represents the university and the libraries in groups and cooperative programs related to assigned responsibilities and in other situations as appropriate.

These responsibilities and opportunities reflect the new vision and priorities of Northwestern Libraries to advance access to scholarly resources and accelerate emerging methods in research, discovery, preservation, and engagement.

KEY ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Organizational Leadership: The AUL-CA advances the libraries’ mission and contributes to the achievement of library and university strategic goals within a highly collaborative, user-focused research and learning environment. Northwestern Libraries are committed to building a culture of innovation with inclusivity and equity; all senior leaders contribute toward that culture, integrating principles of inclusion, diversity, and accessibility into all levels of leadership and decision-making.

The AUL-CA serves on the executive team, which is the libraries’ senior leadership group. Assists the dean and works with other library leadership to carry out the mission of the organization, ensuring its effective services and operations and shaping its strategic success. Also serves as chair of the Collections Strategies Committee, which coordinates collections services and programs across several departments and reporting lines. Represents the university and the libraries in groups and cooperative programs related to assigned responsibilities and in other situations as appropriate. Coordinates cross-unit initiatives and programs, especially, but not limited to, those related to collections and access.

Strategic Portfolio: Within the larger context of library-wide leadership and professional flexibility, the AUL-CA articulates strategies related to library collections and access, leading librarians and staff across all operational areas of the organization to achieve strategic collections objectives. Collaborates actively with the Head of Acquisitions and Metadata Services, the Senior Director of Business Operations Support, and others to coordinate acquisitions processes, budget management, and financial workflows. Identifies and evaluates emerging technologies and professional practices that can serve the NU campus in the context of fulfilling faculty, student, and community information resource needs. Collaborates with Academic Innovation area to explore and apply AI/ML technology tools that enhance discovery and access of special collections, archives, and other distinctive collection resources. Takes an active role in developing and maximizing cooperative relationships in the context of the Big Ten Academic Alliance (BTAA) as well as other consortia.

Supervision and Management: In the libraries’ current organizational configuration, the AUL-CA has supervisory and management responsibility for the staff and activities of three departments: the McCormick Library of Special Collections and University Archives, Distinctive Collections and Research Services, and Access Services. This responsibility includes direct supervision of the department heads; providing vision, support, and guidance to all librarians and staff; and serving as Collection Development Officer, which includes providing high level oversight for all collections functions and the management of the libraries’ $15M+ materials budget. Promotes communication and cooperation among all units of the University Libraries; between the library organization and other campus groups, including libraries on the Chicago and Qatar campuses; and in the context of institutional collaborations, such as the BTAA, the Center for Research Libraries, HathiTrust, the Consortium of Academic Research Libraries of Illinois (CARLI), and the Chicago Collections Consortium, among others.

QUALIFICATIONS AND COMPETENCIES

• ALA-accredited master’s degree in library or information science or an advanced degree in another relevant field combined with significant experience working in a research library.
• Minimum of 5 years of progressively responsible experience leading operations in a large academic library with strong focus on research and teaching across multiple disciplines.
• Unwavering drive for innovation, learning, and excellence with experience of leading the execution and implementation of strategic initiatives.
• Significant knowledge and understanding of current and emerging trends in collection development, special/distinctive collection management, publishing, research and teaching methods, research data management, and digital scholarship.
• Demonstrated experience in data analytics in the areas of collection analysis, collection development, access management, and user needs assessment.
• Record of success in shaping collections and services according to user needs.
• Demonstrated success in planning, oversight, and administration, including effective leadership, supervision, coaching, and budget management.
• Ability to inspire, build trust, lead organizational change, and empower professional growth.
• Demonstrated commitment to inclusivity, diversity, equity, and access.
• Contributes to library-wide re-envisioning to advance digital research methods and library services with interest in ongoing innovation, emerging technologies, and evolving responsibilities in a dynamic digital research environment.
• Record of scholarship, professional involvement, and service. Experience with grant proposals and projects helpful.
• Evidence of ability to develop and maintain successful collaborative relationships with colleagues required; experience with successful collaborations involving multiple organizations helpful.
• Excellent communication skills: ability to listen actively, speak and write clearly, and effectively present information and ideas to groups.
• Experience or familiarity working in a collective bargaining environment.

To Apply:

This is a full-time, benefits-eligible, librarian faculty position. The anticipated salary range is $150,000 – $165,000. Offers will be based on candidate experience, education, and equity within Northwestern University. Applicants should submit a cover letter, resume, and the names of three references. Please apply for this position on the NUHR Recruitment Website. In your application, note which pronouns you use. First consideration will be given to applicants who apply by Monday September 09,2024.

Please Note:

A well-qualified candidate within this department or unit has been identified and will be considered for the position alongside other qualified candidates identified through a competitive recruitment process. The University reserves its right to give priority consideration to internal qualified candidates

Library Environment:

Northwestern University is a selective private university with campuses in Evanston and Chicago, Illinois and in Doha, Qatar. One of the leading private research libraries in the United States, Northwestern University Library serves the educational and information needs of the NU community as well as scholars around the world. Its collection contains more than 7 million volumes, a full array of digital resources, and collections of distinction in Africana, transportation, and 20th-century and contemporary music. Northwestern is a member of the Association of Research Libraries (ARL) and the Big Ten Academic Alliance (BTAA). See more information about University Libraries at: http://www.library.northwestern.edu

Please read ALL instructions and make preparations before proceeding to the application page:

• Applications will only be accepted via online submission (see link below).
• Please prepare all documents in advance as Adobe PDF files, and please be sure all information is entered correctly and accurately (especially names and email addresses), as there will be no opportunity for online revision after your application has been submitted.
• Please also prepare a list of names and email addresses for your external academic references; your references will be contacted directly by the online system and invited to upload their letters on your behalf.
• All required fields in the application form are marked with an asterisk and must be filled before clicking the “Submit” button.
• Be aware that incomplete applications cannot be saved.

Applications accepted here: Apply for Job

The Northwestern campus sits on the traditional homelands of the people of the Council of Three Fires, the Ojibwe, Potawatomi, and Odawa as well as the Menominee, Miami and Ho-Chunk nations. We acknowledge and honor the original people of the land upon which Northwestern University stands, and the Native people who remain on this land today.

Northwestern University is an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action Employer of all protected classes, including veterans and individuals with disabilities. Women, racial and ethnic minorities, individuals with disabilities, and veterans are encouraged to apply. Click for information on EEO is the Law.

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