South Dakota State University seeks Head of Public Services

Text courtesy of Nancy Marshall, South Dakota State University.

South Dakota State University, Hilton M. Briggs Library, is soliciting applications for the position of Head of Public Services. This is a 12 month, full-time, benefit eligible position. SDSU is especially interested in candidates that can contribute to the experiences of underrepresented minorities in organizations. Women, minorities, veterans, and people with disabilities are especially encouraged to apply.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provide leadership for public services including circulation, reference, library instruction, interlibrary loan, government documents and distance services.   
• Hire, mentor, direct, motivate, supervise and evaluate public services library faculty and Foster teamwork, cooperation and communication within the Public Services Division.
• Work with the Chief University Librarian, Head of Technical Services and Head of Archives and Special Collections to provide leadership and enhance communication and cooperation among library staff and within the university community.
• Supervise and plan information services activities including library instruction and distance library services.  Direct the development of services for specific groups including honors, residence hall, first-year, graduate and international students.  
• Determine unit and individual work priorities and routines, assign work and schedule staffing at the Library Services Desk.
• Determine equipment, software and space needs.  
• Develop and strengthen campus partnerships in the areas of learning, instructional design and student success.  Develop and strengthen local, statewide and regional partnerships.
• Work with the Public Services unit leaders to develop, revise and implement policies, procedures and strategies.
• Manage personnel, equipment and fiscal resources in a responsible manner.
• Lead library assessment efforts and actively participate in the improvement of library services.
• Compile, analyze and report on statistical data regarding information services and collections. 
• Evaluate and develop the reference collection.
• Participate in collection development of the circulating collection in selected disciplines through book selection and monitoring of the approval plan.   
• Serve as a liaison to selected departments or colleges.
• Provide general information services to library users using electronic and traditional resources.  Occasional evening and weekend duty may be required. 
• Provide leadership in applying existing and emerging technologies to support Public Services.
• Participate as an active member of the university community and promote the library and its resources.
• Provide leadership and guidance for publicity and marketing initiatives.
• Assist with other functions of the library as appropriate. 
• The Head of Public Services supervises six librarians and five FTE paraprofessionals. The unit also includes student employees. 

The Head of Public Services reports to the Chief University Librarian. In addition, the Head of Public Services participates in library faculty meetings and planning sessions.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• ALA accredited Master's degree in Library Science and a second advanced degree. 
• Recent experience in public services in an academic, research or large public library.  
• Supervisory or administrative experience. 
• Reference and library instruction experience. 
• Demonstrated leadership ability and experience.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively (oral, written and public presentations) with stakeholders including students, faculty, staff and the research community. 
• Evidence of the potential to meet the requirements of the rank of librarian.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Fifteen years of experience as a professional librarian.  
• Knowledge of relevant trends, techniques, and issues in academia and library services. 
• Demonstrated success applying existing and emerging technologies to support public service. 
• Evidence of accomplishment and innovation in dealing with change. 
• Bachelor's or advanced degree in the sciences or experience providing information services in the agricultural, engineering, applied or physical sciences.

SALARY

Commensurate with qualifications.

UNIVERSITY/COMMUNITY

Hilton M. Briggs Library serves all SDSU academic disciplines and holds approximately 668,000 bound volumes, 1 million microforms, and over 500,000 government publications in addition to 31,000 electronic subscriptions. SDSU is a land grant institution and the state's largest institution of higher education with an enrollment of approximately 13,000 students offering undergraduate, masters and doctoral degrees. SDSU is located in Brookings, South Dakota, a community of over 22,000 citizens near the east central border of South Dakota. The city has an excellent K-12 education system, is accessible to major medical facilities, has an active cultural and social environment, and has numerous lakes and parks within driving distance. 

APPLICATION DEADLINE

Position is open until filled with full consideration given to applications received by January 16, 2018.

APPLICATION PROCESS

SDSU accepts applications through an on-line employment site. To apply, visit:  https://yourfuture.sdbor.edu, search by the position title, view the job announcement, and click on “apply for this posting.” The system will guide you through the electronic application form. The employment site will also require the attachment of a cover letter, which should specifically address how the candidate meets the qualifications as outlined in the advertisement; a resume; and a reference page with the current contact information for three professional references. Email applications will not be accepted. SDSU is especially interested in candidates who can contribute positively to the experiences of underrepresented minorities. Please contact SDSU Human Resources at (605) 688-4128 if you require assistance with this process.  

Any offer of employment is contingent on the university’s verification of credentials and other information required by law and/or university policies, including but not limited to, a criminal background check.   

As of January 1, 2018, South Dakota State University will be a tobacco free environment.   

For questions on the position, contact Nancy Marshall at (605) 688-5093 or Nancy.Marshall@sdstate.edu.

South Dakota State University is committed to affirmative action, equal opportunity and the diversity of its faculty, staff and students.  Women, veterans, persons with disabilities, and minorities are encouraged to apply. Arrangements for accommodations required by disabilities can be made by emailing HR@sdstate.edu. SDSU prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, citizenship, ancestry, gender, marital status, pregnancy, sexual orientation, age, disability, veteran’s status or any other protected class in the offering of all educational programs and employment opportunities. Individuals with concerns regarding discrimination should contact: Equal Opportunity Officer/Title IX Coordinator, Human Resources, Morrill Hall 100, SDSU, Brookings, SD  57007.  Phone:  (605) 688-4128.