Libraries

The Oregon State University Libraries & Press is seeking a Department Head for the Library Experience and Access Department (LEAD). This is a full-time (1.0 FTE), 12-month, professional faculty position and could be eligible for an academic position. You would provide leadership for a department that manages highly visible public services units with responsibilities for providing circulation and information services. The Library Experience and Access Department includes thirteen full-time employees and approximately 50 student workers. You would be the direct supervisor for the department’s three faculty employees and unit supervisors.  

You would facilitate the development and implementation of library initiatives and services that support OSU faculty and students -- and all citizens of Oregon -- as they engage in research, learning, creativity, and reflection. You would join a team passionate about creating an inclusive and welcoming environment. Members of this unit actively work to improve students’ ability to afford college through the innovative provision of online course reserves and an extensive and evolving borrowing collection that includes many technology tools. 

If you bring strong project and self-management skills, exceptional team building skills, and the ability and flexibility to manage change, this may be a great opportunity for you. If you are interested in developing library public services that are equitable, inclusive, and anti-racist, we want to hear from you!

As a vital part of the Oregon State University community, we are looking for someone who is passionate about the value of building relations with and delivering library services to our diverse community and who will promote a positive work environment that embraces and celebrates change.

Starting salary will reflect years of prior experience within this budgeted range: $87,000 - $97,000. OSU Libraries & Press offers a relocation allowance and a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, and vision coverage, two retirement program choices, and numerous other benefits, including professional development support.

Here are some exciting projects that you will help lead!

• The launch of a combined service desk that pulls together the strengths of both information and circulation services professionals.
• Making community-focused and data-informed decisions to ensure the library provides services that meet our community’s needs
• Expanding and strengthening the library’s relationships with student-centered organizations
• Partner with units working together to improve system-wide library management and discovery systems

We need someone who will…

• Collaboratively set priorities, facilitate communication between stakeholders, create documentation, and conduct assessment to facilitate transparent decision-making processes.
• Assist public services employees with solving day-to-day problems, using appropriate data and input and applying relevant library or university policies. 
• Keep track of larger departmental and library goals. 

You will serve as a member of the Library Administration, Management and Planning team (LAMP). As a member of LAMP, you will participate in library-wide decisions about budget development, resource allocation, staffing and strategic direction. You will work closely with other library department heads to ensure operations work well and that issues are proactively identified and resolved equitably and effectively.

Acceptable Experience and Training…

•  At least 3 years of professional experience in library public services. 
• Experience with the design and delivery of library public services.
• At least 1 year of experience with supervision of full-time employees, including: hiring, training, scheduling, onboarding, performance evaluation and coaching. This experience may include, but should not be limited to, supervision of student workers and volunteers.
• Experience with successful project or service management, including: managing budgets, setting priorities, facilitating communication, creating documentation and conducting assessment. 
• Experience building and fostering collaborative relationships that advance library goals.
• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field

 

In your application materials, please share experiences that help illustrate your experience and training – we are open to hearing about experiences from a range of settings including school, retail, community, or library contexts.

Preferred Knowledge or Experience

• MLIS from an ALA-accredited institution or international equivalent
• Professional experience successfully managing projects or services in a higher education environment 
• Demonstrated experience supervising, mentoring and coaching supervisors. 
• Professional experience developing or delivering both circulation and reference services.
• Bilingual in Spanish/English

 

Additional Information 

The LEAD Head will primarily work regular weekday business hours in the LEAD department and in the public services spaces throughout the Valley Library. Specific start and end times can be negotiated with the supervisor. Occasional evening and/or weekend hours may be required for event hosting and preparation, or to respond to emergency situations. The LEAD Head may occasionally work away from the primary work site, and there is a possibility of scheduled remote work or adjustments to the regular schedule.  

Commitment to Equity

We are aware that some people are less likely to apply for jobs unless they meet every qualification in the job description including the preferred qualifications. We are most interested in finding the best candidate for the job and recognize that a successful candidate may come from a less traditional career trajectory or field of study, such as having skills and abilities gained outside a library context, or an equivalent skill set. We encourage you to apply, even if you don’t believe you meet every one of our preferred qualifications.

As an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer, OSU values diversity in our faculty and staff regardless of their self-identity; to that end, we particularly encourage applications from members of historically underrepresented racial/ethnic groups, individuals with disabilities, veterans, women, and LGBTQ community members.  

Position applications are due by March 27. To submit your application documents visit: https://jobs.oregonstate.edu/postings/132983