University Librarian

Description

Position Overview:

The University Librarian of the Duke Kunshan University (DKU) Library provides leadership, vision, and strategic direction for the library by managing all aspects of its operations. The University Librarian will supervise user and collection services at DKU, including research services, collection development, circulation, document delivery, reserves and archives. They will also ensure technical services functions are met by managing relationships with a variety of vendors, as well as Duke counterparts. They work in close collaboration with Duke University Libraries (DUL) leadership in advancing strategies and goals.

The University Librarian develops and supports a comprehensive program for supporting the research and instructional needs of the DKU faculty, students and staff. Candidates should have a passion to leverage the latest technologies to shape the library’s future mission and activities, in a collaboration with faculty and students at a cutting-edge international and interdisciplinary university.

Reports to:

Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs

Essential Duties:

• Manage the operations of the DKU Library: hire, supervise and evaluate staff; prepare and manage library budget; manage assigned collections funds designated to support DKU faculty and research; monitor the use of facilities and make changes to improve the user experience.
• Work to develop and provide research services that support the scholarly activities of the DKU community.
• Identify and implement emerging and advanced technologies to enhance user experience in research, teaching and learning; can work with other DKU units to develop and evaluate AI initiatives.
• Provide research consultations and instruction in library resources and research skills and tools for students, faculty, and researchers at DKU.
• Collaborate closely with DUL leadership and staff in identifying common strategic goals and implementing policies to attain those goals.
• In cooperation with DUL and the Duke Professional Schools Libraries, develop and manage collections and prepare written reports and data conducive to the use, promotion, understanding, and assessment of collections.
• Ensure the timely completion of the technical services needed to make collections accessible to patrons.
• Design and implement assessment methods for quality improvement and program development.
• Serve as Library liaison to the students and faculty of DKU.
• Contribute to and is active in local, consortial, regional, national and international meetings and associations to stay abreast of developments/trends in Library leadership.
• Initiate and/or participate in special projects and other duties as assigned.
• University employees' job responsibilities will continue to expand in scope and depth as the University grows in size and complexity in its programs.

Required Qualifications:

• Master’s degree from a program accredited by the American Library Association or the international equivalent.
• At least ten to fifteen years of relevant research services and library instruction experience in an academic library or equivalent teaching or corporate experience.
• Experience of leading a team as well as developing junior staff members is strongly preferred. At least five years of people and team management experience at higher education or relevant institution is required.
• Ability to speak and write fluently in both Mandarin and English desired but not required.
• Understanding of current issues in academic librarianship.
• Demonstrated proficiency and mastery of technology tools used in today’s academic research environments; deep understanding of emerging technologies including AI.
• Experience planning and managing the use of resources to achieve goals.