Job Description
Note: This is a re-posting with revisions made to basic qualifications.
Position overview
Position title:
Head, Research & Learning Services
Salary range: $89,655- $105,193 commensurate with experience
Percent time: 100%
Anticipated start: July 1, 2023
Application Window
Open date: December 1, 2022
Next review date: Monday, Jan 30, 2023 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)
Apply by this date to ensure full consideration by the committee.
Final date: Sunday, Feb 5, 2023 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.
Position description
Position 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
-Supervises, reviews, and mentors 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
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 June 1, 2023) or equivalent experience or advanced degree in information science or related field
-A minimum of five years of library experience with increasing responsibility
-A minimum of two years' experience supervising others and/or leading teams to accomplish shared goals
Additional qualifications
In addition to the basic qualifications listed above, applicants with any of the following qualifications or professional experience are strongly encouraged to apply.
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 strong interpersonal and leadership skills applied to supervision
-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
Preferred qualifications
-A minimum of two years of direct supervisory experience of librarians and/or career staff
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/JPF01455
Help contact: sdavidson2@ucmerced.edu
Additional Info & Requirements
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, January 18, 2023 at noon [PST] https://ucmerced.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_-wxsOshfTfaFBAITNU0KWg
-Thursday, January 19, 2023 at 9am [PST] https://ucmerced.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_fovqKCKDRIq4uY3WJ5hJrg
The Community
UC MERCED LIBRARY
The UC Merced Library is an indispensable partner in learning, discovery, and the creation of new knowledge. Our overarching goal is to advance the campus’ mission of teaching research, and public service through expert management of information resources, timely delivery of services, and long-term preservation of scholarship. We are committed to supporting the research endeavors of our students and faculty – offering services and participating in initiatives that transform the scholarly publishing landscape, increase the diversity of information sources, and create critical consumers & creators of information.
The UC Merced Library opened its doors in fall 2005 and is primarily housed within the east wing of the Kolligian Library building, a 135,000 square foot facility with approximately 1,000 seats. Our footprint is both expanding and changing with the move of GIS and Data Services to the 3rd floor West in 2023 and the launch of a major capital project, funded by the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) and matched by our Chancellor for a total of 1.5 million, to expand space for the Library’s archives. The UC Merced Library is focused on acquiring primary sources that capture the cultural, social, and environmental history of the Sierra Nevada and Central Valley.
We welcome individuals to join our organization of 35 librarians & staff and approximately 25 FTE student assistants. We offer a welcoming environment and professional environment committed to each other’s success.
As a condition of employment, you will be required to comply with the University of California SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) Vaccination Program Policy: https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/5000695/SARS-CoV-2_Covid-19. All Covered Individuals under the policy must provide proof of Full Vaccination or, if applicable, submit a request for Exception (based on Medical Exemption, Disability, and/or Religious Objection) or Deferral (based on pregnancy) no later than the applicable deadline. New University of California employees should refer to Appendix F, Section II.C. of the policy for applicable deadlines. (Capitalized terms in this paragraph are defined in the policy.) Federal, state, or local public health directives may impose additional requirements.
Unit: https://library.ucmerced.edu/
Campus Information
The University of California is an Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer and invites applications from all qualified applicants, including women, minorities, veterans, and individual with disabilities, who will enrich the teaching, research and public service missions of the university. All qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age or protected veteran status. For the complete University of California nondiscrimination and affirmative action policy, see: UC Nondiscrimination & Affirmative Action Policy (https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/4000376/DiscHarassAffirmAction).
The University of California, Merced, is the newest of the University of California system’s 10 campuses. With over 9,000 undergraduate and graduate students (https://www.ucmerced.edu/fast-facts), UC Merced provides outstanding educational opportunities to highly qualified students from the heart of California, the nation, and abroad. The campus has special connections to nearby Yosemite National Park; is on the cutting edge of sustainability in construction and design; and supports the economic development of Central California. The Merced 2020 Project doubled the physical capacity of the campus, and enhanced academic distinction, student success, and research excellence (https://merced2020.ucmerced.edu/).
UC Merced is a smoke & tobacco free campus (https://smokefree.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
HR Info
Sara Davidson Squibb
Associate University Librarian for Research and Engagement
UC Merced
sdavidson2@ucmerced.edu
209-205-8237