Associate University Librarian – Collections and Discovery, UConn Library, Storrs, CT

Posted July 28, 2022

Description:

The UConn Library invites applications and nominations for a highly collaborative, innovative, thoughtful, nimble, and strategic leader for the Associate University Librarian (AUL) for Collections and Discovery. Reporting to the Dean, the AUL shapes all aspects of collecting and discovery for the UConn Library. As a member of the senior leadership team, the AUL actively engages in every aspect of the UConn Library and serves as an ambassador and advocate for the Library with University constituencies, and with state, regional, and national organizations. Along with all UConn Library personnel, the successful candidate makes a positive contribution to a culture of inclusion and respect in all interactions within the Library and across the University and exemplifies the UConn Library values of kindness and trust, curiosity and inquiry, equity and inclusion, and having fun.

Responsibilities

As a member of UConn Library’s senior leadership the AUL for Collections and Discovery ensures organizational effectiveness and efficiency and shares in responsibilities for decision-making, resource management, and policy development for library operations and services. While each AUL position has an individual area of responsibility, all AULs support holistic library-wide approaches to strategic planning and communication, and an environment of innovation and collaboration. AULs are expected to lead through promoting teamwork, diversity, and inclusiveness within UConn Library and the campus. In addition, AULs serve as the Library’s representative and advocate to relevant university, consortial, or multi-institutional groups.

The AUL for Collections and Discovery provides leadership, strategic direction, and support for the Library’s Acquisitions & Discovery, Archives and Special Collections, Digital Imaging and Conservation, and Collections Strategies units. The position is responsible for the Library collections budget, collection development and management, and technical service operations in the context of trends in digital scholarship, open access, scholarly communications, and the development of next-generation resource discovery systems. The position provides leadership in areas of copyright and fair use as they apply to collections and resource sharing and works collaboratively with staff at the UConn Libraries, UConn Health Sciences Library, and UConn School of Law Library to develop policies and make strategic decisions. Additionally, the AUL for Collections and Discovery takes a leadership role in defining the Libraries’ participation in regional and national collaborations that preserve and provide access to shared collections of scholarly materials, and is responsible for the UConn Collections Collaboration. The AUL for Collections and Discovery collaboratively establishes goals and objectives for the area and develops, evaluates, and continually improves programs and services.

Minimum Qualifications 

1.     Master’s degree or higher in library or information science or other relevant discipline.
2.     Minimum seven years of significant academic or research library experience (could also be consortial or related) with responsibility in areas related to collection assessment and management, acquisitions, metadata services, licensing, copyright, or scholarly communications.
3.     Minimum three years of continuous supervisory experience of full-time professional staff; including demonstrated leadership skills, keen analytical and conceptual abilities, ability to influence and manage change, inspire innovation, delegate responsibility appropriately, and successfully support staff development.
4.     Ability to work creatively, collaboratively, and effectively and to be a leader in promoting teamwork, diversity, equality, and inclusiveness.
5.     Demonstrated interpersonal and public communication skills including ability to serve as an advocate and spokesperson for UConn Library.
6.     Knowledge of emerging trends in higher education or academic libraries.
7.     Ability to build successful partnerships at the local, regional, and national level.

Preferred Qualifications

1.     Experience in promoting library collections and engaging faculty, students, and administrators.
2.     Experience with budget management or grant writing.
3.     Experience in archives and/or special collections.
4.     Experience in consortial or multi-institutional program development.
5.     Experience in developing and implementing strategic plans or projects.
6.     Evidence of a strong record of professional service, scholarly publishing, or research.

About UConn

UConn is one of the top public research universities in the nation, with more than 30,000 students pursuing answers to critical questions in labs, lecture halls, and the community. Knowledge exploration throughout the University’s network of campuses is united by a culture of innovation. An unprecedented commitment from the state of Connecticut ensures UConn attracts internationally renowned faculty and the world’s brightest students.

The main 4,400-acre campus is set in a university town located in the heart of Connecticut; approximately a half hour’s drive from Hartford, 90 minutes from Boston, and 3 hours from New York City.  Storrs offers New England village charm, with outstanding recreational facilities and open space initiatives, farm to table agricultural communities, and excellent public schools.

UConn is committed to building and supporting a multicultural and diverse community of students, faculty, and staff. The diversity of students, faculty, and staff continues to increase, as does the number of honors students, valedictorians, and salutatorians who consistently make UConn their top choice. More than 100 research centers and institutes serve the University’s teaching, research, diversity, and outreach missions, leading to UConn’s ranking as one of the nation’s top research universities. UConn’s faculty and staff are the critical link to fostering and expanding our vibrant, multicultural and diverse University community. As a vibrant, progressive leader, UConn fosters a diverse and dynamic culture that meets the challenges of a changing global society.

The UConn Library is resolutely committed to fostering an inclusive, accessible, and equitable environment for all members of our community. With that affirmation in mind, historically underrepresented and/or marginalized groups of all held identities are actively encouraged to apply,

Appointment Terms and Conditions of Employment

This is a full-time position based in Storrs, Connecticut. The University offers a competitive salary, outstanding benefits, including employee and dependent tuition waivers at UConn and a highly desirable work environment. Salary is dependent upon education, qualifications, and experience.

Employment at the University of Connecticut is contingent upon the successful candidate’s compliance with the University’s Mandatory Workforce COVID-19 Vaccination Policy.  This Policy states that all workforce members are required to have or obtain a Covid-19 vaccination as a term and condition of employment at UConn, unless an exemption or deferral has been approved.

Employment of the successful candidate is contingent upon the successful completion of a pre-employment criminal background check.

Description:

Please apply online at https://hr.uconn.edu/jobs, Search # 496548 to upload a cover letter, detailed resume, and contact information for three professional references.  Candidates must address in their cover letter and/or resume how their candidacy meets the position responsibilities, minimum qualifications, and preferred qualifications (if applicable). Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Nominations and inquiries should be sent in confidence to [email protected]. To ensure full consideration, inquiries and applications should be submitted September 18, 2022.

This job posting is scheduled to be removed at 11:55 p.m. Eastern time on September 18, 2022.