SUMMARY: The associate university librarian for information technology (AULIT) reports to the university librarian and is responsible for managing information technology operations, supporting web-based library services, and leading in digital repository development. The AULIT provides leadership and direction for the information technology division, collaborating with all other divisions and departments of University Library and with other library and information technology units throughout the university. As a member of the library’s senior leadership team, the AULIT advises and assists the university librarian in all aspects of library management and administration; and represents the library and/or the university in meetings, groups, and forums as required or requested, especially those focused on information technology issues.
RESPONSIBILITIES: Leads the planning, implementation, and evaluation of University Library’s information technology infrastructure in support of automated operations, online services, and digital library development. Develops information technology strategies to support the library’s vision for improved operations, resources, and services. Provides expert advice and assistance on matters relating to information technology throughout the libraries of the university. Oversees the management and operations of the information technology division, a major unit of the library organization engaged in digital repository and online services development; and in support of major library systems, student computing labs, staff and public workstations. Directly or indirectly supervises division staff (currently 15 professional staff positions). Provides vision for, plans, organizes, prioritizes, and reports on the work of the division. Plans and oversees procurement of automated systems and software as well as network, server, desktop and peripheral hardware. Investigates, compares, and tests options and services. Negotiates contract terms with hardware and software vendors. Monitors and arranges adjustments in hardware and software support provided to the library and to library staff through various university offices and organizations. Acts as University Library’s chief liaison with the university’s information technology division (NUIT). Plans development and ensures the smooth operation of library systems (e.g. Voyager, SFX) that NUIT supports as university enterprise systems. Works with NUIT to ensure appropriate planning and smooth operation of major server systems, mass storage solutions, and policy regarding data security and stewardship. Initiates, encourages, and coordinates collaborative projects, particularly but not exclusively, with the academic technology unit of NUIT. Works with other Northwestern University information technology staff, campus purchasing specialists, and the office of general counsel on matters related to acquisition of hardware, software, and technology support services. Promotes communication and cooperation among the library IT division, departments in other divisions of the University Library, and the Chicago campus libraries. Manages workstation deployment and support for all library divisions. Coordinates and supports digital projects, programs, and initiatives taking place in the digital collections department and in other units throughout the library organization. Seeks partnerships and manages collaborations with other organizations internal and external to Northwestern University. Represents University Library in meetings, groups, and forums as required or requested, especially those in which the focus is information technology. Standing representational responsibilities include membership on the CIC (Committee on Institutional Cooperation) library information technology directors and several groups internal to NU (e.g. school technology leaders, information technology coordinating council). Serves on the administrative committee, the university librarian’s cabinet. Serves on interdivisional committees for digital library and web services planning and provides a communication link between those groups and the administrative committee. Assists the university librarian and works with other members of the administrative committee to carry out the mission of the library. Participates in the management council, a policy making forum for department heads and senior management.
QUALIFICATIONS: MLS from an ALA-accredited library school or other relevant post-baccalaureate degree, or equivalent combination of education and experience required. Evidence of continuing participation in professional and scholarly activities required. Readiness to assume high level leadership of a broad range of functional and/or administrative activities required. The successful candidate will show a commitment to excellence in service to internal and external constituencies and will appreciate the importance of information technology infrastructure as a foundation for continuing excellence in the research library environment. Substantial (five or more years preferred) experience leading and managing information technology operations in a library, computing center, library consortium, or library services organization required. Significant experience working in a research university or other large academic institution preferred. Significant experience supervising, developing, and mentoring information technology professionals expected. Expertise in automated library systems and services issues required at a level sufficient to support decision-making and problem analysis. Awareness of current trends in hardware, software and vendor services relevant to the library and university expected. Understanding of digital preservation and institutional repository issues required at a level sufficient to support planning and project management. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills required. A broad view of library and university issues and a flexible approach to problem-solving expected. Proven ability to promote cooperative efforts and to foster productive collaborations required. Demonstrated analytic, quantitative, planning and organizational skill required. Record of successful program and project leadership expected.
Environment: Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois, is a major private university with an extensive library system. This includes the Northwestern University Library, three branch libraries on the Evanston Campus, and three libraries on the Chicago Campus. Northwestern University Library is a member of the Association of Research Libraries (ARL) and participates in programs of the Committee on Institutional Cooperation (CIC). The holdings of the libraries total over 4 million volumes. See more information about the Library at: www.library.northwestern.edu.
Salary: Dependent on qualifications and experience. Comprehensive benefits package.
To Apply: Send letter of application and resume, including names of three references, to Peter J. Devlin, Director of Library Personnel, Northwestern University Library, 1970 Campus Drive, Evanston , Illinois 60208-2300 or library-personnel@northwestern.edu. Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until position is filled. Northwestern University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. Employment eligibility verification required upon hire.
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