THE UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA LIBRARIES
Associate Dean for Special Collections
The University of Alabama Libraries seeks an innovative, energetic, and entrepreneurial Associate Dean to lead University Libraries large and diverse Special Collections, as well as University Archives.
RESPONSIBILITIES: The successful candidate will possess a 21st-century vision for providing programs and services that enhance the discovery and accessibility of collections, as well as contribute to the research enterprise of The University of Alabama. In addition, the Associate Dean will possess the demonstrated ability and experience to coordinate the expansion of collections and develop and implement a collection development plan responsive to the changing teaching, research, and learning initiatives of American higher education. The Associate Dean will also play a leadership role in planning for major facilities enhancements, as well as serving on the Libraries Executive Council, strategic planning, and other leadership groups in the Libraries, on campus, and nationally.
Special Collections staff consists of 6 FTE librarians, 1 FTE professional staff, 5 FTE paraprofessional staff, and 10-15 student assistants. In addition to these staff, the Associate Dean of Special Collections will work closely and directly with the Metadata and Digital Services Department, consisting of 3 FTE librarians, 4 FTE professional staff, 2 paraprofessional staff, and 2 FTE student assistants.
Special Collections contains over 40,000 linear feet of shelving and encompasses two
locations within University Libraries. Special Collections holds more than 25,000 rare books, 100,000 photographs historical photographs, 13,900 University archival items, 10,000 linear feet of University records 1,000 pieces of ephemera, 9,000 linear feet of manuscripts, and over 1,000 historical maps.
REQUIREMENTS
Education and Scholarship:
· PhD in History or a closely related field
· MLS from an ALA accredited institution
· Demonstrated consistent record of scholarship through presentations and peer-reviewed publications that would garner tenure eligibility at the Associate Professor level or higher
Administrative:
· A documented record of strong managerial skills as they relate to planning, facilities, budget, supervising staff, and user services
· Five or more years of leadership experience in a special collection or archive
· Exceptional oral and written communication skills
· Experience overseeing manuscript, rare books, map, and photographic collections
· Knowledge of and experience in ensuring the maintenance and preservation of physical collections, including fire suppression systems, security systems, and mold prevention and abatement
· Knowledge of and experience in assessing strengths and challenges of collections and determining key areas for enhancement
· Proven ability to establish and maintain relationships with donors and vendors
· Proven ability to work successfully with diverse populations and demonstrated commitment to fostering diversity and inclusion
Digitization:
· Knowledge of and experience in overall processing of digitization projects,
including selection, copyright, pre-project planning, scanning, metadata, final review, and final digital display
· Oversight of large scale digitization projects, both in house and through outside
vendors
· Oversight of online access to information through websites, digital object
stems, and finding aids
Outreach:
· Documented ability to grow and promote diverse collections at the local, state, and national levels
· Record of outreach to students, faculty, and staff
· Record of outreach to local and wider communities through presentations and
public programming
· Record of establishing collaborative partnerships with other cultural institutions and
local experts, such as county historical societies, museums, and state historical societies, museums and state historical societies
Preferred:
· Experience working with donors and participating in donor cultivation that leads
to fundraising generation
· Experience with grant writing
· Experience with born-digital archival collections
· Experience with public/private partnerships within the publishing community
· Experience with revenue generation models for special collections
· Knowledge and implementation of disaster preparedness plans
· Teaching experience in higher education
Prior to employment the successful candidate must pass a pre-employment background investigation.
SALARY/BENEFITS: 12-month appointment. Tenure, rank, and salary are commensurate with qualifications and experience. Strong benefits including professional development support and tuition fee waiver.
TO APPLY: Applications are accepted online only at https://facultyjobs.ua.edu. Click Search Positions. Click 219101- University Libraries in Organization drop down box. Please include your application, resume, and names, addresses, phone numbers, and e-mail addresses of three references.
Position open until filled. Applications received by May 15, 2016 are assured of receiving full consideration.
The University of Alabama is an Equal Opportunity Affirmative Action Employer.
Women and minorities are encouraged to apply.