Senior Director of Library Services

Job Details

Responsibilities:

1. Leadership and Strategic Planning:
   1. Develop and implement strategic plans for library services within the Learning Commons, aligning with the institution's mission and goals.
   2. Provide visionary leadership to promote the continuous improvement and innovation of library services.
   3. Collaborate with the SEnior Executive Director of the Lipscomb Learning Commons and other assistant deans to set priorities, allocate resources, and assess outcomes.
2. Management and Supervision:
   1. Oversee the day-to-day operations of the Library Services, including staffing, budgeting, and facilities management.
   2. Recruit, train, and supervise a diverse team of librarians, staff, and student assistants.
   3. Foster a culture of excellence, innovation, collaboration, inclusivity, and professional development within the library team.
3. Collaboration and Outreach:
   1. Forge partnerships across the Learning Commons and with academic departments, faculty, and campus units to integrate library services into the curriculum and research activities.
   2. Collaborate with the Center for Teaching and Learning and faculty to support digital literacy and innovative learning initiatives.
   3. Engage with student organizations, campus leadership, and external stakeholders to promote library resources and services.
4. Information Services and Access:
   1. Ensure access to a comprehensive collection of print and electronic resources that support the teaching, learning, and research needs of the community.
   2. Oversee the development and maintenance of user-friendly systems for cataloging, circulation, and interlibrary loan services.
   3. Advocate for accessible and equitable access to information resources for all members of the campus community
5. Assessment and Continuous Improvement:
   1. DocuSign Envelope ID: A557D0BD-2EC0-4BE1-A316-FEBB177F061C
   2. Implement assessment strategies to evaluate the impact and effectiveness of library services, spaces, and programs.
   3. Use data-driven insights to inform decision-making and enhance user experiences.
   4. Stay informed about emerging trends, technologies, and best practices in academic librarianship and learning commons design. 

Qualifications:

• A strong belief in and desire to serve the Christ-centered mission of Lipscomb University.
• Master's degree in Library and Information Science or related field (Ph.D. preferred).
• Minimum of 3 years of progressively responsible experience in academic libraries, with a focus on leadership, management, and strategic planning.
• Demonstrated understanding of current issues and trends in higher education, library services, and learning commons models.
• Strong interpersonal, communication, and collaboration skills, with a commitment to innovation and inclusion.
• Experience with budget management, project management, and assessment methodologies.
• Knowledge of emerging technologies and digital initiatives in library services.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced and evolving environment, with a proactive and solutions-oriented mindset.

Collaboration:

The Senior Director of Library Services for the Learning Commons will spearhead collaborative efforts across departments, academic disciplines, and campus units to maximize the impact of library services. This involves fostering partnerships with faculty to integrate library resources and information literacy instruction into the curriculum, ensuring that students develop critical research skills aligned with their academic goals. Collaborative initiatives may also include working closely with the CTL to support faculty in developing innovative learning modules and digital literacy programs that enhance student success. Additionally, this role will engage with student organizations and campus leadership to co-create library initiatives that address the evolving needs of the diverse student body, promoting a culture of inclusivity and accessibility.
 

Innovation:
Innovation lies at the heart of this role’s vision for library services within the Learning Commons. Drawing on emerging technologies, pedagogical approaches, and user-centered design principles, the Senior Director will lead efforts to reimagine traditional library services and spaces. This may involve leveraging virtual reality and augmented reality technologies to create immersive learning experiences, implementing data visualization tools to enhance information literacy instruction, or exploring open educational resources (OER) to support affordable and equitable access to course materials. Furthermore, the Senior Director will encourage experimentation and creativity among library staff, empowering them to pilot new initiatives, assess their impact, and iterate based on user feedback. By fostering a culture of innovation, the Senior Director will position the library services within the Learning Commons as a dynamic hub of discovery and exploration, where students and faculty can engage with knowledge in exciting and transformative ways. 

Vision:
The Senior Director's vision for library services within the Learning Commons extends beyond the traditional notion of a library as a repository of books and resources. Instead, they envision library services within the Learning Commons as a dynamic  ecosystem that cultivates intellectual curiosity, fosters interdisciplinary collaboration, and empowers lifelong learning. This vision encompasses not only physical spaces equipped with state-of-the-art technology and flexible furniture but also virtual environments that extend the reach of library services beyond the confines of the campus. Moreover, the Senior Director's vision prioritizes user-centered design, ensuring that library services are accessible, intuitive, and responsive to the diverse needs and preferences of the community. By embracing a forward-thinking and holistic approach to library services, the Senior Director seeks to position the Learning Commons as a catalyst for innovation, discovery, and academic excellence within the institution and beyond.

Qualifications

Education Required

Masters or better.

Preferred

PHD or better.

Experience Required

3 years:

Minimum of 3 years of progressively responsible experience in academic libraries, with a focus on leadership, management, and strategic planning.

Apply directly on the Lipscomb University website using this link