DESCRIPTION:

The University of West Alabama seeks an experienced leader to provide leadership for a user-centered library that serves the scholarly needs of the campus and supports the mission of the institution.  The successful candidate for this position will be deeply knowledgeable about emerging technologies and will use that understanding as a foundation for leading the library toward a new vision for the future. 

Responsibilities:

  • In collaboration with the provost, establish the strategic direction for the Julia S. Tutwiler Library to address the university’s learning, teaching research and information literacy needs as the unit contends with an everchanging higher educational environment. 
  • Actively engage with the library and information services profession to identify trends, emerging technologies and opportunities that will impact information literacy services in higher education.  
  • Assure that the facility meets students’ differing academic needs, including spaces for quiet reflection and discovery as well as active collaboration.
  • Ensure compliance with accrediting bodies that support UWA’s educational programs.
  • Support welcoming environment for all faculty, staff, students and the community at- large that demonstrates the values of honesty, respect and integrity in interactions with others.  
  • Establish a process of ongoing review, assessment and improvement of library programs, resources and services that will evolve along with university needs and expectations.
  • Provide an environment that encourages staff in continual improvement, learning and development of new skills to serve the university’s educational mission, thus developing an effective and collaborative leadership team within the library.
  • Develop and monitor the library’s budget to ensure appropriate expenditure of funds as to maintain a collection that supports the curriculum, provides the technology required to facilitate access to information resources and maximizes operational efficiency.

Job Qualifications:

Required:

  • Master’s degree in Library/Information Science from an institution accredited by the American Library Association. 
  • A minimum of seven years of progressively responsible professional librarian and managerial experience, within a college or university library. 
  • Demonstrated ability to cultivate and maintain productive and collaborative relationships with campus and community partners and to foster this ability in others.
  • Demonstrated budget management and effective stewardship of resources.
  • Broad knowledge of current information literacy trends, integrated library systems and intellectual property as it pertains to higher education.
  • Ability to leverage new technologies to develop a vision and new strategies to support changing needs of diverse stakeholders.
  • Strong collaborative and communication skills.
  • Demonstrated understanding of program and service trends that support academic success.

Preferred:

  • Doctorate preferred in acceptable field.
  • Leadership and active participation in local, regional and national library organizations.
  • Experience in managing projects and planning for facility.

Reporting:

The Director of the Library reports to the Provost/VP of Academic Affairs. This is a full-time administrative position. 

Please submit cover letter and resume to:

Tina Naremore Jones, Ph.D.

Provost

UWA Station 25

Livingston, AL 35470

tnj@uwa.edu

Prior to hiring, the final candidate(s) must successfully pass a pre-employment background investigation, including information obtained from social media and other internet sources.

The University of West Alabama does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, hearing status, personal appearance, color, sex, pregnancy, political affiliation, creed, ethnicity, national origin (including ancestry), citizenship status, physical or mental disability (including perceived disability), age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, veteran or military status, predisposing genetic characteristics, domestic violence victim status, or any other protected category under applicable local, state, or federal law, including protections for those opposing discrimination or participating in any grievance process on campus, with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, or other human rights agencies.

AA/EO Employer.

Minority applications encouraged.