Associate Dean, Library Technology Planning and Policy, The University of Alabama

The University of Alabama Libraries is seeking an innovative, experienced, and successful technology leader for the position of Associate Dean for Library Technology Planning and Policy. Reporting to the Dean of Libraries, this position is responsible for the information technology operations of The University of Alabama Libraries. These duties include planning and executing a strategic vision for library technology that supports the mission and goals of the University of Alabama. As the administrative head of library technology, the Associate Dean is responsible for the management of all aspects of the area that includes Area Computing Services, Digital Services, Integrated Library System and E-Resource Management, Web Infrastructure and Application Development, and Web Services. The Associate Dean is also responsible for managing the annual budget for all technology hardware and software application expenditures.

As a tenure-track faculty position, the Associate Dean for Library Technology Planning and Policy is expected to actively engage in scholarship and service in order to satisfy the tenure and promotion requirements of the University.

Responsibilities

The Associate Dean for Library Technology Planning and Policy is responsible for 20 FTE in the following areas:

  • Area Computing Services – This unit provides desktop, network, and software support for over 700 public and staff PCs and Macs.
  • Digital Services – This unit is responsible for the digitization and preservation of unique content from the Libraries’ Collections.
  • Integrated Library System and E-Resources Management – This unit is responsible for managing the Voyager ILS and EZproxy access and authentication software.
  • Web Infrastructure and Application Development – Programmers and UNIX system administrator responsible for the technical infrastructure of all websites and web applications. This group manages the open source Acumen digital repository discovery application.
  • Web Services – This department is responsible for managing the University Libraries’ web presence. They also serve as primary administrators for the EBSCO Discovery Service, LibGuides, and RefWorks.

The Associate Dean is also expected to:

  • Monitor, develop and implement emerging technology strategies and solutions to ensure that University Libraries meets the changing needs of our users.
  • Participate in the overall administration of the University Libraries as a member of the Libraries Executive Committee.
  • Provide active leadership and direction for the Libraries’ technology units and personnel in support of the University’s accessibility initiative.
  • Develop and communicate goals, objectives, plans and policies for technology projects and initiatives.
  • Maintain a strong cooperative relationship with both internal organizational departments/units, as well as campus technology areas such the Office of Information Technology, Faculty Resource Center, Center for Instructional Technology, and other areas of the University concerned with information technology policy, planning, and implementation.
  • Represent the interests of the University Libraries through participation on relevant campus committees as well as state, national, and international organizations.

Required Qualifications

  • MLS/MILS/MLIS from an ALA accredited program or a terminal degree in an appropriate field.
  • Minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience leading information technology personnel.
  • Advanced leadership and management skills with the demonstrated ability to bring innovative and complex projects to completion in a timely manner.
  • Ability to build and maintain effective working relationships and foster productive collaborations with all levels of the organization, University community, and external partners.
  • Ability to effectively communicate technical issues and solutions to a diverse set of stakeholders.
  • Demonstrated flexibility and initiative in a changing technological environment.
  • Excellent grasp of advanced information technologies and emerging trends in a scholarly research community
  • Understanding of and experience with software development.
  • Represent the interests of the University Libraries through participation on relevant campus committees as well as state, national, and international organizations.
  • A national reputation for distinguished scholarship and professional accomplishment; strong record of service in an appropriate professional or disciplinary association.
  • Demonstrated experience with current issues and best practices in the assessment, development, and application of information technologies in libraries and higher education, including programming, systems administration, systems analysis.
  • Demonstrated understanding of security issues and the ability to collaborate with internal and external partners to address those issues.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Additional advanced degree.
  • Experience managing technology personnel in an academic research library.
  • Demonstrable success with grant submissions and projects.

Environment

The University of Alabama is located in Tuscaloosa, a community of nearly 100,000 residents. Tuscaloosa is about 59 miles southwest of Birmingham. The campus is noted for its historical architecture, long-standing traditions, and Natural History Museum. Current enrollment is approximately 36,000. The community and surrounding area offer a broad range of cultural and recreational activities. The University Libraries maintains memberships in the Association of Research Libraries, the Center for Research Libraries, the Coalition for Networked Information, the Digital Library Federation, centerNet, LYRASIS, the Association of Southeastern Research Libraries, the Network of Alabama Academic Libraries, SPARC, the HathiTrust and the Alabama Digital Preservation Network. As a U.S. Government Documents Regional Depository, the UA Libraries serves Alabama libraries and the public.

Salary/Benefits

12-month tenure track appointment. Rank and salary commensurate with qualifications and experience. Strong benefits including professional development support and tuition fee waiver. Moving allowance available.

To Apply

Apply at http://facultyjobs.ua.edu/with the names, addresses and email addresses of three references.

Open until filled. Applications received by January 15, 2015 are assured of receiving full consideration.

 

THE UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY/AFFIRMATIVE ACTION EMPLOYER

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