Library-it-director-search

Sara's Section

Earlham College seeks applicants for the position of Coordinator of Information Services and Library Director. As IS Coordinator, the successful candidate will be responsible for providing leadership for Computing Services, Web Management, Instructional Technology & Media, and the Earlham Libraries, including the College Archives. The IS Coordinator is expected to further a collaborative approach to using technology in support of the academic and administrative missions of the College. As Library Director, the successful candidate will oversee all aspects of library management and maintain a strong user-focused program of information literacy instruction.

Requirements:

Advanced degree in librarianship, information science, or related field required. ALA-accredited MLS or MLIS degree preferred.

Thorough knowledge of the academic enterprise and a commitment to a liberal arts education.

Strong record of progressively-responsible leadership, with managerial, supervisory, and budgetary experience.

Amenable to broadly consultative practices and a consensus governance system

Public service orientation and ability to work effectively with a diverse group of teaching and administrative faculty, students, staff, and others.

Record of service to the profession

Mary's Section

Thanks to those who have already posted their versions, and apologies for my tardiness. I am getting used to this way of doing things.

Rather than write my own version I think I'll comment on the features I admire in the ones already posted.

I like the more informal "we seek" language of Neal's version. We need to be clear about how the pieces of the job fit together, which means a combination of Sara's and Neal's. I can see the virtue of listing first the skills we seek (Neal's) and then the areas of responsibility (some form of Sara's.)

I think the precision of Denise's list is helpful and clear, but I wonder - would it be better to include that level of detail with the follow-up information for those who respond to the ad? My concern is that we avoid a "walk-on-water" description that will work against attracting a good pool of candidates. As I write this I remember our conversations about being fully truthful in as we describe the job, and the tensions we all feel about the balance among the parts of the job. I am unresolved about this, and I suspect that I am not alone here.

What is our time-table with this ad? I will have more time to think about it on Wednesday. mg

Neal's Section

Assuming the current paradigm, as per Doug's thoughts relayed to us by Greg.

Library Director and Coordinator of Information Services. Earlham College.

Earlham seeks applicants for the position of Library Director and Coordinator of Information Services. We seek an experienced person with administrative skill, deep and broad intellectual interests, enthusiasm for involvement with professional activities, and the potential for creating and implementing uses of technology to support Earlham's liberal arts college mission. As Library Director, responsible for all library operations including the college’s Lilly Library and Wildman Science Library. As Coordinator of Information Services, responsible for fostering collaboration between IT services units on issues including security, infrastructure, intellectual property, and strategic planning. Master's degree required. Send letter, statement of your philosophy of library and IT leadership in a liberal arts setting, vita, and names, addresses and phone of three references to [insert contact info].

My thinking on this:

Keep the door open for faculty and "non-library" leaders who exhibit both administrative experience and a vision for library/IT collaboration in a liberal arts setting. I also don't want to preclude promising candidates from R1 or other large institutions. The onus is on the applicant to triangulate conceptual terrain involving the liberal arts, IT, and librarianship.

Denise's Section

• Masters degree in relevant field required.
• Significant experience in an academic environment (highly preferred).
• A clear vision of the role of information technology in all spheres of higher education, including academic programs, student services, and administrative departments.
• A strong understanding of new and developing technologies in higher education.
• Integrate both IT and Library viewpoints into common values and purpose.
• Demonstrate credibility with existing Library and/or IT cultures.
• Desire to develop others professionally.
• Lead and facilitate meaningful change.
• Management experience including budgeting and personnel administration.
• Manage IT and Library resources to meet the strategic needs of the institution.
• Administrative and supervisory experience in higher education.