Head of Research and Scholarly Services

Description

The University of Tennessee Libraries invites applicants for the position of Head of Research and Scholarly Services.  The Head reports to the Associate Dean for Research and Scholarly Communication.  This position is responsible for leadership for traditional and emerging forms of reference service, and for guiding an evolving program of research services for researchers at all levels throughout the greater university community.  The Head will ensure suitable levels of staffing for research assistance, including virtual reference services.  In collaboration with the heads of Learning & Engagement and Research Collections, the position is responsible for refining a newly implemented engagement-centered liaison model.

The incumbent will coordinate liaison efforts in support of all the University’s researchers, and will have supervisory responsibility for a group of liaison librarians whose positions emphasize support for research and scholarship. The Head of Research and Scholarly Services coordinates the Libraries’ scholarly communication program, including digitization, repository services, and publishing activities.  The position supervises 6 faculty and 2 staff.

Responsibilities:

• Lead deployment of innovative reference and research service models, and the development of new programs to meet user needs
• Interact with campus groups, providing leadership related to scholarly communication and the use of emerging technologies in a library setting
• Cultivate collaborative initiatives with the University’s academic and research departments.
• Collaborate with heads of other library units to provide integrated support for interdisciplinary teaching and learning, and to develop programs supporting graduate research, teaching, and learning experiences.
• In collaboration with heads of Instruction and Outreach and Research Collections, oversee a successful liaison program
• Promote innovative use of technology and incorporate best practices into reference and research services
• Supervise the manager of the Digital Production and Publishing unit, and ensure unit activities meet strategic priorities of the Libraries
• Oversee library services related to scholarly communication, such as the Trace repository and Newfound Press
• Serve as liaison to one or more academic departments or programs based on need
• Engage in professional development, research, and service activities to meet the Libraries and University requirements for faculty

Required Qualifications:

• ALA accredited master’s degree
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills paired with a strong service orientation
• Supervisory experience with evidence of increasing responsibility in an academic, special, or research library environment.
• Experience working collaboratively in a dynamic team environment, and demonstrated ability to influence and lead with and without direct supervisory responsibility
• Proven record of managing change in a positive way
• Demonstrated experience working with persons from culturally diverse backgrounds
• Experience providing reference and research consultations, and demonstrated knowledge of emerging trends in these areas
• Demonstrated understanding of trends in research processes and practices of faculty, researchers, and students at all levels, including trends in scholarly publishing
• Experience as a subject liaison
• Experience supporting one or more aspects of a scholarly communication program, for example, copyright education, author rights advocacy, institutional repository promotion, open access research data management, digital humanities initiatives, or library publishing
• Evidence of research and creative achievement

Preferred Qualifications:

• Familiarity with various models of learning and research commons
• Experience assessing effectiveness of library services and programs
• Prior experience managing a scholarly communication program in an academic library
• Experience with course management software, social media platforms, and web-based subject or course guides
• Collection development experience
• Record of research or creative activity and evidence of involvement at national level in service activities related to the position

Environment:
The University of Tennessee Libraries serves the flagship campus of the state university system. The UT Libraries supports the teaching, research, and service mission of the university and enhances the academic experience of each student at the Knoxville campus — through outstanding print and electronic collections, reference and instructional services, and top-notch facilities and technological resources.

The UT Libraries serves as an intellectual, cultural, and social center for the university and community.  We are a national leader in the creation of regionally significant digital collections; in support of open access though our digital repository Trace; and through a rich history of designing innovative spaces and building key partnerships that enhance the teaching/learning enterprise.   The University of Tennessee Libraries is a member of the Association of Research Libraries, the Association of Southeastern Research Libraries, the Digital Library Federation, Lyrasis, and the Center for Research Libraries. The UT Libraries collaborates actively at the state level with the other UT System Libraries as well as the libraries in the Tennessee Board of Regents system.

Benefits:
Excellent benefits include 24 annual leave days; choice of state retirement plan or ORP (AIG Retirement, ING, TIAA-CREF) with nonrefundable contributions paid for the employee by the University; optional group health and life insurance plans.  Tuition remission is available for all university employees and partial undergraduate tuition remission is available to dependent children and spouses of UT employees.  Faculty rank and status; twelve-month, tenure-track appointment.

Application Procedures:
A background check and official transcripts are required prior to hiring.  Send cover letter addressing the above qualifications, a current resume, and the names, addresses, e-mail addresses, and telephone numbers of three recent references to: Elizabeth Greene, Library Human Resources, 1015 Volunteer Blvd., Knoxville, TN 37996-1000.  Application materials may be sent via email attachment to ejgreene@utk.edu.   Review of applications will begin April 17, 2013 and will continue until the position is filled.  Qualified spring graduates are encouraged to apply. 

All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment and admissions without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, pregnancy, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, physical or mental disability, or covered veteran status.

Eligibility and other terms and conditions of employment benefits at The University of Tennessee are governed by laws and regulations of the State of Tennessee, and this non-discrimination statement is intended to be consistent with those laws and regulations.

In accordance with the requirements of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, The University of Tennessee affirmatively states that it does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, or disability in its education programs and activities, and this policy extends to employment by the University.

Inquiries and charges of violation of Title VI (race, color, national origin), Title IX (sex), Section 504 (disability), ADA (disability), Age Discrimination in Employment Act (age), sexual orientation, or veteran status should be directed to the Office of Equity and Diversity (OED), 1840 Melrose Avenue, Knoxville, TN 37996-3560, telephone (865) 974-2498 (V/TTY available) or 974-2440. Requests for accommodation of a disability should be directed to the ADA Coordinator at the Office of Equity and Diversity.