DESCRIPTION

The University of Alabama Libraries is seeking a dynamic, highly motivated individual to provide leadership, expertise, and vision in Access and Information Services in Gorgas Library, the University's main library for undergraduate and research services in the humanities and social sciences. The Assistant Dean will coordinate and oversee the work of five librarians, twelve classified staff, and various undergraduate and graduate assistants. This position reports to the Dean of Libraries and is a member of the Dean's Advisory Council and the Libraries' Executive Committee.

RESPONSIBILITIES

The Assistant Dean is responsible for leading, coordinating, and managing the Library's Access and Information Services, including circulation, interlibrary loan, course reserves, learning commons, instruction, remote/distance services, as well as on-site and virtual information and reference services. The successful candidate will provide the vision and leadership necessary to enable members of the department to support and advance the University's teaching and research priorities: first-year undergraduate experience, undergraduate research, Creative Campus, distance education, grant- and contract-supported research, and effective state-wide outreach to the K-12 community; and will formulate, articulate, and assess goals and objectives for all areas of Gorgas Library Access and Information Services in collaboration with other departments and divisions of the University Libraries. A recent major gift to the Libraries will enable the successful candidate to ensure the ongoing development and implementation of contemporary and next-generation services to the University, state, and region. 

QUALIFICATIONS

Required: ALA-accredited MLS or equivalent; documented experience providing creative solutions that are responsive to today's information-seeking styles; minimum 5 years academic or research library experience in access and information services; experience mentoring and supervising faculty and staff; demonstrated management, team-building, and decision-making skills along with initiative, flexibility, and the ability to effectively manage change; experience working in a technologically complex environment; demonstrated customer service orientation and strong interpersonal and communication skills; ability to work collaboratively with diverse populations; and evidence of ability to meet University requirements for appointment at the rank of Associate Professor and to meet requirements for eventual promotion and tenure.

Preferred: Second master's degree or Ph.D. in the humanities, social sciences, or human computing interaction; an ongoing record of leadership at the national level (e.g., elected offices in ALA, SLA, MLA).

ENVIRONMENT

The University of Alabama is located in Tuscaloosa, a growing community with a population of 80,000 residents, approximately 45 minutes southwest of Birmingham. The campus is noted for its historical architecture, traditions, and Natural History Museum. Current enrollment is approximately 27,000 FTE. The community and surrounding area offer a broad range of cultural and recreational activities. The University Libraries maintains memberships in the Association of Research Libraries, the Center for Research Libraries, the Coalition for Networked Information, SOLINET, the Associate of Southeastern Research Libraries, and the Network of Alabama Academic Libraries. As a U.S. Government Documents Regional Depository, Gorgas Library serves Alabama libraries and the public. The Libraries' homepage may be accessed at http://www.lib.ua.edu/.

SALARY/BENEFITS

Salary competitive. 12-month tenure track appointment at the rank of Associate Professor. Excellent benefits; moving allowance available.

TO APPLY

Go to http://jobs.ua.edu to apply for this posting.

Position open until filled. Review of applications will begin October 6, 2008. 

THE UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY/AFFIRMATIVE ACTION EMPLOYER

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