LibraryJobline

Job Description

Worcester Polytechnic Institute is looking for a new head of Research and Instruction Services at the Gordon Library. We are a small, but dynamic library, and over the last five years we have made good progress moving into new and innovative areas.  Our team has 20 people, 6 in Research and Instruction, which shows the emphasis we put on our core mission to teach and support research. The Assistant Director for Research and Instruction Services is a senior level management position that has primary responsibility for planning, coordinating, and promoting the research and instruction program of the Gordon Library. This position is a part of the library’s administrative team and contributes to decisions on policies, operations and library budget. We are doing some exciting things such as establishing our institutional repository, expanding our digital collections, and moving to a next generation library system. The library building houses all library departments and two IT departments – academic technology faculty support and the technology helpdesk - as well as our campus center for teaching and learning.

• Coordinates delivery of course-integrated instruction, research consultations, and related online support (tutorials, LibGuides, etc.) for WPI students and faculty.
• Provides expertise and support for pedagogy, instructional technologies, and assessment methods used in the library’s instruction program.
• Evaluates new and existing library tools, services and resources.
• Compiles and contributes to statistical and other library reports.
• Participates in collection development and other related administrative committee assignments.
• Critical skills needed for this position include leadership, teaching talent, flexibility, patience, humor (especially humor), excellent communication skills, and an ability to foster and perform well in a collaborative team environment. This position will include occasional evening and weekend hours.
• Coordinates the Research and Instruction program for the Gordon Library, including librarian/faculty partnerships, pedagogy and teaching style standards, assessment, professional development and projects for librarians in the Research and Instruction department.
• Directly supervises five full-time librarians. Mentors all others serving on the Information Desk in areas of instruction and reference as needed.
• Oversees development of appropriate instructional materials and comprehensive curricular structure to aid users in accessing library resources, using a variety of print and electronic formats.
• Gathers and analyzes data to develop recommendations and solutions for the improvement and/or implementation of research and instruction services, procedures, and organization; assesses the outcomes of these programs.
• Provides reference assistance, instruction, and information to library clientele via the Information Desk, telephone, virtually, and through individual appointments.
• Coordinates Information Desk services with the Assistant Director for Access Services.
• Provides classroom, individual and virtual instruction to library clientele focusing on the identification, retrieval, and evaluation of information.
• Monitors developments and trends in the delivery of research and instructional services in higher education, specifically in academic libraries with particular attention to engineering education.
• Participates in professional activities at a regional and, if possible, national level.
• Performs additional duties as assigned.

We are looking for a new head of the department to move us to the next level in information literacy and research support.  Our team is ready now for new leadership and new challenges.   If you are interested in moving ahead with us, please let us know. This is a terrific opportunity for the right person to make a very big impact on a great campus.

Additional Info & Requirements

Required

• Demonstrated expertise and knowledge to perform reference and research in electronic and print resource in the fields of science and engineering.
• Demonstrated extensive knowledge and understanding of information literacy best practices, pedagogy, current issues, and trends in scholarly communication.
• Experience in assessment methodologies and skills in planning, managing and evaluating programs and services.
• Success in mentoring, developing, and leading staff with a collaborative and open approach.
• Demonstrated analytical ability along with excellent oral and written communication skills in English.
• Excellent interpersonal and teamwork skills complemented by the ability to take initiatives and manage change.
• Demonstrated record of ongoing activity and contribution (publications or presentations) in professional organizations.

Preferred

• Degree in physical science, mathematics, engineering, or other technical field, advanced degree preferred.
• Minimum of two years work experience in a research library emphasizing science or technology.
• Understanding of digital library technologies with skills at advances level.
• Success in obtaining grant funding.
• Ability to manage multiple projects, prioritize,and meet deadlines.

The Community

WPI students are the best you can find. The campus is compact and very traditionally “brick and ivy” with most of the standard amenities.  Worcester and its surrounding area are home to over 30,000 college students at 13 colleges and universities, and are within easy reach of Boston, Hartford, Providence, Cape Cod, the Maine seacoast and the mountains of New Hampshire and Vermont. Worcester, the second largest city in New England, has a growing cultural community with museums, performance venues, and historical sites.  Benefits at WPI are competitive and include free parking in a new garage facility.  (How many schools can say that?)

HR Info

If you are interested in moving ahead with us, please let us know. A position description along with required and preferred qualifications is posted on the WPI Human Resources website at https://careers.wpi.edu/postings/1813.