Position Overview
Butler University Libraries seeks a new Head of Resource & Systems Strategies to provide leadership and vision for the Resource Strategies department, including Acquisitions, Interlibrary Loan, Electronic Resources, Collection Management, and Scholarly Communication. One of four Department Heads reporting to the Dean of Libraries, this position has primary responsibility for the Libraries’ work to provide access to content and collections in support of the academic and student community, oversight of most library systems and technology platforms, including advocacy of the user experience and accessibility of online public interfaces, as well as resource sharing and publishing.
The position provides oversight and management of expenditures in collections budget lines, and participates as a member of the Library Leadership Team with input on strategic planning, policy formulation, the setting of library policies, personnel management, budget allocation, and the development and implementation of strategies to best carry out the mission of the Libraries. Butler’s library systems are largely obtained through membership in the Private Academic Library Network of Indiana (PALNI), and the position is expected to serve as a leader for PALNI system initiatives and as a resource for other libraries within the consortium.
As expected of all library faculty, the Head of Resource & Systems Strategies participates in the Butler Libraries’ liaison librarian program. This position has a liaison responsibility with several departments in the College of Liberal Arts & Sciences, focusing on information literacy instruction, outreach, collection development, and research support. Library faculty are on 6-year continuing appointment contracts, with expectations for maintaining or progressing toward promotion through activities in librarianship, scholarship, professional activity, and University service. Key professional expectations include contributing to the growth and improvement of digital platforms provided by the PALNI consortium
Responsibilities
- Provides leadership for the Resource Strategies department (Electronic Resources, Interlibrary Loan, Collection Management, Acquisitions, and Scholarly Communication); to include workflow coordination, long range planning, collaboration with other library faculty and staff, and development of strategic/operational initiatives.
- Oversight of library systems and platforms.
- Supervises librarians and staff in the Resource and System Strategies department.
- Manages license agreements and oversees technical administration of electronic resources.
- Budget stewardship as manager of all collections-related expenditures.
- Collaborates with Butler IT (Information Technology) and PALNI or PALNI libraries regarding maintenance of existing library systems, websites, and interfaces, and advocates for future development.
- Works with Dean of Libraries and the library leadership team in developing strategic and operational initiatives and continuous program assessment.
- Collects, maintains, and interprets statistical data relating to library operations to inform strategic goals and decision-making.
- Acts as a library liaison with one or more academic departments to perform information literacy instruction, collection development, and research assistance functions.
- Participates in the library information literacy program to assist in determining instructional needs, planning for programs to meet those needs, and teaching FYS or other general sessions as needed.
- Manages and maintains all physical collections, including de-selection, shifting, and determining the print/electronic collection balance, as indicated by the Libraries’ Collection Development Policy.
- Participates in library governance and planning through the Library Faculty and such activities as service on library task forces and committees.
Required Qualifications
- Master’s of Library/Information Science from an ALA-Accredited institution.
- Three years of professional academic library experience in acquisitions, systems, e-resources, or scholarly communications with increasing levels of responsibility.
- Experience with E-Resources knowledge base usage, open access repositories, MARC/RDA, LC Classification, WorldCat, and discovery systems.
- Supervision or management experience.
- Professional/scholarly achievements appropriate for appointment at the Assistant Professor rank.
- A strong service orientation and a demonstrated commitment to staff development and diversity and inclusion in the workplace.
- A team player with focus on the end user (patron) experience.
Preferred Qualifications
Required Materials:
Applicants for the position should submit:
- A letter of interest
- Curriculum vitae
- The names and contact information for three professional references
- As well as a reflection on how you would approach information literacy instruction (one page or less)
Please address all materials to the search chair, Sally Neal, Head of Instruction, Butler Libraries.
Review of applications will begin April 24 and will continue until the position is filled. The anticipated start date is August 2024.
About Butler
Founded by abolitionist Ovid Butler in 1855 on the principles of diversity, equity and inclusion, Butler University is a private, nationally recognized comprehensive university consisting of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, the College of Education, the Lacy School of Business, the College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, the Jordan College of the Arts, and the College of Communication. Approximately 4,500 undergraduate and 1,000 graduate and doctoral students are enrolled at Butler, representing 46 states and 24 countries. Ranked #1 in the Midwest region by U.S. News and World Report and recognized for “best undergraduate teaching” and “most innovative schools,” Butler is located just five miles from downtown Indianapolis, a cultural center of the state and country. (https://www.visitindy.com/)
Butler University is an equal-opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive and equitable environment for all employees. We welcome applications from all individuals, regardless of age, gender, gender identity, sex, race, religion, color, disability, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, national origin, or any other legally protected category.