Head, Information Resources Management (Librarian III, IV or V), University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA
Posted June 11, 2015
UMass Amherst, the flagship campus of the University of Massachusetts system, sits on nearly 1,450-acres in the scenic Pioneer Valley of Western Massachusetts, 90 miles from Boston and 175 miles from New York City. The campus provides a rich cultural environment in a rural setting close to major urban centers.
As a gateway to knowledge, the UMass Amherst Libraries are key partners in teaching, learning, and research at UMass Amherst and in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Supporting freedom of inquiry, the Libraries foster a diverse and inclusive environment in which to engage with ideas and acquire the critical skills necessary for lifelong learning.
The UMass Amherst Libraries seek a dynamic, experienced, and innovative manager to provide leadership, vision, and strategic direction for the Information Resources Management Department; including the following organized into 4 units: acquisitions, cataloging and metadata services, collection assessment, electronic resources management, integrated library and discovery systems, and preservation. The successful candidate will possess a vision for leading staff in assessing and revising workflow and aligning the department with present and future collection and discovery needs in a rapidly changing environment. The position has direct oversight for the acquisitions budget of $7.5+ million. The Head of Information Resources Management will serve on the Senior Management Group and other library groups as appropriate. S/he will be expected to mentor staff and support their professional development. S/he will ensure departmental activities and priorities align with the strategic directions of the Libraries and the University and will participate in relevant professional organizations and activities.
Required Qualifications:
- Master’s degree in library science – or equivalent degree – from a program accredited by the American Library Association, or its appropriate equivalent in librarianship from another country, or have appropriate equivalent experience.
- Minimum of five years of successful, supervisory and management experience in an academic library.
- Demonstrated experience with acquisitions, electronic resource management, and/or cataloging/metadata.
- Demonstrated budget management experience, including the ability to effectively advocate for budget increases based on multi-year budget forecasts.
- Excellent interpersonal, written, and oral skills, including communication and presentation skills. Ability to explain complex plans and concepts in an articulate, open and approachable manner.
- Excellent organizational skills and an ability to manage time and set priorities.
- Demonstrated experience applying current trends, developments, and/or best practices in technical services (i.e., ERMs, discovery services, linked open data, RDA, integrated library systems, etc.).
- Demonstrated experience working effectively and collaboratively across the library to meet organizational goals.
- Demonstrated experience working to improve the user experience.
- Demonstrated ability to work creatively, collaboratively, and effectively and to promote teamwork, diversity, equality, and inclusiveness within the UMass Amherst Libraries and the campus.
Preferred Qualifications: Collection assessment experience, including data analysis, and experience working in a unionized environment.
SALARY COMMENSURATE WITH ADVERTISED QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE
Application Instructions:
Please apply online and submit letter of application, resume, and contact information (phone and email) for three professional references by July 14, 2015 for priority consideration; however, applications will be accepted until the position is filled.
The University of Massachusetts Amherst is strongly committed to excellence and actively supports cultural diversity. As part of a commitment to its own multicultural community, the Library seeks an individual with a demonstrated commitment to diversity and one who will understand and embrace University initiatives and aspirations. The University of Massachusetts Amherst is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer of women, minorities, protected veterans, and individuals with disabilities and encourages applications from these and other protected group members.