Head of Research Services - The
UConn Library seeks an engaging leader to work collaboratively with
colleagues and stakeholders to shape the future
of research services at UConn. The Head of Research Services leads
the Research Services unit to sustain and develop services in direct
support of UConn’s teaching, research, and learning needs. The
successful candidate will draw on strong leadership
and collaboration skills to build and maintain successful working
partnerships across the UConn Library and larger University community.
Reporting to the Associate University Librarian for Academic
Engagement, the Head
of Research Services supervises nine full-time librarians who hold
both subject liaison and functional roles. This position provides broad
oversight and management of the unit, serves as subject liaison to a
range of disciplinary areas in the successful
candidate’s areas of expertise, and collaborates closely with unit
heads across the library.
Along with all UConn Library
personnel, the successful candidate will advance diversity, equity,
accessibility and inclusion efforts
at the Library, making a positive contribution to a culture of
inclusion and respect in all interactions within the Library and across
the University. The contributions of the successful candidate will
exemplify the UConn Library values of kindness
and trust, curiosity and inquiry, equity and inclusion, and having
fun.
Responsibilities: Directs, plans, and
communicates Research Services unit efforts. Shapes services in
collaboration with unit members
to meet the teaching, research, and learning needs of the UConn
community. Serves as the librarian to a range of departments and
centers, engages in outreach to stakeholders, and integrates UConn
Library services and resources into curricular and
co-curricular efforts. Designs and teaches instructional sessions,
including subject-based information literacy instruction. Provides
research support, including in-depth research consultations. Engages and
provides direction in the development, management,
and assessment of Library collections. Explores and meets
stakeholder and community needs through partnership and collaboration
with UConn Library colleagues across UConn campuses. Develops,
implements, and evaluates Library policies and procedures
as related to position responsibilities. Engages in professional
development and continuing education and makes significant contributions
in professional activities related to the position.
Shared Expectations for Staff Supervisors:
Assigns, oversees, reviews, and evaluates work of direct reports.
Establishes work schedule(s) and approve timecard(s). Maintains
supervisory files. Promotes inclusivity and is communicative about
priorities, opportunities, and challenges. Encourages
new thinking and ideas and actively fosters open communication.
Follows the Performance Management Guidelines as outlined by the
Library, Human Resources, and the staff member’s contractually specified
evaluation process. Provides training and assistance
to each direct report. Supports involvement in professional
development activities and provides internal development opportunities
as appropriate to each position.
Shared Expectations for All Staff:
Participates
in planning and actively contributes to Area and Unit priorities,
initiatives, and operations through collaboration and cooperation.
Demonstrates reliable and effective written and verbal communication and
interpersonal skills. Demonstrates active
learning in and communication of ongoing trends and developments
related to professional and positional responsibilities. Works
effectively in current office applications, software, and communication
tools as set by the UConn Library and University
of Connecticut. Exhibits appreciation of, sensitivity to, and
respect for a diverse working environment, inclusive of social,
economic, cultural, ideological, gender, racial, and ethnic backgrounds.
Performs duties parallel to position responsibilities
as required.
Minimum Qualifications for Appointment as a Librarian 3 – Manager:
A graduate degree in Library and Information Science from an American
Library Association-accredited institution (or an international
equivalent). Minimum six years
related professional experience. Minimum two years of continuous
supervisory experience of professional staff, including proven team
accomplishments and individual success in employee supervision,
leadership, and mentoring. Demonstrated knowledge
of principles and practices of library information science and
experience as a subject liaison as evidenced by professional roles and
accomplishments. Demonstrated skill in meeting community educational and
research needs through knowledge of principles
and best practices of in-person and online instruction at an
advanced level. Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, and
inclusion. Demonstrated knowledge of research and the scholarly
communications ecosystem at an advanced level. Excellent
interpersonal, communication, and collaboration skills. Demonstrated
ability to maintain an advanced level of active learning skills and
currency in professional standards, practices, procedures, policies, and
technologies related to position responsibilities.
Demonstrated ability or proven success in maintaining active
engagement and creating significant contributions in professional
activities at a statewide, regional, and/or national level.
Additional Minimum Qualifications for Appointment as
a Librarian 4 – Manager: Minimum nine years related
professional experience. Demonstrated skill in delivering community
educational and research needs through knowledge of principles and best
practices of in-person and online instruction
at a mastery level. Demonstrated knowledge of research and the
scholarly communications ecosystem at a mastery level. Demonstrated
ability to maintain a mastery level of active learning skills and
currency in professional standards, practices, procedures,
policies, and technologies related to position responsibilities.
Demonstrated ability or proven success in providing leadership and/or
creating high-impact contributions for professional activities at a
statewide, regional, and/or national level.
Preferred Qualifications for Both Appointments: Academic
library experience. Proven success leading strategic projects or new
initiatives. Experience with citation management tools.
Employment at UConn and Appointment Terms:
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. As a vibrant,
progressive leader, UConn fosters a diverse and
dynamic culture that meets the challenges of a changing global
society.
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.
The University of Connecticut 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 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 public
research universities.
UConn’s faculty and staff are a
critical link to fostering and expanding our vibrant, multicultural and
diverse University community. As an Affirmative Action/Equal Employment
Opportunity employer,
UConn encourages applications from women, veterans, people with
disabilities and members of traditionally underrepresented populations.
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 and rank are dependent upon education,
qualifications, and experience.
To Apply: Applications must be submitted online using UConn Jobs at http://www.jobs.uconn.edu,
Staff Positions, (Reference search #494626) and include a cover letter,
detailed
resume, and contact information for three professional references.
Candidates should address in their cover letter and/or resume how their
candidacy meets the position responsibilities, minimum qualifications,
and preferred qualifications (if applicable).
Nominations and inquiries should be sent in confidence to ellen.silbermann@uconn.edu. To ensure full consideration, inquiries and applications should be submitted by July 19, 2020.
Employment of the successful candidate will be contingent upon the
successful completion of a pre-employment criminal background check.
