Director of Libraries

OHIO WESLEYAN UNIVERSITY

DIRECTOR OF LIBRARIES

Delaware, Ohio

Ohio Wesleyan University is seeking a dynamic and energetic Director of Libraries who will enhance the Libraries’ central role in the teaching, learning, and research of faculty and students in this selective liberal arts institution.  Reporting to the Provost, the Director of Libraries will partner with a new university leadership team, integrating the Libraries with the university’s emerging plans and programs, such as its curricular innovation, “OWU Connection,” which links academic theory to real-world practice in a global context.  The Director of Libraries will lead the development of a vibrant 21^st century academic library, develop and mentor staff, and represent the Libraries as an active member and participant in consortia, including OhioLINK, the Five Colleges of Ohio, and the Oberlin Group.

Ohio Wesleyan University is one of the nation’s premier small, private universities, with more than 90 undergraduate majors and minors, and 22 Division III varsity sports.  Located in Delaware, Ohio, just minutes north of Ohio’s capital and largest city, Columbus, the university is a close-knit community of 138 faculty and 1,850 students from 45 states and 57 countries with a mission to prepare students for a lifetime of intellectual endeavor, service, and leadership.   Ohio Wesleyan University earned a 2009 Presidential Award for Excellence in General Community Service, is featured in the book “Colleges That Change Lives,” and is included on the “best colleges” lists of U.S. News & World Report and The Princeton Review.  Please visit Ohio Wesleyan’s website, www.owu.edu, for further information.

The Ohio Wesleyan University Libraries include the Leon H. Beeghly Library, the Hobson Science Library, and the Kinnison Music Library.  The libraries have a collection of more than 500,000 items with a distinctive rare book collection and one of the country’s oldest depositories of federal government publications.  In addition, the libraries’ holdings include 718 print journals, 18,773 e-journals, 158 e-databases, and 23,642 e-books.  The total staff of 21 (12 librarians and professionals and 9 support staff) is supplemented with an average of 70 work-study students each year.   Library innovations in recent years have included the creation of an Information Commons, the opening of a library café with 24/7 access, the provision of reference support via Instant Messaging and the development of a Digital Resource Center.

The successful candidate will bring a demonstrated commitment to the creation of vibrant and visible student-centered library services, a philosophy of libraries as dynamic centers of teaching and learning, and a commitment to the development of next-generation libraries.  Experience in fiscal and program planning and financial management is required, as is experience providing innovative leadership that balances attention to print and electronic formats.   Strong interpersonal and communication skills are essential, including experience with decision making in a highly collaborative environment.  Further, the successful candidate must possess an intellectual style that will command the respect of faculty, students, staff members and consortia partners, a capacity to work closely and effectively with other university offices, especially Information Services, and a record of providing leadership, vision, and professional development opportunities for the library staff.  An MLS from an ALA accredited institution or an equivalent degree is required, along with a minimum of five years of progressively responsible higher education library administrative experience. 

Screening of applications will begin in October 2010 and will continue until the position is filled.  Electronic submission of applications is strongly encouraged.

All inquiries, nominations and applications should be directed with a cover letter in confidence to:

Alan Wichlei, Vice President and Director

or

Beverly Brady, Senior Associate

Isaacson, Miller

263 Summer Street

Boston, MA  02210

Email:  4115@imsearch.com

Ohio Wesleyan University is strongly committed to diversity within its community and encourages all interested applicants, including women and minorities, to apply.