Job opening – Director of Library Services – University of North Alabama

 

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Many thanks!

 

Celia Reynolds, Reference Services Coordinator

Collier Library – University of North Alabama

UNA Box 5028

Florence, Alabama 35632-0001

(256) 765-4625

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The University of North Alabama (UNA) seeks applications for the position of Director of Library Services.  Reporting to the Vice President for Academic Affairs/Provost, the Director provides collaborative leadership to develop and implement a shared vision of the library in support of the University’s mission. This position holds faculty status and rank. Review of applications will begin on March 5, 2008, and continue until the position is filled.

 

Responsibilities:

UNA seeks an experienced, effective leader to guide the provision of evolving, relevant library services.  As chief administrator of Collier Library the Director provides vision, leadership, and accountability through collaborative strategic planning and assessment, policy development and implementation, budget preparation and administration, integration of appropriate technology, supervision of faculty and staff, support for professional development, and consortial collaboration. In cooperation with the campus community, the Director of Library Services develops and guides initiatives that support the learning, teaching, research, service, and administrative goals of the University. Working within a system of shared governance, the Director represents the library and its faculty/staff to internal and external stakeholders.

 

Required Qualifications:

·         ALA-accredited master’s degree in library and/or information science (or its equivalent)

·         Evidence of recent successful academic library experience in progressively responsible roles

·         Effective interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills

·         Strong management and leadership skills in a collegial environment

·         Commitment to participatory decision making

·         Ability to create and sustain effective collaborative relationships internally and externally

·         Demonstrated effective budgetary experience

·         In-depth understanding of emerging trends and issues in academic libraries

·         Demonstrated commitment to the recruitment, professional development, and retention of a talented and diverse workforce

·         Strong commitment to providing excellent library services, resources, and facilities

·         Thorough knowledge of academic library operations

 

Preferred Qualifications:

·         Additional earned advanced degree(s) in appropriate field(s)

·         Five or more years in academic library administration

·         Successful experience supervising and evaluating faculty and staff

·         Demonstrated experience in strategic planning, assessment, and problem solving

·         Demonstrated record of scholarly/professional involvement and achievement

·         Demonstrated leadership, organizational ability, and initiative

·         Experience with library consortia and resource sharing

·         Understanding of computer systems and technology

·         Record of successful implementation and management of emerging technologies

·         Commitment to responsive, innovative service, outreach, and maximization of resources

·         Knowledge of trends in scholarly communication

·         Understanding of academic culture and the needs of faculty, staff, and students regarding information resources, services, and technology

·         Demonstrated support for continuing education and professional development opportunities for all library employees

·         Familiarity with academic accreditation processes

 

Description of University and Library:

Located in Florence, Alabama, just north of the Tennessee River, the University of North Alabama is a growing comprehensive regional institution with over 7,000 FTE undergraduate and graduate students, and over 220 full-time faculty.  The University emphasizes quality educational opportunities for undergraduates and graduates with majors in four colleges: arts & sciences, business, education, and nursing & allied health.  Collier Library has an operating budget of $2.6 million and employs 8 full-time faculty librarians, 8 support staff, 5 part-time employees, and over 30 student employees.  Collections include approximately 376,000 volumes, online access to 130+ databases, and almost 3,500 current online and paper serial subscriptions.  For more information see http://www2.una.edu/library. The library uses the Ex Libris Voyager system and is a member of the Network of Alabama Academic Libraries (NAAL), SOLINET, and OCLC.

 

Description of Area:

Located in the northwest corner of the State of Alabama, Florence is one of four small cities comprising an area known as “the Shoals,” with a combined population of over 140,000. The area offers a rich history, natural beauty, numerous cultural and outdoor recreation opportunities, low living costs, and a temperate climate.  Additionally, Florence is located within easy driving distance (1-3 hours) to larger cities—Huntsville and Birmingham, Alabama; Nashville and Memphis, Tennessee. For more information about the Shoals see: www.una.edu/international/where.is.UNA.htm, www2.una.edu/universityrelations/maps.htm, http://visitflorenceal.com, and www.Shoalschamber.com.

 

Salary/Benefits: 

Salary and rank are commensurate with experience and qualifications.  The University offers excellent benefits.

 

Application Process:

Submit application electronically at http://jobs.una.edu. Applicants must supply an electronic copy of their cover letter, résumé/cv, contact information for three references (email, telephone, postal address), plus transcripts. Official graduate and undergraduate transcripts are required before an offer of employment can be made; mail transcripts directly to the Office of Human Resources: Director of Human Resources and Affirmative Action, UNA Box 5043, Florence, AL 35632-0001.

 

UNA is an equal opportunity employer committed to achieving excellence and strength through diversity. UNA seeks a wide range of applicants for this position so that one of our core values, ethnic and cultural diversity, will be affirmed.