Job Description
Southeast Missouri State University, a dynamic and competitive regional public comprehensive institution located in Cape Girardeau, Missouri, invites applications for the position of the Dean of Kent Library. The Dean reports to the Provost and supervises a team of faculty and staff professionals providing an innovative and student-focused library. The new Dean is to assume office on August 1, 2024.
The Dean of Kent Library provides the vision for the University’s library in its creation, preservation, and delivery of information to students, faculty, and the public in a transformative environment affected by technological change. The Dean demonstrates a commitment to excellence and an appreciation for the pedagogical, scholarly/creative activities aligned with a public regional university.
Reporting to the Provost, the Kent Library Dean will develop strategic and innovative partnerships within the Library and with other deans and their colleges, faculty, students, staff, and committees. While providing strong leadership and a clear vision in the Library, the Dean’s role includes, but is not limited to, supporting and mentoring staff and faculty. The Dean serves in the role of department chairperson for Kent Library faculty. The Dean is responsible for representing the financial needs of Kent Library in the budgeting process. Participating in outreach activities, the Dean engages in admissions, recruitment, retention, and supports experiential learning. This position builds and maintains donor relationships in support of the Kent Library and its mission, priorities, and initiatives. The successful candidate will serve as a member of the Council of Deans and multiple university committees.
For a complete position profile, please visit https://semo.edu/hr/dean-search.
Required Qualifications:
Candidates must have a master’s degree in Library or Information Science from an ALA-accredited program and a minimum of five years of progressively responsible leadership and supervision in an academic library environment. Other requirements include:
- Minimum of five years of progressive administrative managerial experience in academic libraries
- A substantial record of professional accomplishment through research, publication, service, and leadership in areas that affect and inform libraries
- Demonstrated knowledge of library operations, including contemporary library practices, trends, and emerging technologies
- Demonstrated competencies in information literacy and library instruction
- Experience with resource sharing and working with consortial groups
- Knowledge of and experience with assessment of library services
- Demonstrated strong internal and external communication skills as well as interpersonal skills
- Demonstrated ability to foster an organization that values professionalism and a positive work/learning environment
- Demonstrated fiscal responsibility, including budget management
- Demonstrated ability to contribute to the development of external relations and fundraising
Benefits & Additional Compensation Info
Southeast Missouri State University provides an excellent benefits package. An overview of benefits are available here.
Additional Info & Requirements
About Kent Library and Southeast Missouri State University:
Since its dedication in 1939, Kent Library has grown and transitioned to meet the needs of the growing student body and is well positioned to support the needs of the 21st century learner. The library employs 28 faculty and staff who serve students and faculty across Southeast Missouri State University’s regional campuses as well as online learners.
The library combines state-of-the-art technology and strong online resources with traditional library resources and services in one centralized, welcoming, comfortable academic environment.
Student needs in the areas of electronic research, media production, reference and research assistance, and collaborative and individual study space are met with the assistance of librarians and staff. A comprehensive information literacy program, offered through Kent Library, is available to all Southeast faculty and students.
Traditional library resources and services are folded into the new technologies to form a solid platform for assisting students’ individual needs. The print and media collections and eBook collection is supplemented through the MOBIUS consortium. This consortium allows a Southeast Missouri State University student access to millions of items with delivery of books and videos to Kent Library. In addition, the Kent Library Interlibrary Loan department can obtain items from across the United States and around the world.
The library’s Special Collections and Archives department preserves and makes accessible research materials that document the historical, literary, and cultural experience of Southeast Missouri State University. The Rare Book Room contains materials from the 13th through the early 20th centuries, as well as a world-class William Faulkner literary and research collection.
The Heather MacDonald Greene Multimedia Center is purposefully designed to help students and faculty learn and expand their digital skills and provides customized, in-class instruction on software and technology for digital portfolio design and creation, digital media production and editing, and 3D modeling and rendering. Additionally, three production rooms that provide video, photo, and sound editing equipment, as well as collaborative space for group work and web conferencing are available.
Access Services offers access to a wide range of audiovisual materials; technology, such as digital video cameras and projectors, student laptops and power cords. The Instructional Materials Center is home to a selective collection of children’s and young adult literature.
Kent Library collaborates with the Holland College of Arts and Media through the Arts Resource Center (ARC), located in the River Campus Seminary building. The ARC provides access to books, journals, and audio/visual materials on a variety of subjects, along with reference sources, scores, plays, CDs, and monographs on composers, artists, directors, and choreographers. Also found in the ARC are reserve materials.
Blending current technologies with traditional library resources, services and spaces, further combined with personalized assistance from trained staff and faculty, form the basis for this 21st century academic library.
Founded in 1873 as a teacher’s college, Southeast Missouri State University has grown into a comprehensive Master’s-level university that provides student?centered education, with a foundation of liberal arts and sciences, experiential and service-learning opportunities, cutting-edge technology, and exceptional instruction that prepares students for civic responsibility and professional careers.
Named among U.S. News’ Best Regional Universities in the Midwest, Southeast Missouri State University has been accredited by the Higher Learning Commission since 1915 and 34 academic programs hold program-specific accreditations and certifications from 29 accrediting agencies.
Links
External Job Ad
https://semo.edu/hr/dean-search
HR Info
Application Deadline: The position begins August 1, 2024 and will remain open until filled. To ensure full consideration, applications must be received by March 18, 2024.
To Apply: Submit the following items online. A complete application will include:
- Letter of application addressed to Dean Rhonda Weller-Stilson, chairperson of the search committee. The cover letter should address why the applicant is interested in this position and how the candidate meets the required qualifications.
- Current curriculum vitae
- Names and contact information of five professional references familiar with the candidate’s qualifications.
- Unofficial copies of transcripts (official transcripts required for employment)