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University Librarian, University of Central Asia, Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan

Posted March 30, 2015

Duty Station: Bishkek, Kyrgyz Republic

Commencement Date: June 2015

Background

The University of Central Asia (UCA) is a private, secular University whose charger has been signed by the Presidents of Tajikistan, the Kyrgyz Republic and Kazakhstan and His Highness the Aga Khan, ratified by the parliaments of the founding states and registered with the United Nations. UCA is the first internationally chartered university in the world. UCA’s mission is to foster the socio-economic develop­ment of Central Asia, particularly its mountain societies, while helping the peoples of the region preserve and draw upon their rich cultural heritages as assets for the future.

The Undergraduate School of Arts and Sciences will offer five-year Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Arts degrees, including a one year preparatory programme; interdisciplinary core and prerequisite courses; and major and minor programmes of study. Six majors will be offered across the University’s three campuses including Computer Science, Economics, Communications and Media, Earth and Environmental Sciences, Business and Management and Engineering Sciences. Minors will include Development Studies, Central Asian Studies and Globalisation Studies.

Key Responsibilities

  1. Develop and implement a clear and concise strategic plan for the library that promotes the mission of the university and library and enhances continuous improvement.
  2. Maintain a strategic outlook in the development of the library within the context of the 3 campus libraries envisaged for UCA.
  3. Work with different librarians across the Aga Khan Development Network network, with a particularly strong affiliation to the Aga Khan University Library in Pakistan and East Africa.
  4. Plan, implement and administer library functions, resources and services for students, faculty and staff based on internationally recognized standards and best practices.
  5. Obtain a good grasp of the curricular offerings and research efforts of the university by developing strong partnerships within the various teaching and research departments and collaborate with faculty to assess, provide and improve library collections and services to meet student and faculty needs.
  6. Obtain feedback, compile statistical data, evaluate and assess effectiveness and efficiency of library services and inform administration of library’s strengths and weaknesses in meeting the larger needs of the university and of the library’s outcomes and impact.
  7. Set priorities and budgets for the staff, facilities, collections, including print, media and electronic that support the curricular and research efforts of the university.
  8. Supervise and manage the physical library facilities to ensure these are safe, accessible, effective, efficient and inviting.
  9. Exercise line responsibility for supervision, recruitment, retention, and professional development of library personnel.
  10. Work with the IT staff of the university on the library’s information systems and develop procedural guidelines for technical services such as cataloging, periodicals, course reserves, processing, mending and circulation of materials. 
  11. Coordinate with IT staff the implementation of and maintenance of digital library services, including databases and websites; administration and updating of electronic services for an integrated network of library system; and coordinate software, hardware and technical support needs with vendors, consortia, etc.
  12. Develop and teach information literacy classes designed to make the faculty and students utilize the library more effectively and to develop best practices for lifelong independent and continuing education efforts.
  13. Perform outreach tasks to the university community and the community at large and promote the library’s resources and services, including securing displays in the library’s multipurpose facilities.

Minimum Qualifications

  1. A Master’s Degree in Library Science or Library and Information Science from an accredited institution.
  2. Minimum of seven (7) years of experience in an academic library setting including supervisory experience in increasingly responsible positions; demonstrated knowledge of all aspects of library operations including extensive knowledge of contemporary library practices, trends and emerging technologies.
  3. Knowledge of library automation systems, online resources, and instructional technologies.
  4. Experience using technologies to provide and enhance library services and their changing roles in higher education.
  5. Knowledge of and experience with outcomes and assessment of library services.
  6. Demonstrated commitment to quality and experience with people of diverse educational, ethnic, and cultural backgrounds.
  7. Excellent communication skills and a demonstrated ability to work well with others in a team environment.

Language

  • Advanced English
  • Working knowledge of Russian would be an asset

Relationships: The University Librarian will report to the Dean of Academic Affairs

The position will be based in Bishkek, Kyrgyz Republic and would require regional travel.

Salary and International Package: Salary and package to attract the best candidate.

Please send a cover letter, CV, and contact information for three references to [email protected] by 15 May 2015. As your application e-mail “subject”, please write: “University Librarian”

Full link to the University Librarian TOR is http://www.ucentralasia.org/current_vacancies.asp – University Librarian.

Email [email protected] to apply for this job.

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