[Metadatalibrarians] Job Posting: Head, Technical Services, Duke University Libraries

Noah Huffman noah.huffman at gmail.com
Fri Oct 16 08:39:14 PDT 2015


[apologies for cross-posting]

Full posting: http://library.duke.edu/about/jobs/headts

Head, Technical Services

The Duke University Libraries (DUL) seek an experienced, forward-thinking,
and creative professional to develop an integrated approach to technical
services operations as Duke transitions to the Open Library Environment
(OLE) open-source, community-based library management system.  This
position represents a key opportunity to provide leadership in rethinking
and realigning workflows for acquiring and managing electronic resources
and other formats of library materials to enhance their accessibility for
the Duke University community.  Reporting to the Associate University
Librarian for Collections and User Services, the position will oversee the
operational management of DUL staff engaged in technical services
activities, including acquisitions, receiving, cataloging, e-resource
management, and metadata creation.  This position is responsible for the
overall administration and coordination of work and for establishing and
implementing technical services policies, standards and procedures.
Position Summary

The Head of Technical Services plans, establishes policies, and provides
leadership, vision, and strategic direction for the Technical Services
operations of the Duke University Libraries. This position is responsible
for the overall administration and coordination of technical services
activities, including acquisitions, receiving, cataloging, e-resource
management, and metadata creation.  The position ensures the efficiency and
effectiveness of technical services operations and workflows and works
closely and collaboratively with the Head of the Rubenstein Library
Technical Services department.
Responsibilities

·         Provides vision and strategic directions for technical services
functions across the Library.  Aligns operations and workflows with
strategic directions and secures support from key constituents and
stakeholders.

·         Supervises the heads of the current Technical Services
Departments—Acquisitions, Cataloging & Metadata Services, and Electronic
Resources & Serials Management.  With them oversees all activities relating
to the ordering, receiving, description, management, and processing of
library materials.

·         Leads the planning process within Technical Services; coordinates
the work-flow between sections and departments as well as between Technical
Services and other library departments; oversees the process of evaluating
and improving workflow efficiency.

·         Ensures regular reviews of best practices; undertakes continuous
improvement of stakeholder-focused services and technical services
practices.  Formulates and recommends to the AUL for Collections and User
Services policies for the administration of technical services activities.

·         Ensures high quality, productivity, and adherence to standards
for acquisitions, resource access, and descriptive frameworks for all
formats.  Coordinates the on-going identification and implementation of
opportunities to improve service to stakeholder groups and increase
efficiency within all Technical Services areas.

·         In collaboration with Technical Services department heads,
prepares and monitors budgets; allocates and is accountable for the use of
resources (staff, space, etc.) available for technical services operations.

·         Promotes and facilitates the coordination of technical services
across the campus libraries.

·         Participates in the selection and recruitment of staff for
Technical Services. Manages workforce planning and performance management
reviews, assessing and recommending training and learning opportunities.

•        Participates in leadership for and administration of the Library's
integrated library system.

•        Participates in or contributes to the ongoing evolution of the
Libraries’ services

•        Displays continuing growth in professional and subject knowledge
and takes an active interest in the profession. Growth and interest should
be demonstrated through continuing development of professional knowledge
and abilities, membership and participation in professional organizations,
and service to the library, University, or community in a professional
capacity.

•        Participates in development and fund raising efforts as
appropriate.

•        Performs other tasks as assigned by the library administration.



*Supervisory Responsibilities*

·         Directly supervises technical services department heads and
admin. asst. (4.0 FTE)

·         Indirectly supervises all other technical services staff (45 FTE)
Qualifications

It is the expectation that all Duke University Libraries staff members will
demonstrate exceptional workplace behaviors in the execution of their
specific position responsibilities. These behaviors are customer focus,
collaboration, creative problem solving, continuous learning and a
commitment to diversity.  In addition, managers and supervisors are
expected to help develop a common vision by providing clear direction and
priorities, clarifying roles and responsibilities, and promoting mutual
understanding through effective communication.  They are also expected to
take the time to effectively plan and evaluate performance, provide
feedback, recognition and coaching, and develop employees to achieve their
personal and organizational goals.



*Education*

*Required*:  Master’s degree from an ALA-accredited program or an
equivalent combination of education and experience.

*Preferred*: Master’s degree from an ALA-accredited program



*Experience*

*Required*:  At least five years of professional experience as a supervisor
or manager of technical services operations in a research library.
Knowledge of recent developments and emerging trends in technical services
and academic research libraries in North America, including familiarity
with current generation library management systems and with the use of
linked data by libraries.  Significant experience in one or more areas of
technical services (acquisitions and licensing, cataloging, e-resource
management, metadata creation), broad knowledge of other technical services
areas, and solid understanding of the role of Information Technology
Services in supporting technical services operations. Strong supervisory
and management skills; demonstrated leadership in developing positive
relationships with internal and external stakeholders and in creating a
productive and innovative work environment.  Effective project-management,
problem-solving, and organizational skills.  Excellent oral and written
communication skills.  Demonstrated success in developing and implementing
strategic priorities, preferably within a large academic research library.



*Preferred*:  Experience with more than one integrated library management
system and with data migration between systems.  Familiarity with OLE (Open
Library Environment).  Experience with technical services operations that
support international collections.
Working Conditions

   - Must be able to work in an environment in which exposure to materials
   containing dust and mold is possible
   - Frequent bending, crouching, stooping
   - Normal office environment



These statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of
work being performed by the employee in this position. They are not
intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities,
duties, and skills required of a person in this position.

*Salary and Benefits*

Salary and rank dependent on qualifications and experience. Comprehensive
benefits package includes 20 days vacation, 13 holidays, 12 days sick
leave; health, dental, disability and life insurance and support for
professional development and training.

*Environment*

Since its founding in 1924, Duke University has grown into one of the most
prestigious private universities in the world and its medical center ranks
annually among the top in the nation. The Duke University Libraries are the
shared center of the university's intellectual life, connecting people and
ideas. The Libraries consist of the William R. Perkins Library and its
branches: Rubenstein Rare Book and Manuscript Library, Lilly, Music, and
the library at the Duke Marine Laboratory in Beaufort.  Duke’s library
holdings of 6.1 million volumes are among the largest of private
universities in the United States.



Duke's hometown is Durham, North Carolina, a city with vibrant research,
medical and arts communities, and numerous shops, restaurants and theaters.
Durham is located in the Research Triangle, a growing metropolitan area of
more than one million people that provides a wide range of cultural,
recreational and educational opportunities. The Triangle is conveniently
located just a few hours from the mountains and the coast, offers a
moderate climate, and has been ranked among the best places to live and to
do business.



Duke offers a comprehensive benefit packages which includes both
traditional benefits such as health insurance, leave time and retirement,
as well as wide ranging work/life and cultural benefits. Details can be
found at:  http://www.hr.duke.edu/benefits/index.php

*Application*

Cover letter, detailed resume and the names, addresses (mailing and
e-mail), and telephone numbers of three references should be submitted to:
https://academicjobsonline.org/ajo/jobs/6436.  Review of applications will
begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled.



Applications which are missing any of the components listed above will not
be reviewed.



*Duke University is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer
committed to providing employment opportunity without regard to an
individual’s age, color, disability, genetic information, gender, gender
identity, national origin, race, religion, sexual orientation, or veteran
status. The Duke University Libraries have a strong commitment to
Affirmative Action and is actively seeking to increase the racial and
ethnic diversity of our staff.*


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