Dean of Libraries

Georgia State University is a dynamic urban institution located in Atlanta with two satellite campuses and an enrollment of approximately 27,000 students. The close relationship that exists between the University and its surrounding business, government and cultural communities makes Georgia State University unique in the University System of Georgia and distinctive among universities in the South.

Reporting directly to the Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs, the Dean of Libraries implements a vision and provides leadership for service-oriented, innovative Library collections and services that support both the University and the Library mission for advancing and supporting teaching, learning, research, scholarly communication and service. The Dean advocates for the Library in the community, strengthens its role in the academic life of the University, and guides a collaborative strategic planning and implementation process to transform the Library into an innovative twenty-first century organization.

The University Library is a member of the Association of Southeastern Research Libraries; the Southeastern Library Network (SOLINET), and the Atlanta Regional Consortium for Higher Education, consisting of fourteen academic and research libraries serving nineteen institutions in the greater Atlanta metropolitan area. In the past year, the Library has undergone a major transformation to provide easier access to more informational resources, the latest technology, improved customer service, a variety of study spaces, two instructional classrooms, and an information and learning commons. These facilities, along with a soon-to-be-completed coffee shop, reflect a progressive collaborative vision of technological and academic leadership. The Library subject liaisons and learning commons librarians are actively involved with teaching faculty to provide library instruction in support of information fluency and providing consultations for students in support of learning. In addition, librarians have developed tools such as blogs, web-based research guides, and interactive tutorials to foster communication with faculty and students.

The library’s carefully selected collections include 1,420,000 volumes designed to serve varied research and instructional needs at the undergraduate and graduate levels of the university community. Special Collections and Archives contain a significant quantity of primary source material in diverse formats. Especially notable are the Southern Labor Archives and the Popular Music, Photographic, and Women’s Collections.

The Library uses the Ex Libris Voyager system and is a member of GALILEO, a statewide library consortium providing access to electronic resources and databases. The library has implemented technologies such as ILLiad, SFX, Docutek ERes, and is in the process of implementing MetaLib. The University Library is actively engaged in a number of digital initiatives, including digitizing selected materials from Special Collections and integrating library e-resources into campus learning management systems. The library is also collaborating with various campus units to explore new methods of resource sharing, the development of an institutional archive, and innovative uses of web-based technologies such as portals and content management systems.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• An ALA-accredited MLS or equivalent and second advanced degree. An earned doctorate is strongly preferred.
• Ten years of progressive professional experience, including five years of upper-level management experience in an academic or research library.
• Demonstrated contribution to the profession through service and scholarly publications commensurate with the rank of Professor in the Library.
• Substantive leadership record in integrating emerging information technologies amid changes in scholarly communication and demonstrated knowledge of their potential contribution of these innovations to research and library management.
• Demonstrated capacity for developing and sustaining effective relationships with administrators, faculty, staff, and students.
• Ability to represent the interests of the institution and the library within collaborative programs on and off campus and to promote inter-institutional cooperation.
• Experience in the development of sources of external support, including fund-raising and grant-writing.
• Expertise in strategic planning and fiscal management.
• Commitment to and support for faculty and staff development and retention.
• Excellent leadership, interpersonal and analytical skills. Effective written and oral communication skills.

To apply, send a letter of application that specifically addresses the position qualifications, including a statement of leadership philosophy, a current resume, and the names, addresses and phone numbers of at least three references. (Note: references will not be contacted without prior approval of the applicant.)

Electronic submission of applications and nominations is preferred. All materials should be sent to:

Search Committee for Dean of Libraries
c/o Donna W. Hader
Office of the Provost
Georgia State University
P.O. Box 3999
Atlanta, GA 30302-3999
Fax: 404/413-1301
e-mail: dhader@gsu.edu

Applications received by February 1, 2008 will receive priority consideration. The University expects to extend an offer for this position by June 30, 2008. If you would like more information about the position, please contact Lyn Thaxton at e-mail address: lthaxton@gsu.edu. Additional information about the University and the Library is available at http://www.library.gsu.edu/jobs/

Georgia State University is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer
strongly committed to cultural diversity.