SEARCH PROSPECTUS: University Librarian

Transcription

1 SEARCH PROSPECTUS: University Librarian

2 TABLE OF CONTENTS 3 The Search for University Librarian 3 The University 4 The Community 5 The Libraries 6 The University Librarian 7 Agenda for the University Librarian 8 Minimum and Desired Qualifications 9 Compensation and Benefits 9 Application Procedure 10 Academic Search 2

3 THE SEARCH FOR UNIVERSITY LIBRARIAN West Chester University (WCU) of Pennsylvania requests nominations and applications for persons to serve as its University Librarian. The position will be available July 1, THE UNIVERSITY Founded in 1871, West Chester University of Pennsylvania is the largest of the 14 public institutions in the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education (PASSHE) and the fourth-largest university in the Philadelphia area, with a current enrollment of more than 16,660 students. Two decades of stable growth provide the base for the University s continued upward trajectory. The University offers more than 100 graduate and undergraduate programs in the arts and sciences, business and public affairs, the social sciences, visual and performing arts, health sciences and teacher education. Undergraduates are encouraged to participate in experiential learning opportunities and research opportunities. Distance education is helping WCU to meet enrollment demands, and enrollment increased by 38 percent this past year. West Chester University is among the top comprehensive regional universities in America. Consumers Digest magazine has ranked West Chester University 21st within the Top 50 Values for Public Colleges and Universities. Kiplinger magazine also sites that WCU is the 14th best value in the entire country among universities with tuition under the $30,000. In addition, U.S. News & World Report has rated WCU as one of the top regional universities in the north. The University also sponsors the largest varsity program in NCAA Division II, with 24 intercollegiate men's and women's sports. WCU won four conference championships this past academic year: men s golf, field hockey, men s swimming, and women s swimming. The University provides unrivaled cultural opportunities to the residents of Chester County and beyond. The performing and visual arts are among the best in the country. Last year, 105,000 people attended music, theater, dance, art, and other cultural events on campus. West Chester University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE), and its programs by 20 accrediting bodies. More than 20 additional accrediting bodies accredit programs in areas including, but not limited to, health, social work, music, theatre, public policy, and chemistry. In addition, there are 10 nationally-recognized programs in education. WCU has an additional location in Center City Philadelphia that offers the best aspects of the quality, affordable educational opportunities that West Chester University is known for, along with the accessibility and convenience that come with being in the heart of a major city. Programs offered at the Center City Philadelphia location include Bachelor's and Master's programs in Criminal Justice and Social Work, a Master s Program in Communication Studies, and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing for registered nurses. 3

4 THE COMMUNITY West Chester University is located in Chester County, which has the highest ranked per capita income in Pennsylvania. This area combines the best of enjoyable daily living with easy access to the full spectrum of country and city attractions. The main campus is located a short walk from downtown West Chester, PA, a historic community that offers small-town charm with cosmopolitan flair. The town features many shops, restaurants, festivals and local attractions, as well as short trips to the major metropolitan areas of Philadelphia, Wilmington, Baltimore, Washington and New York. West Chester is just about 25 miles from downtown Philadelphia. The town and county offer excellent school districts, and a wide variety of civic and cultural activities. For more information on the Borough of West Chester, see and for information on Chester County, visit org/. 4

5 THE LIBRARIES University Libraries at West Chester University maintain access to more than 3.4 million resources, including books, e-books, databases, serials, media, scores, rare books and manuscripts, and more. The library collections will be managed through Ex Libris Alma/Primo, which is set to launch in April Our creative and dedicated employees are made up of 14 full-time faculty librarians, 23 full-time staff, 12 part-time staff, five managers, and more than 30 student assistants. Library faculty enjoy full faculty status and rank, including a nine-month contract, and work directly with academic departments across campus to ensure library services and collections support WCU s academic and scholarly endeavors through instruction, research assistance, and service towards the University s mission. With nearly 400,000 visits every semester, University Libraries are open 107 hours per week during the semester between two locations, Francis Harvey Green Library and Presser Music Library. Additional facilities of special interest include the Library Special Collections, the Philips Autograph Library, and an off-site storage space. Other West Chester affiliations located within Francis Harvey Green Library include the Frederick Douglass Institute, the Writing Center, and the Holocaust Study Center. 5

6 THE UNIVERSITY LIBRARIAN The University Librarian is responsible for the administration of all Library operations, including the acquisition and accessibility of library materials; the availability of appropriate library services and facilities; and the planning and evaluation required to make these materials and services the best possible for university students, faculty, staff, and the needs of the local and regional communities. The University Librarian reports to the Vice Provost and works effectively within an environment of distributed leadership. Accountable at a level not unlike that of a dean, the University Librarian fulfills administrative responsibilities in such areas as budget expenditures, facilities, strategic planning, technology, and organizational structure. The University Librarian works with PASSHE, the Keystone Library Network (KLN), and other external organizations to ensure economical, efficient and effective library operations. 6

7 AGENDA FOR THE UNIVERSITY LIBRARIAN Modernization of the Libraries The dedicated, passionate staff of the WCU University Libraries is primed for an updating of the organizational structure, job descriptions, and processes. With the goal of ensuring that the libraries continue to meet the changing needs of the West Chester University students, faculty and staff, the new University Librarian will lead constituents both inside and outside the library in discussion to reach a common vision for the Libraries future, with student success as a core theme. Planning the New Library Facilities The Francis Harvey Green Library is set for a large scale renovation in the medium-term future to make the facility an open, inviting, and welcoming space that meets the changing needs of students, faculty, and staff. While an initial study has been completed, a comprehensive plan has not yet been undertaken. Furthermore, it is hoped that the new plan can incorporate the modernization of the library that is envisioned at the organizational level. Over the next several years, the new University Librarian will have the opportunity to lead in the planning and implementation of the modernized library. Near term projects/solutions Though the complete refurbishment of the Francis Harvey Green Library is a medium-term project, there are possibilities for short-term projects that can update the facility to better serve the changing needs of the students, faculty, and staff. The new University Librarian will have the opportunity to engage in small-scale projects in the near term. Advocate for the University Libraries The University Librarian will lead conversations about the future of the libraries with internal and external stakeholders. This advocacy role will be crucial in bringing the University s community together around a common vision for the future of the University Libraries. 7

8 MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS Master s in Library Science or Master s in Library Information Science from an ALA-accredited institution. A minimum of five years of successful, high-level experience, resulting expertise in leadership and management, in a medium to large academic library. DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS Experience in a public university system. Experience in a unionized environment and an understanding of collective bargaining. Experience with strategic planning. Experience with consortial college/ university partnerships. Experience with graduate and professional programs. An understanding and appreciation of the central role of the Libraries in student and faculty research and the University s academic programs. Experience in careful budget planning and execution, in wise use of limited resources, and in seeking additional resources through participation in institutional fundraising efforts. Ability to organize and manage a highly effective team of library faculty and staff in a collegial environment. Ability to build consensus with vision, patience, and flexibility, particularly around difficult and challenging decisions. Demonstrated ability to work effectively with other campus departments. Demonstrated ability to lead and manage change with vision, energy, and transparency. An understanding of, and the ability to, articulate the future of libraries. Demonstrated aptitude and desire to manage multiple professional and other employees in multiple units and roles, with a commitment to diversity, inclusiveness, civility, and respect. Ability to communicate regularly, clearly, and effectively with all University audiences regarding the Libraries programs, resources, and needs. Demonstrated record of success in working with external stakeholders beyond the University to develop additional sources of support and funding for the implementation of Library initiatives. 8

9 COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS West Chester University offers an excellent benefits and compensation package. Basic information about benefits for this position including tuition waivers and retirement plans may be found at and WCU personnel will be glad to provide further information about benefits and compensation to candidates as the search progresses. APPLICATION PROCEDURE Academic Search, Inc. has been retained to assist WCU with this search. Applications and nominations should be sent to The position will remain open until filled, but only applications received by March 24, 2017, can be assured full consideration. A completed application will include a cover letter addressing the qualifications above, curriculum vitae, and the names, addresses, and phone numbers of five references, none of whom will be contacted without the permission of the applicant. If you wish to have a confidential discussion regarding this position, you may contact Eric Richtmyer, Senior Consultant, at ewr@ academic-search.com. Developing and sustaining a diverse faculty and staff advances WCU s educational mission and strategic plan, Building on Excellence. West Chester University is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer. Women, minorities, veterans, and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply. The filling of this position is contingent upon available funding. All offers of employment are subject to and contingent upon satisfactory completion of all pre-employment criminal background and consumer reporting checks. 9

10 ABOUT ACADEMIC SEARCH For more than three decades, Academic Search has offered executive search services exclusively to institutions of higher education. Academic Search was founded on the principle of strengthening higher education leadership through professional search services. We are the only search firm in the nation with a formal relationship to a premier leadership development program. As the subsidiary of the American Academic Leadership Institute (AALI), Academic Search provides substantial financial support to a number of leadership identification, development, and support programs across all sectors of public and private higher education. For more information, visit Identifying leaders for higher education since Committed to identifying and DEVELOPING LEADERSHIP, by providing the highest level of search to our clients and assisting in ENRICHING THE PIPELINE of potential leaders in higher education