Head of Research Services

Description

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

1. Assigns, oversees, reviews, and evaluates work of direct reports.  Establishes work schedule(s) and approve timecard(s).  Maintains supervisory files.
2. Promotes inclusivity and is communicative about priorities, opportunities, and challenges.  Encourages new thinking and ideas and actively fosters open communication.
3. Follows the Performance Management Guidelines as outlined by the Library, Human Resources, and the staff member’s contractually specified evaluation process.
4. 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 

1. Participates in planning and actively contributes to Area and Unit priorities, initiatives, and operations through collaboration and cooperation.
2. Demonstrates reliable and effective written and verbal communication and interpersonal skills.
3. Demonstrates active learning in and communication of ongoing trends and developments related to professional and positional responsibilities.
4. Works effectively in current office applications, software, and communication tools as set by the UConn Library and University of Connecticut.
5. Exhibits appreciation of, sensitivity to, and respect for a diverse working environment, inclusive of social, economic, cultural, ideological, gender, racial, and ethnic backgrounds.
6. Performs duties parallel to position responsibilities as required.

Minimum Qualifications for Appointment as a Librarian 3 – Manager:

1. A graduate degree in Library and Information Science from an American Library Association-accredited institution (or an international equivalent).
2. Minimum six years related professional experience.
3. Minimum two years of continuous supervisory experience of professional staff, including proven team accomplishments and individual success in employee supervision, leadership, and mentoring.
4. Demonstrated knowledge of principles and practices of library information science and experience as a subject liaison as evidenced by professional roles and accomplishments.
5. 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.
6. Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
7. Demonstrated knowledge of research and the scholarly communications ecosystem at an advanced level.
8. Excellent interpersonal, communication, and collaboration skills.
9. 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.
10. 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:

1. Minimum nine years related professional experience.
2. 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.
3. Demonstrated knowledge of research and the scholarly communications ecosystem at a mastery level.
4. 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.
5. 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: 

1. Academic library experience.
2. Proven success leading strategic projects or new initiatives.
3. 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.

This job posting is scheduled to be removed at 11:59 p.m. Eastern time on July 19, 2020.