UNIVERSITY LIBRARIAN EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Transcription

1 UNIVERSITY LIBRARIAN EXECUTIVE SUMMARY November 2016

2 KEY OPPORTUNITIES AND CHALLENGES In consultation with stakeholders, refresh and implement the strategic directions of the Libraries and effectively communicate and pursue those priorities with Library staff and the university community; Explore opportunities to promote new models of service delivery in keeping with established practices across other academic libraries to meet the needs of library users and stakeholders consistent with strategic plans and directions; Manage the balance between print and digital collections and between collection space and study space to best meet user needs within the constraints of available space and funds and in collaboration with consortium partners; Facilitate the ongoing commitment of the Libraries to providing space, services, and resources that enhance innovation in research and interdisciplinary studies for scholars and graduate students; Take advantage of existing and future technologies, including open source software, throughout the Libraries. Facilitate the role of the Libraries as a steward of digital publishing initiatives and development of open educational resources; Promote scholarly communications within the UVic community including open access initiatives, engagement with ongoing copyright issues, and digital publications; In collaboration with local stakeholders and national partners, apply original and rigorous thinking about scholarly and academic publishing models to explore alternative means of knowledge resource acquisition and dissemination; Successfully manage the budget considering fiscal constraints of, devaluation of the Canadian dollar and the rising price of academic journals; Continue the commitment to the fundraising of the Libraries by leading and supporting fundraising activities and developing and stewarding relationships with current and future donors; Articulate and, in collaboration with internal partners, implement a university-wide strategy to develop or improve Digital Information Fluency for students; Develop strategies for the long term digital preservation of library assets, research assets, and university assets; Provide infrastructure and support to improve Research Data Management practices and increase sharing of research data sets; Demonstrate a vision for enhancing integration and collaboration among the Libraries, the Learning and Teaching Centre, Technology Integrated Learning, and other support services; Continue to support the learning and research needs of distributed and distance learners; Consult and collaborate with stakeholders and partners, including the Deans of Education and Law, and others, to continue to further strategic visions for the facilities, resources, operations, and staffing of the law library and curriculum library; 2

3 Position the Libraries to further UVic initiatives to internationalize and indigenize curricula across campus, including by acquiring resources and recruiting or training staff to address related curricular research and learning needs; Develop strategies to increase the profile of UVic Libraries and UVic as leaders in indigenous educational initiatives; Provide resources to support the learning of an increasingly broad and diverse population; Promote clear, transparent, and regular communication throughout the Libraries, and outward to campus and the wider community. POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES GENERAL The University Librarian is the chief academic and administrative officer of the University of Victoria s Libraries and is a member of the University s Deans Council. Reporting to the Vice- President Academic & Provost, she or he is responsible for providing strong leadership and vision in planning and managing the Libraries and in directing its contribution to the teaching, research and programs of the University of Victoria. SPECIFIC Leadership Serves as the chief spokesperson and advocate for the Libraries to champion the interests and aspirations of the Libraries on campus and with external communities; Leads the ongoing articulation of a vision for the Libraries, consistent with the University of Victoria s mission and vision; Leads the development of long-range goals, strategies, structures and collegial processes for realizing them as well as short-range operational plans; Works to develop and maintain strong relationships with students, faculty and staff; Promotes equity and leads the development of inclusive practices for the Libraries designed to address the needs of an increasingly diverse body of faculty, staff and students; Identifies critical needs, consults broadly about information opportunities and challenges and leads librarians and staff in addressing those needs; Promotes the use of innovative technologies to provide optimum access to information and resources; Ensures that the environment in the UVic Libraries is a stimulating, creative and supportive workplace where achievements and contributions are recognized; Oversees the recruitment, training and professional development of librarians and staff who are committed to excellence in service and responsiveness to users needs; Ensures the development of the Libraries collection in keeping with the traditions of access and resource- sharing; Assumes a key role as a campus leader in the creation of exciting learning, teaching and research spaces; 3

4 Promotes the vital role the Libraries have in teaching and learning in academic programs and supports their integration into the curriculum; Actively promotes a library culture which solicits feedback from library stakeholders, using various research methodologies, to provide analysis and evidence in decision-making; Works with colleagues in the Libraries, across the university and with external partnerships to generate resources to better meet the needs of the academic community; Assumes an active role in relevant regional, provincial, national and international organizations to promote the interests of the Libraries and the University of Victoria; Builds harmonious and enduring partnerships with internal and external constituencies; Works collaboratively to pursue fundraising opportunities for the Libraries. Librarian and Staff Relations Plans and prioritizes personnel needs for the Libraries, ensuring that viable departmental hiring plans and equity plans are in place across the Libraries; Establishes strategies to enhance the ability of the Libraries to compete in recruitment and retention of outstanding librarians and staff; Maintains an environment in which librarians and staff are able to carry out service, teaching and scholarship of the highest quality, including by promoting and supporting ongoing skill development; Is accessible and promotes fairness in dealing with personnel issues; Adopts effective, transparent processes with the Collective Agreement (which covers librarians and faculty members), Professional Employees Association (PEA) Agreement and Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) Agreement. Communications Establishes clear and transparent lines of communication with professional librarians, faculty, staff and students; Communicates effectively with stakeholders outside of the Libraries, particularly in situations where advocacy is required. General Management Manages and augments the resources of the Libraries, including adding to those resources through fundraising and strategic partnerships; Ensures the effective management of a balanced operating budget in a challenging fiscal environment; Encourages a sense of engagement and collegiality within the Libraries; Ensures both the accountability of those working in the Libraries and the transparency of the Libraries activities. 4

5 Relations Within and Outside the University Builds effective relationships, promotes and advocates for the Libraries to a broad spectrum of constituents, including senior administration, faculty members, students, community leaders, educational and other key institutions provincially and nationally; Spearheads fundraising activities for the Libraries; Plays a key role in encouraging and supporting collaborative initiatives with other institutions locally, provincially, nationally and internationally; Serves as the chief spokesperson for the Libraries on campus and in the external community. ORGANIZATIONAL RELATIONSHIPS Reports to Vice-President Academic & Provost Interacts with President, Vice-Presidents, Associate Vice-Presidents Board of Governors Deans, Chairs and Directors Chief Information Officer Learning and Teaching Centre Faculty Councils Faculty and Staff Students Alumni Donors Professional library associations Provincial, national and international libraries and archival organizations Provides direction to Associate University Librarian, Law Associate University Librarian, Learning & Research Resources Associate University Librarian, Digital Scholarship & Strategy Director, Academic Commons & Strategic Assessment Director, Special Collections & University Archivist Others in the University Librarian s office 5

6 CANDIDATE REQUIREMENTS GENERAL The ideal candidate is a dynamic and visionary leader and successful administrator who has made a significant contribution to academic librarianship. SPECIFIC MLIS/MLS or equivalent PhD and/or second Master s degree preferred EXPERIENCE The Appointments Committee acknowledges that no single individual is likely to meet all of the following criteria in equal measure; nevertheless, the University Librarian will be expected to have demonstrated: Accomplishments and excellence in academic librarianship with a commitment to action and the ability to inspire and mobilize others; A commitment to the well-being and academic advancement of students and to the provision of library services that enhance student success; Experience defining the priorities of an academic library with regard to digital resources; Experience managing the increasing number of digital resources and the development of digital search tools to facilitate access and to be an informed arbiter of issues surrounding information technology and digital collections; The ability to mentor librarians and professional staff in scholarly and professional activity; The capacity and knowledge to deal effectively with copyright issues; Financial acumen and significant experience in budget administration, including the ability to ensure transparency and clarity in the budget process; The ability to work in a complex environment by establishing priorities and maintaining a balance between short and long-term goals; The ability to maintain a balance between being a strong advocate with public visibility for the Libraries and a committed member of the senior management of the University as a whole; A commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion, and sensitivity to the broad range of viewpoints within the University; A commitment to the development and innovation of all areas represented within the Libraries; Strong communication and advocacy skills and the ability to interact successfully with multiple constituencies and stakeholders to advance the priorities of the Libraries to a variety of internal and external communities; 6

7 Success in fundraising activities; Skill in developing a positive study and work environment for students, staff and faculty; A record of being a fair-minded mediator and effective negotiator, able to integrate opposing points of view; Awareness of emerging trends in librarianship and the capacity to support and encourage innovation and excellence; Success in managing labour relations effectively, including in a unionized environment. Professional Qualities: Persuasive in dealing with diverse constituents to create a sense of common purpose and to foster the spirit of teamwork; Strong service ethic; Balanced and fair, with good judgment; A mentor and mediator; able to resolve differences; Works effectively with others to build a clear sense of direction and to achieve results within realistic time- frames; Functions well in a fast-paced, dynamic environment; Makes connections among people and ideas, creating a vibrant intellectual environment for students and academic staff; Values transparency and disclosure and demonstrates commitment to a respectful, collaborative and collegial management style; Shows a willingness to learn and to seek advice from others, and the ability to make the final decision; Leads and works as part of a team; Effectively delegates responsibility; Resolves conflict through negotiation, mediation or facilitation; Fosters and promotes research, scholarship, creative activities and professional service; Ability to create a positive work environment based on trust, mutual respect, and principled decision-making. Personal Qualities Visionary, innovative, intelligent, enthusiastic, inspiring and optimistic; Personal manner that is welcoming and conducive to cooperative interaction; High standards of ethics, integrity and honesty. 7