Associate Dean for Technology, Discovery, and Digital Services

Description

Welcome to an exciting time at Penn State! With new University leadership imparting fresh vision and strategic direction, the University Libraries are launching a new strategic plan focused on three areas: discovery, access and preservation; teaching and learning; and advancing university research. We have a unique opportunity to recruit three new Associate Deans who, along with another current Associate Dean, will help us advance the 21st century research library for Penn State and the profession. One of these positions is the Associate Dean for Technology, Discovery and Digital Services.

The Pennsylvania State University Libraries seek an outstanding individual to hold this faculty leadership position.

Responsibilities

This position is expected to  provide leadership and support for Libraries’ IT and digital services (Libraries Information Technology, Media Technology and Support Services, and Publishing and Curation Services) as well as cross-unit and cross-organizational teams (e.g., Digital Preservation Strategy Team, ScholarSphere Service Team, etc.). The portfolio of responsibility will include:

• Digitization, digital reformatting, and digital library production
• Digital preservation, curation, and data management
• Repository services (ScholarSphere, Hydra)
• User experience, content strategy, and user services
• Digital scholarship, digital humanities, and e-science services
• Discovery, access, and accessibility strategies
• Emerging technology strategies
• IT infrastructure and platforms management and support
• Software and web applications development
• Libraries’ website management and services
• Service desk and workstation management
• Multimedia technologies

We are committed to selecting the person who best fits the needs of the Penn State University Libraries, and who will be able to advance our mission.  The final portfolio of responsibilities may vary and will continue to evolve, depending on the abilities and interests of the selected candidate, the synergies of the entire administrative team, and the needs of the organization.

Required Qualifications

A Master of Library Science degree from an ALA-accredited institution (or equivalent); substantial relevant experience at an academic, special, or research library/related institution; a national reputation for distinguished scholarship and professional accomplishment; strong record of service in an appropriate professional or disciplinary association; excellent oral and written communication and interpersonal skills; and a desire to work in a collaborative, student-centered environment.  We seek a strategic and empathetic visionary who has experience working with strong self-sufficient teams and a commitment to shared governance.

Environment

Penn State, a land-grant institution, is an active member of the Committee on Institutional Cooperation (CIC), a consortium of the Big Ten universities plus the University of Chicago.  The Penn State University Libraries are a strategic asset to Penn State, advancing intellectual discovery, information literacy, and lifelong learning, all in support of the University’s strategic goals in teaching, research, service, and outreach.  Based on current Association for Research Libraries investment rankings, Penn State is among the top ten research libraries in North America.  The University Libraries has one of the most extensive online and print collections in the world including many locally digitized collections covering a wide range of subject areas.  There were more than 9 million uses of our print and digital collections last year. A Penn State student survey completed in 2010 found overall student satisfaction with the Libraries to be at the top of its category. Our faculty and staff have roles in the entire lifecycle of scholarship and research, from inception and creation to access and preservation. We are the largest public-mission library in the northeastern United States, and, with physical collections at each of Penn State’s 23 campuses found in all regions of the Commonwealth, the Libraries are also the most geographically dispersed. We serve approximately 6,000 faculty and 44,000 students at University Park, and approximately 97,000 students university wide.

The University Park campus is set in State College, a university town located in the heart of central Pennsylvania. State College offers a vibrant community with outstanding recreational facilities, a low crime rate, and excellent public schools. The campus is within a half-day drive to Washington D.C., Baltimore, Philadelphia, New York City, and Pittsburgh. The University Park Airport is served by three major carriers with flights to Washington, Philadelphia, and Detroit and Chicago. For more information, please visit www.libraries.psu.edu and www.cbicc.org.

Compensation and Rank

This is a tenure-track faculty position. Based upon the University and Libraries’ standards in librarianship, research, service and outreach, it is anticipated that the successful candidate will be appointed at the rank of Librarian with tenure, however rank and salary are dependent upon qualifications and experience. Fringe benefits include liberal vacation, excellent insurance and health care coverage, state or TIAA/CREF retirement options, and educational privileges. 

Applications and all supporting materials must be submitted online via the link below.  Interested candidates should upload a letter of application, resume or C.V., and the names and contact information of three professional references (including email addresses).   Please reference Box ADTECH-PSUL in your letter of application.  Review of applications will begin August 25, 2014 and continue until position is filled.  Questions may be addressed to Lindsey Harter, Faculty Search Coordinator, at lap225@psu.edu.


Apply Online


Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies.

Penn State is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer, and is committed to providing employment opportunities to minorities, women, veterans, disabled individuals, and other protected groups.

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