Associate University Librarian For Research and User Services

THE GEORGE WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY

ANNOUNCES A SEARCH FOR AN

ASSOCIATE UNIVERSITY LIBRARIAN FOR RESEARCH AND USER SERVICES

Library Assignment:  The George Washington University Libraries

Primary Location:       Gelman Library, Washington, DC

Salary and Rank:         Salary and appointment at the rank of Librarian III/IV dependent upon qualifications. Salary is commensurate with experience. This position includes an administrative stipend. 

The George Washington University Libraries is pleased to seek nominations and applications for   an Associate University Librarian for Research and User Services.  The George Washington University Libraries includes The Estelle and Melvin Gelman Library on the Foggy Bottom Campus in downtown DC, Eckles Memorial Library at the Mount Vernon campus and Virginia Science and Technology Campus Library in Northern Virginia. The person in this senior-level administrative position will have the opportunity to shape dynamic, multifaceted user services and take a lead role in developing policies that contribute to transformative organizational change. 

Our successful candidate must be an eager agent for change and should be comfortable working in an environment where transformation is ongoing.  This position presents an opportunity to be on the ground-floor of decision making processes that will have a positive impact on the library and university community for years to come.  The responsibilities and functions of the AUL for Research and User Services (AUL/R&US) are likely to evolve significantly over the course of the next several years as the GWU Libraries lead the rapid educational and technological advances in the research and scholarly community.

About the University

The George Washington University is on a fast track to solidify our reputation as a premier research institution and to gain global recognition for the excellence of its research and teaching.  In the past four years the University has welcomed a new President, Provost, Vice Provost for Diversity and Inclusion, a Vice President for Research and a significant number of new Deans.

The University administration envisions an expanding and rapidly evolving role for the libraries in this growth.  The Board of Trustees has recently committed $16 million to a major renovation of the Gelman Library’s entrance floor, which will include a state-of-the-art Learning Commons.  Eckles Memorial Library and the Virginia Science and Technology Campus Library are central to strategic planning for those two campuses.  The Provost’s office has granted funds to the library to be used toward developing a University-wide Cyberinfrastructure Center (CIC).  The Libraries value and foster flexibility, creativity and openness to new ideas for all staff and are committed to and supporting of development, training and professional service. The GWU Libraries’ staff participates in meetings of the Association of Research Libraries, the Washington Research Library Consortium, the Chesapeake Information and Research Library Alliance, and the Northeast Research Libraries Consortium.

Responsibilities

The AUL/R&US reports to the University Librarian and works closely with three other Associate University Librarians as part of the administrative team that provides leadership for the libraries and contributes to strategic planning, policy development, resource management and decision-making for the George Washington University Libraries.

As the GWU Libraries develops a variety of services and functions central to the design of a Learning Commons, this position offers a unique opportunity to foster partnerships with other university departments in order to promote academic success through the integration of information services, resources and technologies.   Working toward that goal AUL/R&US will:

• Oversee all aspects of the Libraries’ user services, including: Entrance, Circulation, Distance Learning, Education & Instruction, Media/Audiovisual, Reference, Resource Sharing, and Reserves that provide focused, values based service for both internal and external patrons.
• Lead a resourceful and creative staff to expand excellent multi-modal customer service, bringing vision and energy to the role.
• Ensure that our virtual service points are equal in excellence to our physical service points.
• Actively participate as the GWU Libraries’ representative on University committees and task forces to develop collaborative relationships across campus and further integrate resources and services into university teaching and learning.
• Plan for and further develop innovative and dynamic services such as distance learning, resource sharing, reference and instruction.
• Collaborate with partner libraries in the Washington Research Library Consortium to ensure excellent services and resource sharing.
• Strengthen shared understanding of the direct relationship between library services, user needs, and how GWU Libraries contributes value to the university in achieving its mission and goals. 
• Contribute to fundraising efforts, donor relations and stewardship of gifts that support the mission of the library system, in partnership with the Director of Library Development.

Basic Qualifications

•   ALA-accredited Master’s degree in library or information science or an international equivalent;

•   Minimum seven post MLS years of progressively responsible experience in an academic or research library, including at least five years of experience in  managing and developing staff;

•   A minimum three years of experience providing user services or managing user service operations in an academic or research library.

Experience, Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Preferred

•   Record of effective engagement working with university stakeholders, faculty, and students to deliver library services that support research, curriculum development and teaching 

•   Experience evaluating emerging technologies for provision of services including recommending components of a learning commons: content production, distribution, and access in order to promote a technology rich learning environment.

•   Demonstrated knowledge of and experience with intellectual property, copyright, and licensing issues for digital collections, reserves, media, interlibrary loan, and online learning

•   Knowledge of current trends in service delivery including user experience design theory and its implications for renovation of library spaces

•   Demonstrated experience in budget preparation, projection, and analysis as well as in strategic planning 

•   Strong interpersonal and leadership skills and proven abilities to supervise service managers, communicate effectively and work in a collegial, team-based environment

•   Open, collaborative leadership style and a record of working across library departments (i.e., information technology, scholarly communication, content management, data management, and specialized collections) to advocate for and create effective service outcomes

•   Experience with issues arising from access and resource sharing in a consortial environment

•   Demonstrated experience with assessment tools and data driven decision-making

•   Experience working with donors, funding agencies, and fund raising professionals

•   Record of engagement with the profession as well as with higher education

•   Second graduate degree

APPOINTMENT RANK & SALARY: Salary and appointment at the rank of Librarian III/IV dependent upon qualifications.  Salary is commensurate with experience.  This position includes an administrative stipend.  Comprehensive benefits package includes 22 days/year paid annual leave plus 12 days per year paid sick leave; medical; TIAA/CREF; tuition assistance. 

GEORGE WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY

Located four blocks from the White House, The George Washington University was created by an Act of Congress in 1821. The University offers comprehensive programs of undergraduate and graduate liberal arts study as well as degree programs in medicine, public health, law, engineering, education, business, and international affairs. Each year, GW enrolls a diverse population of undergraduate, graduate, and professional students from all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and more than 120 countries.  Current enrollment is 10,000 undergraduates and 14,000 graduate students.

Visit http://www.library.gwu.edu for more information about the GWUL and the George Washington University.

REVIEW DATE: Review of applications will begin on September 7, 2011, and will continue until the position is filled.

APPLICATION PROCEDURE: Only complete applications will be considered.  Please send a letter containing a brief statement of interest and an assessment of skills related to the basic qualifications, a curriculum vita, and complete contact information for at least 3 references.
Submit applications online at: glsjobs@gelman.gwu.edu.  Questions may be directed to Emma Mosby, Manager of Librarian Recruitment and Outreach Programs, at:  glsjobs@gelman.gwu.edu.

The University and department have a strong commitment to achieving diversity among librarians and staff.  We are particularly interested in receiving applications from members of underrepresented groups and strongly encourage women and persons of color to apply for this position.

The George Washington University is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.