Assistant Dean for Collections & Digital Initiatives

Ohio University Libraries seeks a proactive and dynamic Assistant Dean for Collections & Digital Initiatives. The successful candidate must be comfortable in a fast-paced atmosphere, energized by an exciting future, and be able to engage our stakeholders and provide leadership and strategy for the management and development of collections and digital initiatives. 

As a part of the senior management team, the Assistant Dean reports to the Dean of Libraries and works closely with the Assistant Dean for Research and Education on the development and evaluation of programs, staff, budget and other resources in support of the Libraries’ mission.  He or she works effectively with students, faculty and staff from diverse backgrounds, including nine librarians and 20 support staff in acquisitions, cataloging, circulation, digital initiatives, and preservation.

The Assistant Dean for Collections and Digital Initiatives has excellent communication skills and clearly articulates collection development strategy.  She or he establishes relationships and builds upon existing partnerships across the University and with OhioLINK and other library consortia in the selection, acquisition, description, and discovery of collections. She or he works closely with subject librarians to ensure that the scope and caliber of the Libraries’ collections meet the teaching and research needs of the multiple constituencies of the Ohio University community in a cost-efficient manner.

The Assistant Dean for Collections and Digital Initiatives collaborates with the Assistant Dean for Research and Education, the subject librarians and archivists, and the Libraries’ department heads for the advancement of digital initiatives, leveraging Ohio University Libraries’ significant special collections and anticipating the requirements of born-digital collections. He or she provides leadership in the development of a strategic, scalable, and sustainable digitization program that builds new partnerships across diverse interdisciplinary audiences and further integrates the Libraries into the teaching, learning and research activities of the University community.

Required Qualifications:

·       Master’s degree from an ALA-accredited program (or equivalent program) required by the time of application.

·       At least five years of increasingly responsible professional experience in one or more related areas in an academic or research library;

·       Proven success in project management that includes planning, developing, and evaluating programs and supervising personnel;

·       Experience with the evaluation and assessment of library resources;

·       Knowledge of current and emerging information technologies, publishing practices, and scholarly communication trends;

·       Excellent communication skills;

·       Demonstrated commitment to data-informed decision making.

Preferred Qualifications:

·       Additional advanced degree;

·       Familiarity with library digital initiatives particularly within the humanities;

·       Commitment to diversity and creativity in hiring and managing staff.

Ohio University Libraries is celebrating its 200^th anniversary in 2014. Our Libraries system is a member of the Association of Research Libraries and a charter member of OhioLINK. The Libraries include more than 3 million volumes including nearly 58,000 serials subscriptions.

The Libraries have an innovative, collegial, and service-oriented staff of nearly 90 professionals and paraprofessionals and an annual budget of $12 million.  The Libraries recently completed a strategic plan that outlines its initiatives in support of Ohio University’s larger plan.  

The Libraries facilities include the Vernon R. Alden Library, the Music and Dance Library, and the Southeast Ohio Regional Library Depository in Athens.  A major renovation is planned for the 290,000 sq. ft. Alden Library, with construction scheduled to begin in 2016. The assistant dean will have significant input in that process. 

Ohio University, founded in 1804, is a comprehensive, state-assisted institution that is classified by the Carnegie Foundation as a “high activity” research university, and it is nationally ranked 65^th among public universities. Located in the scenic college town of Athens, Ohio, the University’s beautiful campus is part of culturally-rich community that is 75 miles southeast of Columbus, Ohio. With a population of 17,000 undergraduates and 4,200 graduates enrolled on the Athens campus, the University offers a diverse, dynamic collegial atmosphere to its students, faculty, and staff.

Salary and benefits:

Salary is commensurate with experience and education. Ohio University employees enjoy a liberal benefits package including 22 days of annual vacation, a generous insurance plan, and a state of Ohio employee retirement or an alternate retirement package.

Review of applications begins immediately; however, applications will be accepted until a suitable candidate is identified.  The position is available immediately.  For full consideration, please apply online at http://www.ohiouniversityjobs.com/postings/7976, by December 3, 2013. 

Ohio University is committed to the diversity of faculty, staff and students. Applicants who will enrich the diversity of OHIO’s campus are especially encouraged to apply.