| Classification Minimum Requirements: |
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Master’s degree in Library or Information Science from an ALA-accredited (or foreign equivalent) program, or other relevant advanced degree in subject specialty.
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Eight years of relevant professional experience, including a record of progressive scholarly accomplishment. At least three years of leadership and supervisory responsibility in a research library, with demonstrated experience leading change and fostering professional development and growth.
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Experience in effective planning and budgeting.
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Ability to cultivate and maintain effective relations with donors.
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Effective supervisory skills, with demonstrated ability to listen, mentor and lead.
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Excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills.
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Demonstrated ability to work both independently and collaboratively with faculty, students, administrators and the public.
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| Job Description: |
The George A. Smathers Libraries, University of Florida, seeks applications and nominations for the position of Department Chair for Special and Area Studies Collections. The successful candidate will be accomplished and forward-thinking, and enthusiastic about leading special and area studies in a new era for the UF libraries. Reporting to the Associate Dean, this position is a key member of the library team, heading a department comprising some of the libraries' most distinctive and internationally significant collections.
The Chair of the Department of Special and Area Studies Collections (SASC) is a year-round (12 month) tenure track library faculty position, based in the historic Smathers Library. This position will provide leadership, strategic vision and direction for the department to expand collections and usage, increase available resources, manage spaces, advocate for facility improvements, and strengthen the department's capacity to preserve and provide access to its collections. The Chair works collaboratively with departmental colleagues to assess strengths and weaknesses in the fourteen collections, determine priorities, establish policies, and develop departmental service plans that enhance and support the academic mission of the University. The Chair of the Department of Special and Area Studies Collections (SASC) will pursue professional development opportunities, including research, publication, and professional service activities to meet library-wide criteria for tenure and promotion.
For a candidate ready to assume a major leadership role, this position offers the opportunity to guide internationally significant collections while advancing research, teaching, public engagement, and the long-term stewardship of cultural heritage. The libraries seek candidates who demonstrate curiosity, dedication, and a collaborative spirit in working with the campus community to foster engagement with special and area studies collections.
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Collaborates with the Dean of University Libraries and the Associate Dean to devise and implement strategies to achieve goals relating to the education, research, and outreach mission of the department.
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Works with departmental faculty and staff to define needs, set priorities, develop policies, and establish goals, objectives, strategic plans, and budgets to ensure effective management and development of services and collections.
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Partners with the Dean of University Libraries, the Associate Dean and the Director of Advancement, to seek financial support for the department’s collections and operations.
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Oversees and coordinates the work of the units comprising the department of approximately 30 faculty and staff.
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Coordinates with collection managers and communicates work to the Libraries’ Administration.
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With department faculty and staff, oversees public facing events that showcase and enhance the curricular and scholarly use of the University of Florida’s Special and Area Studies Collections within the academic and research communities.
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Fosters a collaborative work environment, encouraging personnel to work within and across departments in the University Libraries and other units across campus to support the goals and initiatives of the Libraries’ strategic plan.
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Participates actively in the cooperative management of the Libraries through service on the Joint Chairs group, Branch Chairs, and other library consultative bodies. Participates in University of Florida committees as appropriate.
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Represents Special and Area Studies and the George A. Smathers Libraries at the state and national levels, advancing awareness of the Libraries' collections, services, expertise, and public mission.
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Pursues professional development goals, including publication and leadership in appropriate professional organizations on the state, regional and national levels to meet the requirements for tenure.
SPECIAL AND AREA STUDIES COLLECTIONS
The Special and Area Studies Collections Department stewards distinctive and internationally recognized collections in support of the academic mission of the University of Florida. Located in the heart of campus, the department supports UF faculty, staff, students, external researchers and the public from within the historic Smathers Library. The department's holdings related to Florida heritage, Latin America and the Caribbean, Anglo-American children's literature, and Judaica are exceptional among academic libraries in North America. Recognized for its innovative approach to stewardship, access, teaching, and public engagement, the department's collections and programs reflect the preeminence of the University of Florida, the institution's land-grant origins, and Florida's unique position as a hemispheric gateway. For more information about the collections, please visit: http://www.uflib.ufl.edu/spec/.
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| Required Qualifications: |
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Master’s degree in Library or Information Science from an ALA-accredited (or foreign equivalent) program, or other relevant advanced degree in subject specialty.
-
Eight years of relevant professional experience, including a record of progressive scholarly accomplishment. At least three years of leadership and supervisory responsibility in a research library, with demonstrated experience leading change and fostering professional development and growth.
-
Experience in effective planning and budgeting.
-
Ability to cultivate and maintain effective relations with donors.
-
Effective supervisory skills, with demonstrated ability to listen, mentor and lead.
-
Excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills.
-
Demonstrated ability to work both independently and collaboratively with faculty, students, administrators and the public.
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