Job: Library Department Head – Multimedia & Access Services at Univ of Delaware

The University of Delaware Library, Museums and Press seeks a motivated, creative, and user design-oriented professional to serve as Head, Multimedia and Access Services. This position manages two professional direct reports who are coordinators of the public service units: Access Services and the Student Multimedia Design Center (SMDC). This position reports to the Associate University Librarian for Public Services and Space Planning and collaborates often with the Collections division, Library IT, the manager of the Education Resource Center, and Reference and Instructional Services.

The Access Services unit comprises three areas: Circulation and Reserve (which includes the branch libraries of Physics, Chemistry and Marine Studies), the Library Annex, and Stacking. This unit manages the primary in-person service desk located just inside the entrance to the Morris Library. It has the most extensive service hours, including weekends and evenings, of all service areas. The unit is also responsible for the circulation service configuration for the Integrated Library System (ILS), currently OCLC Worldshare Management Services, and works with campus partners to support and maintain the ILS.

The SMDC unit provides a range of ever-changing and technology-rich in-person and online services and instruction related to the hardware, software, equipment for loan and studios in their space that support the creation of multimedia content. The SMDC works closely with teaching and learning librarians to coordinate the Library’s multimedia literacy program. Due to the highly technical nature of the equipment for loan and spaces located on the lower level, this service desk will remain open in the near term.

The functions and staff of another former service desk supporting the film and video collection, have been absorbed into both units in the department. Work to support access to the collection and the equipment to view it has been shared among the department units. Interlibrary loan materials will also be checked out by borrowers from the consolidated service desk, and staff will refer users to consultation services offered by various Library units.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES:
Provide leadership and strategic direction for the Access Services and Multimedia Department, which includes two units: Access Services and the Student Multimedia Design Center.
Create, refine, and communicate a broad vision for the department in alignment with the priorities of the Library and the University.
Develop and enact anti-racist policies and practices that ensure equitable, accessible service to a diverse community of users.
Foster an environment of collegiality and teamwork for the 19.5 FTE department staff, cultivating a respectful and inclusive work environment that empowers staff and values input from all employees.
Support an environment of growth in staff development by exploring and implementing new approaches to user design/user experience while continuing to improve a consolidated service model.
Manage the departmental student assistant budget and the SMDC technology budget.
Work with Library communications team to promote services to users; plan for wayfinding and applicable programming for library users.
Participate in the planning and implementation of library services and operations as a member of the Library Management Council and represent the department
As a member of the Library Management Council (LMC), participate in the planning and implementation of library services and operations and represent the department in collaborations with LMC colleagues, other Library staff and University partners.
Maintain currency on trends related to university needs, technology and library services, and continually assess department activities to plan for future improvements.

QUALIFICATIONS:
Required:
ALA-accredited graduate library degree.
Minimum of five years of professional work experience providing user access to materials and multimedia/technology support in an academic library.
Demonstrated ability to provide effective leadership for a key department and for staff who directly provide services to students, faculty and staff in a rapidly changing environment.
Strong organizational skills and the demonstrated ability to manage complex projects successfully.
Flexibility, creativity and the ability to thrive in a complex, changing environment with competing demands.
Demonstrated ability in planning, introducing, and managing change.
Excellent written and oral communication, interpersonal communication and public presentation skills.
Strong commitment to service excellence.
Familiarity with human resource policies and practices.
Ability to successfully motivate, encourage and reward staff.
Commitment to fostering a diverse and antiracist educational environment and workplace and an ability to work effectively with a diverse faculty, staff, and student population.
Knowledge of emerging trends in academic libraries related to public services, the backend of an integrated library systems, and the technology used to create multimodal projects in an academic setting.

Preferred:
Three years progressively responsible management experience.

View the complete job description on the University of Delaware site.