Director of Discovery & Access

Description

Position Summary
Lead, manage and coordinate the acquisition, management, organization of and access to traditional and digital collections for the Smith College Libraries. Manage a $3.4 million materials budget. Collaborate with library leadership and staff to realize the vision and mission of the Libraries. Participate in research, teaching and learning services.

Duties and Responsibilities
Leadership & Planning: Actively contribute to library-wide strategic planning, policy development, assessment and resource management. Demonstrate leadership in and commitment to the concepts and practices of the learning organization throughout the libraries.

Develop and sustain a vision for Discovery & Access that supports the Libraries’ overall mission and vision. Develop strategic plans and initiatives. Collaborate effectively to strengthen and develop services in response to user needs, new opportunities, evolving technologies and trends in academic libraries and higher education.

Management: Lead, guide and support all operations and services for acquiring, processing, providing intellectual access, organizing, managing, delivering and preserving print and electronic collections. Experiment with new approaches to these services. Fully implement and utilize the features and functions of associated library systems and software. Manage and control a $3.4 million library materials budget in conjunction with the Coordinator for Collection Development. Engage with students and faculty to ensure services successfully meet current and emerging needs.

Achieve operational excellence through effective allocation of resources, continuing assessment and adoption of best practices. Actively promote teamwork, collaboration, continuous learning and staff development within the framework of a learning organization. Foster open, active and participatory communication within the group across the Libraries and with partners outside the Libraries and the College. Supervise 7 FTE

Teaching/Learning/Research: Actively support reference, research, teaching and learning for faculty and students. Collaborate closely with academic departments and individual faculty in assigned subject areas. Participate in the work of the Libraries through service on library-wide and Five College committees. Engage in professional activities, and keep current with emerging practices, methodologies, and technologies. Perform related duties as required.

Qualifications
Master’s degree from an ALA-accredited program; 5 years of progressively responsible experience in planning, implementing, and managing discovery and access services; substantial supervisory and leadership experience; solid subject knowledge in liberal arts disciplines; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Skills: Ability to think strategically at both a systems level and the group level. Ability to apply critical, analytical and innovative thinking to work. Ability to successfully manage projects, prioritize work, and identify and solve problems. Excellent written and oral communication skills. Demonstrated ability to work in a collegial and collaborative environment. Demonstrated continuous learning of new skills, their application and sharing with colleagues. Familiarity with best practices in access and technical services and resource sharing.

Additional Information
Smith College is an equal opportunity employer encouraging excellence through diversity