Head, New Media, University of Nevada Las Vegas, Las Vegas NV
Posted August 25, 2013
PROFILE of the LIBRARIES DIVISION
This position is located within the Libraries’ Division of Research and Education. In support of the University Libraries’ mission and shared values, the Research and Education Division fosters collaborations that contribute to our users’ academic success, research, and lifelong learning. The Division positively impacts student learning and supports the research and scholarly agenda of the University. This mission is realized through: instruction of learners using a variety of methods and tools, partnerships with faculty to create an integrated, assessable, information literacy-focused curriculum, provision of targeted information resources, expert, point-of need research assistance, and a commitment to fostering competencies for lifelong inquiry.
ROLE of the POSITION
This new position will manage a core of five staff to re-envision a library department (formerly Media and Computer Services) to focus on new media-on-demand access to services and content anytime, anywhere, on any digital device. Informing the work of the Libraries Systems and Web and Application Development Services Departments, the New Media Department will provide an interface between user needs and expectations and the Libraries’ physical technology and virtual presence.
Reporting to the Associate Dean for Research and Education, the Head of New Media will collaborate across divisions to help implement the Libraries’ public technology vision through services, public spaces, and web presence. Responsibilities include providing leadership on website usability and content; keeping current with best practices for implementing new technology in support of digital and media literacy; developing and coordinating workshops and programs to educate Libraries staff and users about technology within the public computing environment; investigating methodologies and best practices for creating, promoting, and disseminating student-authored content; and conducting ongoing assessments related to New Media’s programming to assist in formulating policy and determining strategic directions. The Head of New Media will work with others to explore and evaluate technology solutions to meet user and organizational needs and experiment with and develop technologies and their applications for library services. The Head of New Media will also work with Collection Management staff to identify optimal ways for discovery, access, and use of media collections and will serve as the Libraries’ liaison to campus entities, such as the Disability Resource Center, the Office of Information Technology (WebCampus and Instructional Technology Services units) and Online Education. It will be important for the Head of New Media to collaborate with fellow department heads in leading the creation of programs and services for the UNLV community that will advance the research enterprise and foster a climate of scholarly inquiry and student achievement while continuously enhancing the user experience.
As a tenure-track library faculty member, the incumbent will be expected to work collaboratively with others; engage in scholarly activities; and provide service to the university, the community, and the profession in accordance with Libraries and University standards for promotion and tenure. The Head of New Media will have demonstrated the ability to work in a complex, changing environment with a positive, flexible, and innovative attitude, and he or she will have a proven capacity to work effectively and collegially in teams with staff at all levels as well as with faculty and students.
PROFILE of the UNIVERSITY LIBRARIES
As a strong partner in student learning, UNLV Libraries fosters critical thinking and lifelong learning with innovative services, entrepreneurial staff, over one million volumes, outstanding digital collections, up-to-date technology and internationally renowned Special Collections in four modern, flexible facilities. We are an organization committed to continuous improvement as informed by data and other evidence collected through review processes such as Lean as well as a wide range of other organizational assessments. We welcome individuals with diverse backgrounds to join our growing organization of over 100 experienced faculty librarians and staff members supporting teaching, learning, research and creative endeavors at one of the nation’s fastest growing universities. For more information, please visit http://www.library.unlv.edu/employment
QUALIFICATIONS
Required: A master’s degree from a program accredited by the American Library Association; supervisory or managerial experience; familiarity with digitization and delivery of digital content; experience or coursework associated with the technologies used to support user access to and use of electronic information resources and common productivity tools; knowledge of media distribution and streaming video solutions; demonstrated commitment to user-focused services and experience working collaboratively and constructively with a wide range of groups and individuals; evidence of energy, creativity, initiative and commitment to professional growth; the ability to work independently and collegially; excellent written and oral communication skills; and a record of professional engagement and scholarship.
Preferred: Two or more years as a manager and supervisor of full time staff in a an academic library; experience with initiatives in support of digital and media literacy; demonstrated experience in developing working partnerships with academic departments and other campus communities; demonstrated project management experience; and experience, reputation, and scholarship record sufficient to meet criteria for appointment as a tenured faculty member.
SALARY RANGE
This is a full-time, 12-month, tenure-track position at Rank II or III (equivalent to an Assistant Professor or Associate Professor). Salaries are competitive with those at similarly situated institutions and dependent upon labor market. Position is contingent upon funding.
APPLICATION DETAILS
Submit a letter of interest, a detailed resume listing qualifications and experience, and the names, addresses, and telephone numbers of at least three professional references who may be contacted. Applicants should fully describe their qualifications and experience, with specific reference to each of the minimum and preferred qualifications because this is the information on which the initial review of materials will be based. The review of materials will begin March 15, 2013, and will continue until the position is filled. Materials should be addressed to Jennifer Fabbi, and are to be submitted via on-line application at https://hrsearch.unlv.edu. For assistance with UNLV’s on-line applicant portal, contact UNLV Employment Services at (702) 895-2894 or [email protected].