Assistant University Librarian for Public Services

Portland State University, a thriving public university based in downtown Portland, Oregon, seeks a dynamic, experienced library professional to serve as Assistant University Librarian for Public Services (AULPS). Comprising eight schools and colleges, Portland State is the largest academic institution in the Oregon University System and is one of the 100 largest public universities in the nation, enrolling 29,818 students in 99 bachelors, 89 masters, and 38 doctoral programs. Occupying an attractive central location on the PSU campus, the Branford Price Millar Library is an exceptional resource to support students and faculty and also an active and influential member of the Orbis Cascade Alliance, a library consortium of 36 higher education institutions in Oregon and Washington.

The Assistant University Librarian for Public Services is a full-time, unclassified, unrepresented faculty position, reporting to the University Librarian. This position provides leadership, vision, planning, budgeting, assessment, and management for public service functions within the scope of the Portland State and Library policies, procedures, and strategic plans. The AULPS will be responsible for active collaboration, within the Library and at the campus and consortial level; effective leadership in student and faculty-focused services and facilities; and the AULPS must contribute to the profession through outstanding professional service and scholarly activities, as well as supporting library faculty in the promotion and tenure process.

 

Responsibilities

• Leads the operations of the Public Services groups;
• Supervises and mentors the Public Services faculty librarians, contributing to the evaluation of their performance;
• Plans, justifies, and monitors budgets related to Public Services;
• Continually evaluates and assesses the quality of public services, making suggestions for greater efficiency, cost containment, or service enhancements to meet goals related to educational impact and learning outcomes;
• Contributes to the Library’s long-range strategic planning, establishing short- and long-range Public Services goals and objectives, and positioning Public Services to anticipate and meet the changing needs of library users;
• Participates in broad oversight, decision making, policy development, and alignment of resources for the Library, as a member of the Administrative Leadership Team;
• Works positively and productively in a changing environment, providing a supportive work environment for colleagues and a positive role model that demonstrates professionalism, a strong public services commitment, and a willingness to adapt to changes;
• Develops and documents effective policies, procedures, and standards of service;
• Ensures effective training and professional development of Public Services faculty and staff;
• Cultivates and maintains strategic relationships with the relevant campus units;
• Serves at the Reference Desk, the Circulation Desk, and provides classroom instruction if time permits;
• Participates in development and fund-raising activities for the Library;
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Research/Scholarly Activities 

• Pursues an active publication and research agenda;
• Meets expectations for faculty scholarship in accordance with the Library and University’s promotion, tenure, and post-tenure review guidelines.

University Service Activities

• Participates in faculty governance activities within the governance structure of the Portland State Library and the University:
• Contributes to the work of relevant committees and work groups in the Library and the University;
• Supports the mission, goals, and objectives of the University and the Library;
• Supports University and Library development efforts.

Professional Service Activities

• Represents Portland State Library in regional and national public service arenas;
• Maintains current professional expertise through participation in workshops, classes, professional associations and networks, and through continued awareness of the scholarly literature. 

Essential Key Cultural Competencies

• Creates an environment that acknowledges, encourages, and celebrates differences; 
• Functions and communicates effectively and respectfully within the context of varying beliefs, behaviors, orientations, identities, and cultural backgrounds;
• Seeks opportunities to gain experience working and collaborating in diverse, multicultural, and inclusive setting with a willingness to change for continual improvement;
• Adheres to all of PSU’s policies including the policy on Prohibited Discrimination & Harassment and the Professional Standards of Conduct.

Required: 

• MLS/MLIS from an ALA accredited program;
• Record of experience in a public services working unit, successful growth in library management and leadership, and influence in professional associations and collaborative groups, with a least 5 years of successful managerial and supervisory experience equivalent to a department head level or higher;
• Record of scholarly accomplishments and professional service for an appointment as a tenured associate or full professor, or for a tenure-track appointment at assistant professor;
• Sound knowledge of issues and trends in academic libraries and academia;
• Excellent technical, analytical, interpersonal, and communication skills;
• Demonstrated planning, organizational, and project management skills;
• Evidence of administrative effectiveness and the ability to work successfully as part of an academic leadership team;
• Demonstrated ability to work positively and productively with diverse constituencies in a rapidly changing environment

Preferred:

• Experience with methodologies and initiatives for the assessment and improvement of library programs;
• Experience working with new information technologies, with an ability to use technology appropriately and effectively in improving productivity and service delivery;
• Future-oriented, with the ability to anticipate, adapt, and respond to changing needs and priorities and to create powerful outcomes for Library users;
•  Experience in effectively marketing products or services to targeted groups or individuals;
•  Experience participating in development and fund-raising activities.

  

Portland State University is an affirmative action, equal opportunity employer, committed to the development of an inclusive and diverse community. Candidates of all backgrounds are encouraged. Screening of complete applications will begin immediately and continue until finalists have been identified.

  

The starting annual salary rate for this position will be competitive, with an excellent benefits package including comprehensive healthcare; a generous retirement and vacation package; and reduced tuition rates for employee, spouse or dependent at any of the Oregon University System schools.

 

Applicants should send a detailed letter of application, a curriculum vita, and contact information for five references to Stephanie Doig, Library Office Manager (smdoig@pdx.edu, 503-725-4126). Electronic submission of applications and correspondence is strongly preferred. Inquiries and nominations can be submitted to the same e-mail address.