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Assistant Director for Research and Instructional Services

The University of Pennsylvania Libraries offer an exciting opportunity to develop a creative, user-focused learning and teaching environment. The Libraries seek an experienced and innovative individual skilled at both conceptualizing and implementing research and instructional services across a large, complex, and rapidly changing information landscape.

The Penn Libraries include fifteen libraries and a nearby high-density storage facility. Collections number over 5.9 million books, 44,000 current serials (of which 16,000 are e-journals) and 700 databases. The library is a leader in the development of digital library services and collections and is aggressively experimenting with and adopting new technology in research and teaching, including courseware.

Position Summary:

Reporting to the Director of Public Services, the Assistant Director for Research and Instructional Services manages a department of 10 librarians who provide reference, instruction, collection development, and outreach services in the humanities and social sciences. Overall responsibilities include: developing strategic directions for information, research and outreach; coordinating instruction activities; fostering effective working relationships with library and academic colleagues; directing the library's information literacy program; enhancing and assessing service quality; collaborating with academic support units on development of programs to support the Weigle Information Commons; and playing a key role in library-wide planning initiatives.

Responsibilities include:

• Developing, implementing, and assessing innovative reference, instruction, and outreach services and programs for the humanities, social sciences, and schools of education and social policy and practice in support of learning, teaching, and research.
• Developing effective relationships with University faculty and school administration to strengthen the collaboration between the departments programs and its clients in the schools.
• Leading a team of 10 librarians in the Van Pelt-Dietrich Library Center in managing, coordinating, and evaluating services and programs in the humanities and social sciences.
• Working in a pivotal role with the Director of Public Services, Director of Collection Development and Management, and other directors to facilitate a program of innovative service delivery; to develop user-focused collections; and to develop collaborative programs with service centers in departmental libraries and with academic units on campus.
• Coordinating a teaching program within the library and initiating library-wide discussion on information literacy and teaching techniques.
• Participating in innovative program development for the Weigle Information Commons, a new state-of-the art center in the library that supports teaching and learning.

Qualifications:

MLS degree, or its equivalent in experience, training, and practice is required. An additional graduate degree is preferred. The successful candidate should have at least 5 years of progressively responsible experience in an academic or research library; demonstrated knowledge of reference & research sources, issues and trends; understanding of teaching methods and instructional design; demonstrated teaching skills; effective supervisory experience; evidence of a strong commitment to public services; demonstrated initiative in program development; demonstrated ability to work well with a diverse user community; ability to facilitate change; demonstrated ability to work within a collegial framework and to collaborate effectively; excellent oral, written and interpersonal communication skills; strong analytical and decision-making skills.

Rank and Salary: Commensurate with experience

To Apply: Potential candidates are invited to submit a letter of application, which addresses the needs and qualifications of the position, along with their resume and the names, addresses, and phone numbers of three references who can address the suitability of the candidate for the position described, as well as complete an on-line employment application at http://www.hr.upenn.edu/jobs (Job Reference #071023346).

To ensure full consideration, applications should be submitted by April, 30 2008. Applications will be reviewed upon receipt and will continue to be reviewed until the position is filled.

The University of Pennsylvania is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer.