OCLC is a global library cooperative that provides shared technology services, original research and community programs for its membership and the library community at large. We are librarians, technologists, researchers, pioneers, leaders and learners. With thousands of library members in more than 100 countries, we come together as OCLC to make information more accessible and more useful.
Whether we’re supporting advancements on the leading edge of science or helping children build a strong learning foundation, shared knowledge is the common thread. People can find the answers they need to solve important problems in their lives, in their communities and in the world. Together we make breakthroughs possible.
OCLC consists of member institutions of all sizes with a common goal: to improve access to the world’s information. To foster and sustain this effort, OCLC Research is one of the world’s leading centers devoted to exploration, innovation, and community building on behalf of libraries, and archives. OCLC Research serves three roles: (a) to act as a resource for shared research & development among member institutions, (b) to provide advanced development and technical support with OCLC itself, and (c) to enhance OCLC’s engagement with members and to mobilize the community around shared concerns. The current work of OCLC Research occurs in five thematic areas: Research Collections and Support, Understanding the System-wide Library, User Studies, Data Science, and Scaling Learning.
The OCLC Research Library Partnership is a program of OCLC Research. It provides a venue for research institutions to engage with OCLC to work cooperatively on designing library futures. The OCLC Research Library Partnership is a global alliance of like-minded institutions that focuses on making operational processes more efficient and shaping new scholarly services by directly engaging senior managers. It is supported by the capacities of OCLC Research, is informed by an international, system-wide perspective, and has dedicated Program Officer staff.
The staff of OCLC Research have a wide range of expertise including library science, computational linguistics, economics and computer science, among others. Program Officers work directly with OCLC Research Library Partners to ensure that they benefit from their affiliation. OCLC Research staff also: consult individually with member and partner staff to understand their needs and priorities, and seek out opportunities to advance shared agendas through collaboration with OCLC Research and OCLC Research Library Partner institutions; organize events, collaborative projects, and working groups; and create opportunities to participate in standards and best practices development.
OCLC Research is a part of the Membership and Research Division, which brings together the member-facing activities of OCLC.
Executive Director, External Research
The Executive Director will oversee OCLC Research’s externally focused research and community building activities, including the Research Library Partnership. She or he will report to Lorcan Dempsey, Chief Strategist and Vice President for Membership and Research.
The Executive Director will participate in the senior management of the Membership and Research Division of OCLC. She or he will design and implement research programs which advance member library interests, represent OCLC to research libraries, and advocate for research library interests within OCLC.
Candidates must have expertise in the leadership and management of research libraries. They must have conducted or participated in substantial original research, and have demonstrated knowledge of trends, issues, and opportunities within higher education, scholarly communication, and information technologies. They must understand the library industry and the value of shared resources and services. They must be able to develop and sustain partnerships, build community and think strategically about member recruitment, and inform the alignment of OCLC’s services with member needs.
Candidates must be excellent communicators and be able to cultivate and activate networks of individuals and organizations interested in the future of the library. They must be able to bridge and align the contributions of original research to the services and business strategy of OCLC. They must be effective leaders of researchers and program officers and be able to foster team engagement toward strategic goals and operational success.
The Search
Inquiries, nominations, and applications are invited. The search will remain open until the position is filled, but for best consideration candidates should submit materials by 15 June 2016. Candidates should provide a curriculum vitae, a letter of interest that addresses the responsibilities and requirements described herein, and the names and contact information of three references. References will not be contacted without prior knowledge and approval of candidates. This search will be fully confidential. OCLC is an equal opportunity employer.
Materials should be sent electronically via e-mail to the OCLC’s consultant, Dr. Jonathan Fortescue of Park Square Executive Search at 92195@parksquare.com. Documents that must be mailed may be sent to Jonathan Fortescue, Ph.D., Managing Partner, or Alex Lazerowich, Associate, Park Square Executive Search, LLC, 125 Summer Street, 18th Floor, Boston MA 02110. Phone: 617-401-2824.
