Job Description
The UC Merced Library invites applications for the Head of Research & Learning Services. Under the direction of the Associate University Librarian for Research & Engagement, the Head of Research & Learning Services will strategically lead the Research & Learning Services (R&LS) team to advance student learning and meet researchers’ needs.
The Head of Research & Learning Services will ensure user-centered services and programs through engaging with the campus community, assessing the outcomes & value of its services, mentoring colleagues, and centering equity and inclusion efforts. To accomplish this work, the Head of Research & Learning Services will bring a deep commitment to student & faculty success. In this position, the Head of Research & Learning Services will lead and shape future directions for the Research & Learning Services team currently comprised of three librarians and a staff member. Librarians hold liaison responsibilities, field reference inquires, teach library instruction sessions, and participate in outreach activities. Our staff member provides crucial support for LibApps administration, communication, programming, and instructional object management.
The Head of Research & Learning Services will be expected to both identify campus constituents’ needs, follow instruction/research trends in order to prioritize services and allocate resources, and champion information literacy. They will successfully manage programs and services, effectively collaborate with colleagues, and contribute to a learning-focused organization.
Primary Responsibilities
-Leads the strategic planning, development and operational oversight of instruction and research services
-Leads a team of colleagues to provide effective, timely and expert services to support student learning and faculty research.
-Integrates information literacy into curriculum through collaboration with campus programs & stakeholders (e.g. Undergraduate Education, Merritt Writing Program, Academic Departments).
-Develops, strengthens, and oversees outreach efforts to increase users' engagement with library resources and services.
-Designs inclusive services that support equitable access for a diverse community of users.
-Coordinates the assessment of R&LS programs and services to make data-informed decisions, communicate value, and accurately contribute data for reporting purposes.
-Engages with campus constituents to understand their teaching, learning, and research activities & needs to inform library program prioritization & resource allocation
-Encourages a learning culture by promoting and leading professional growth opportunities for colleagues related to existing & emerging teaching, reference, and liaison responsibilities
-Mentors, manages, and reviews librarians and staff reporting to Head, Research & Learning Services
Secondary Responsibilities
-Provides instruction and reference services
-Serves as a library liaison to one or more academic programs
-Serves on UC systemwide and UC Merced campus committees
-Serves as a member of the Library's management team
-Engages in ongoing professional-development activities
-Other duties as assigned
This is a full-time appointment which falls under the purview of the collective bargaining agreement between University of California and the American Federation of Teachers for Professional Librarians. Terms and conditions of employment are subject to UC policy and appropriate collective bargaining agreement. See the following url for additional information: https://ucnet.universityofcalifornia.edu/labor/bargaining-units/lx/index.html.
The successful candidate will become a member of the Librarians Association of the University of California (LAUC). https://lauc.ucop.edu/ Research, publication, and/or service to the University and profession are expected for continuing advancement. More information can be found at the UC Academic Personal Manual, Librarian Series (APM-360). https://www.ucop.edu/academic-personnel-programs/academic-personnel-policy/appointment-and-promotion/index.html
Benefits & Additional Compensation Info
This is a full-time appointment which falls under the purview of the collective bargaining agreement between University of California and the American Federation of Teachers for Professional Librarians. Terms and conditions of employment are subject to UC policy and appropriate collective bargaining agreement. See the following url for additional information: https://ucnet.universityofcalifornia.edu/labor/bargaining-units/lx/index.html.
The successful candidate will become a member of the Librarians Association of the University of California (LAUC). https://lauc.ucop.edu/ Research, publication, and/or service to the University and profession are expected for continuing advancement. More information can be found at the UC Academic Personal Manual, Librarian Series (APM-360). https://www.ucop.edu/academic-personnel-programs/academic-personnel-policy/appointment-and-promotion/index.html
Additional Info & Requirements
Qualifications
Basic qualifications
To be eligible for consideration, applicants must meet these Required Qualifications.
-MS/MLS/MLIS from an ALA-accredited Library/Information Science program (completed by Jan 1. 2023) or equivalent experience or advanced degree in information science or related field
-A minimum of ten years of library experience with increasing responsibility in areas related to public services including reference, teaching and outreach
-A minimum of three years of supervisory experience with a demonstrated ability to lead and work with teams to accomplish shared goals
Additional qualifications
Candidates will also be evaluated on the following:
-Evidence of successful management of programs, services, or projects
-Evidence of strategic thinking to inform planning and resource allocation
-Experience envisioning, creating and assessing user-centered programs & services
-Evidence of mentoring practices to support colleagues’ professional development
-Evidence of effectively consulting, collaborating, and communicating with library stakeholders to inform the development of programs and services
-Evidence of centering accessibility and applying a DEI lens to teaching practices and programming
-Experience integrating information literacy concepts into academic and/or co-curricular programs
-Teaching experience with a strong knowledge of teaching pedagogies and ACRL’s Framework for Information Literacy
-Reference experience and a strong knowledge of trends related to research services in academic libraries
-Effective use of technology for instruction, reference, and project management purposes
-Evidence of ongoing professional development with contributions & service to the profession
The Community
Open date: August 10th, 2022
Next review date: Thursday, Sep 15, 2022 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)
Apply by this date to ensure full consideration by the committee.
Final date: Sunday, Oct 9, 2022 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)
Applications will continue to be accepted until this date, but those received after the review date will only be considered if the position has not yet been filled.
Online Information Sessions
Applicants are invited to attend an informational webinar to learn more about the position, the campus, and the University Library. There will be an opportunity to answer any questions you may have. Attendance and questions will be confidential, as the participant list for each Zoom Webinar session will be hidden. Attendance is not required to apply or be considered for this position.
If interested, please register using a session link.
-Wednesday, August 24th at noon [PST] https://ucmerced.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_svr3UBMaSoSAyb6jIrs78g
-Friday, August 26th at 9am [PST] https://ucmerced.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_fdg_O8xLTDa_t5EGjuQ3pQ
HR Info
Application Requirements
Document requirements
Curriculum Vitae - Your most recently updated C.V.
Cover Letter
Reference requirements
- 3-5 required (contact information only)
Provide name, contact information, and professional relationship to you
Apply link: https://aprecruit.ucmerced.edu/JPF01393
Help contact: sdavidson2@ucmerced.edu
Statement on Contributions to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (2 page limit, single-spaced) - Statement on your contributions to equity, diversity, and inclusion, including information about your understanding of these topics, your record of activities to date, and your specific plans and goals for advancing equity and inclusion. Please review the UC Merced Diversity Statement Guidelines and UC’s Commitment to Diversity