Director of Library Services and Operations, B.D. Owens Library

Institution

Northwest Missouri State University

Job Summary

POSITION SUMMARY:  The Director provides strategic leadership for all functions of library services and operations in collaboration with other academic units and in support of the mission of the university. The Director manages, develops, and/or directs programs and services that support and facilitate student learning and scholarly endeavors. This position serves as a learning support advocate and resource for students, faculty, and staff by directing a full-service library with state-of-the-art services and resources focused on exceptional patron service and responsiveness to patron needs.

PRIMARY DUTY: Supervise, coordinate, and/or direct all aspects of Northwest’s Library Services unit, designed to build upon the innovative approaches to student learning, academic programing, and faculty teaching and research demonstrated by Northwest’s constituents.  Works with library leaders and staff to set the mission, goals, and objectives of the Library and its services.  Responsible for planning, directing, and overseeing the B.D. Owens Library facility operations and space utilization.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

  1. Directs the B.D. Owens Library, developing policies, programs, processes, & personnel necessary to advance the goals and action agendas of the library and strategic initiatives of the University.
  2. Manages the design, implementation, & evaluation of campus-wide library programs and services for all students, faculty, and staff.
  3. Collaborates with University departments, faculty, and staff on library services issues.
  4. Oversees library budgets.
  5. Supervises and develops the library staff, including team leaders in access services, collection development, and research services and the staff within those units.
  6. Provides guidance to and supervision of research librarians engaging in instruction
  7. Supervises the University Archives and related university collections and the staff archivist.
  8. Oversees scheduling, space allocation, maintenance, emergency response, and access in the B.D. Owens Library facility in support of the strategic goals of the institution.  Provides leadership for planning for future development, refurbishment, or re-organization of the B.D. Owens Library design, equipment, function, and utilization of space including learning spaces and collection organization.
  9. Serves on University and consortial committees, working groups, task forces, & teams.
  10. Supervises all library staff and numerous student employees.
  11. Performs other duties as assigned.

REQUIREMENTS:

Education:        An American Library Association accredited Master’s degree in library and information science or library science; MLS or equivalent that is considered terminal for college and research libraries.

Experience:       At least five years of experience at as a librarian in higher education settings, including a record of increasing responsibility in library management positions.

Skills:               Strong human relations, verbal and written communication skills; strong organizational and analytical skills; ability to manage projects and design/implement/evaluate programs; a firm commitment to continuous improvement; knowledge of library services and software; and a clear, practical understanding of organizational dynamics and teamwork.   

WORKING CONDITIONS: This position will work in a typical office environment with some evening and weekend hours required.  May be called in to address emergency needs in the Library.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES: This position supervises employees within Library Services and Operations.

EQUIPMENT/MATERIALS USED: Typical office equipment            

TYPICAL PHYSICAL DEMANDS: Ability to lift up to 20 pounds

COMMUNITY: Northwest Missouri State University is located in Maryville, Missouri, a community of 12,000 with a diverse economy and a strong industrial base. Maryville is located 45 miles north of St. Joseph, Missouri, and 90 miles north of Kansas City, Missouri. For more information visit the city’s website at www.maryville.org.

UNIVERSITY: With an enrollment of more than 7,200 students, Northwest is a coeducational, primarily residential four-year university that offers a broad range of undergraduate and selected graduate programs on its Maryville campus as well as its Northwest-Kansas City location at the Northland Innovation Center and through Northwest Online.

Founded in 1905, Northwest places a high emphasis on profession-based learning to help graduates get a jumpstart on their careers. Students have opportunities to build their résumés with experiences on campus in nearly every area of study, including the Horace Mann Laboratory SchoolNational Public Radio affiliate KXCV, the R.T. Wright Farm, Mozingo Outdoor Education Recreation Area or Knacktive, a student-driven integrated digital marketing communications agency.

The University is a national model for student success and career placement. In addition, 96 percent of Northwest bachelor’s degree earners and 99 percent of master’s degree earners secure employment or continue their education within six months of graduation, according to the most recent data. Zippia, a career website, names Northwest the best college in Missouri for getting a job.

Furthermore, its vibrant and diverse learning community offers more than 150 student organizations, and textbooks and a laptop are included in tuition, which is among the lowest in the nation, saving students an estimated $7,200 over four years. Northwest also offers 1,200 student employment positions, allowing students to build professional skills through its internationally benchmarked student employment program. Designated the Missouri Arboretum, the Northwest campus was named one of the “50 Most Amazing University Botanical Gardens and Arboretums in the U.S.”

For more information about Northwest and its performance, visit www.nwmissouri.edu.

SALARY: Competitive, based on market

APPLICATION DEADLINE: Will begin reviewing applications immediately and continue until filled

DATE AVAILABLE:  December 1, 2021 or as soon as possible       

TO APPLY: Please fill out a Northwest application online by clicking http://agency.governmentjobs.com/nwmissouri/default.cfm to reach our employment opportunities listing. You will also need to submit a cover letter, resume, and the contact information for three references in order for your application materials to be complete. Please contact the Office of Human Resources at 660-562-1127 or email bbadger@nwmissouri.edu for more information.