Head of Research and Collections for Humanities and Social Sciences

Doe/Moffitt Libraries University of California Berkeley
Hiring range: Associate Librarian VI – Librarian IV
$64,560-$88,488 per annum, based upon qualifications

The University of California, Berkeley seeks an innovative, collaborative, and service-oriented librarian with demonstrated leadership and management skills to provide vision and guidance that advance the Doe/Moffitt Libraries’ engagement with research, teaching, scholarship, and technologies supporting humanities and social sciences.

Responsibilities
The Head of Research and Collections for the Humanities and Social Sciences manages a department of 15 librarians and library assistants with responsibility for humanities and social sciences collections, reference collections, and government information as well as instruction, reference, and public services in units such as Morrison Library, Graduate Services, and the Data Lab. Staff in the department cultivate and sustain collaborations with academic departments such as History, English, Sociology, Political Science, Philosophy, and School of Information. In partnership with departmental colleagues and the Director of Collections, the Head provides guidance for the planning, evaluation and coordination of humanities and social sciences collection development activities supporting the current and future research needs of faculty, graduate students, and undergraduate students. As a significant component of the position, the Head will play a leadership role in Doe/Moffitt Libraries for envisioning, implementing, and promoting use of current, emerging, and innovative technologies that will enhance our collections and services, and for cultivating an environment in which staff experimentation with and application of new information technologies is encouraged. The Head contributes to instruction and reference, and may assume liaison roles and collection development assignments as opportunities arise.

The Head is a member of the senior management team of Doe/Moffitt Libraries -- with the department heads of Circulation Services, Instruction and User Services, Interlibrary Services, and Research and Collections for International and Area Studies -- and reports directly to the Associate University Librarian for Educational Initiatives and Director of the Doe/Moffitt Libraries. This management team works collaboratively to guide and coordinate the strategic directions, programs, services, facilities, and policies associated with all units in the Doe/Moffitt Libraries. Managers are committed to supporting staff development and fostering an environment of collaboration, creative thinking, and continuous improvement.

UC Berkeley librarians are expected to participate in library-wide planning and governance, and work effectively in a shared decision-making environment. Advancement in the Librarian series is based in part on professional contributions beyond the primary assignment; the successful candidate will show evidence or promise of such contributions to the Library, campus, UC System, and profession.

Qualifications

Required:
-MLS from an ALA-accredited institution, or equivalent degree.
-Degree in a social science or humanities discipline.
-Evidence of significant leadership experience such as working effectively with diverse groups; mentoring or supervising librarians and/or library staff; providing feedback and support to individuals and groups; and/or leading change in a collegial manner.
-Experience managing resources and/or projects effectively.
-Strong interest in long-range planning and other managerial responsibilities.
-Experience planning, supporting, and evaluating technologies and their utilization for advancing research, teaching, and/or scholarship.
-Demonstrated commitment to providing highly responsive public service in all media and environments.
-Experience participating in collection development in an academic or research library.
-Experience providing reference and instructional services in the humanities and/or social sciences in an academic or research library environment.
-Evidence of user-centered vision, creativity, and innovation.
-Demonstrated record of success managing and overseeing complex projects.
-Demonstrated ability to work effectively with diverse staff and campus user communities.
-Capacity to thrive in an environment of change and respond effectively to shifting needs and priorities.
-Excellent analytical, organizational, problem solving, and communication skills including the ability to present complex technical information to a generalist audience.

Desirable:
-Experience working effectively in a large, decentralized library environment.
-Experience collaborating with faculty, students, and other campus stakeholders.
-Knowledge of current technologies and their applications in a research and educational environment.
-Demonstrated ability to analyze user needs, develop solutions, and assess results.
-Experience in grant writing and fundraising.
-Experience using social science data and related applications and software.
-Experience with state, federal, foreign and/or international government information sources and related national initiatives.
-Knowledge of initiatives and trends related to research in the humanities and social sciences and to the evolving scholarly communication landscape.
-Knowledge of cataloging, processing, and access issues related to print and digital collections.

DEADLINE : Consideration will be given to applications received by November 14, 2008.

Professional librarians at UC are academic appointees and are represented by an exclusive bargaining agent, University Council – American Federation of Teachers (UC-AFT). This position is not in the bargaining unit and is eligible for an administrative stipend.

Librarians are entitled to appropriate professional leave, two days per month of vacation leave, one day per month of sick leave, and all other benefits granted to non-faculty academic personnel. UC has an excellent retirement system and sponsors a variety of group health, dental, vision and life insurance plans in addition to other benefits. Relocation assistance is provided.

The Library at the University of California, Berkeley is committed to the support and encouragement of a multicultural environment and seeks candidates who can make positive and imaginative contributions in a context of ethnic and cultural diversity.

Applicants should apply in writing, including with their letter a complete statement of qualifications, a full resume of their education and relevant experience, and the names, addresses, and phone numbers of three references who are knowledgeable about their qualifications for this position. Send applications to:

Barbara Kornstein
Academic Personnel Specialist
Library Human Resources Department
110 Doe Library
University of California
Berkeley, CA 94720-6000
Or FAX to: 510.642.8675
Or EMAIL: librec@library.berkeley.edu

Applications received via email preferred.

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action Employer.

For complete information, please visit http://www.lib.berkeley.edu/LHRD/rchs.html