Associate University Librarian And Director Of Collection Services

The University of California at Berkeley invites applications for the position of Associate University Librarian (AUL) and Director of Collection Services. This position is responsible for critical pieces of the collection life cycle (selection, acquisitions, licensing, cataloging, and preservation) which are in place to build Berkeley’s rich collections in multiple languages and formats.  The AUL and Director of Collection Services engages in innovative and collaborative collection building approaches like the Berkeley Research Impact Initiative, strong partnerships within the UC System, and active participation in partnerships such as the HathiTrust and WEST.  Along with other members of the Library’s senior management team, this AUL is responsible for enhancing the vision of the Library as an exemplar of research, scholarship, learning, teaching, and collaboration; establishing a clear direction for the future of the Library as an integrated system; directing operations of one or more divisions of the Library; serving as a fair, progressive leader to the Library’s staff; leading library-wide discussions and decision-making; creating and communicating Library policies; and leveraging and garnering resources for maximum impact on the Library. The Library seeks a person with proven experience as well as fresh ideas.

THE ENVIRONMENT

The UC Berkeley Library is an internationally renowned research and teaching facility at one of the nation’s premiere public universities.  In a highly-diverse and intellectually-rich environment, Berkeley serves a campus community of 25,500 undergraduate students, 10,300 graduate students, and 2,000 faculty. 

The Library comprises 20 campus libraries – including the Doe/Moffitt Libraries, the Bancroft Library, the C. V. Starr East Asian Library and subject specialty libraries.  With a collection of more than 11 million volumes and a collections budget of over $15 million, the Library offers extensive collections in all formats and robust services to connect users with those collections and build their related research skills. Through cooperative collection agreements and creative partnerships with other research libraries and foreign countries, the Library continues to explore new roles and approaches for academic research libraries.  The Library has a current operations budget of approximately $39 million with approximately 380 FTE employees. The Library is a member of the Center for Research Libraries (CRL), Association of Research Libraries (ARL), Online Computer Library Center (OCLC), Council on Library and Information Resources (CLIR), and the Coalition for Networked Information (CNI).  Berkeley actively partners with the California Digital Library (CDL) and currently manages the system-wide Northern Regional Library Facility (NRLF) at the nearby Richmond Field Station.

SUMMARY OF RESPONSIBILITIES:

The AUL and Director of Collection Services has the responsibility for building collections that best support UC Berkeley’s academic programs. The AUL sets Library-wide policy for collection development, scholarly communications, licensing, acquisitions, cataloging, and preservation. To this end, the AUL must work collaboratively with faculty, library selectors, collection services staff, the California Digital Library, our sister UC campuses, Stanford University, and other cooperative partners.

Reporting to the University Librarian, the AUL and Director of Collection Services:

• establishes criteria of excellence and effectiveness for all aspects of our Library’s collections such as collection needs assessment and evaluation, collection building, and access to collections;
• mobilizes and supports Library staff to meet those criteria through shared processes and practices;
• manages the collections budget and serves as primary spokesperson for the collections to faculty, students, and other library patrons;
• provides campus-wide leadership and works closely with faculty and library colleagues to chart a sustainable future for scholarly communication;
• supervises and provides strategic direction for the Library’s Acquisitions, Cataloging, and Preservation departments (approximately five direct reports and 49 FTE personnel).

To ensure shared planning and problem solving, the Director convenes ad hoc or functional groups as needed. The Director chairs Collection Services Council, the Collections Budget Group, and the Scholarly Communications Advisory Group, and works collaboratively and creatively with all staff engaged in collection services issues. 

This Director works closely with the California Digital Library in providing access to electronic resources that meet the needs of Berkeley’s faculty, students, and staff.   The appointee will help the University of California System as it explores new ways to strengthen collaborative collection development, shared collections, and co-investments for content needed by Berkeley researchers.

 

As a member of the Berkeley Library’s senior management team, the AUL  shares decision-making authority for personnel actions, resource management for the Library’s budget, and development of policies for all library operations and services. The incumbent represents the Library in the appropriate University, regional, and national bodies and contributes to the library and information science profession through publications, formal presentations, and participation in related professional organizations.

QUALIFICATIONS:  

• MLS from an ALA-accredited library school, or equivalent degree with relevant experience;
• a deep understanding of research collection building as it relates to the University’s mission;
• demonstrated leadership experience in managing the development of major print and digital collections, including fostering partnerships for joint institutional collection development;
• strong knowledge of scholarly communications issues and new models that will shape the future of academic publishing;
• proven experience in managing library departments in a complex, multi-functional library;
• superior interpersonal skills evidenced in clear success as a collaborative team builder;
• demonstrated ability to work effectively with diverse staff and campus user communities in an academic setting;
• a user-oriented approach;
• ability to work creatively and collaboratively in a complex environment
• willingness to participate actively in library fundraising effor
• strong commitment to staff engagement and development; 
•  superior analytical, organizational, problem solving, and communication skills. 

 

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. The University has an excellent retirement system and sponsors a variety of group health, dental, vision, and life insurance plans in addition to other benefits.

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 contributions in a context of ethnic and cultural diversity.

DEADLINE: Consideration will be given to applications received by October 31, 2012

Applicants should submit applications by e-mail. Applications should include a letter addressing the candidate's qualifications; a full resume of their education and relevant experience; and the names, addresses, e-mail addresses, and phone numbers of three references who are knowledgeable about their qualifications for this position.

Send applications to:

Susan E. Wong
Director, Library Human Resources
Library Human Resources Department
110 Doe Library
University of California
Berkeley, CA 94720-6000
librec@library.berkeley.edu
(510) 642-3778

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