Dean of Library Services (Western Carolina University)
*Dean of Library Services*
Western Carolina University (WCU) is a dynamic, fast-growing member of the 16-campus University of North Carolina system. WCU is dedicated to continuous enhancement of its academic programs and integrating engaged learning with service to the region. Located in Cullowhee, NC, WCU is situated in a beautiful valley of the Blue Ridge Mountains, 52 miles west of Asheville and near the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, one of the nation’s most spectacular and most visited national parks. From its 600-acre main campus, through programs in Asheville, at various community colleges and online, the University serves more than 9,000 students from almost every state in the United States and 39 other countries. In order to meet emerging needs of the people of the state, WCU is committed to doubling its enrollment within a decade. The current student body is 54 percent female and 46 percent male. Academically, WCU offers 120 areas of study for undergraduates and more than 50 graduate-level programs. WCU is in the early stages of planning for the Millennial Initiative, an ambitious and comprehensive regional economic development strategy that will enable the university to partner with business, industry and government. Plans call for WCU to develop 344 acres of recently acquired property on the West Campus and portions of the existing campus to create multi-use neighborhoods that will become home to a mix of academic buildings, research facilities, business, industry and housing as part of a “knowledge enterprise zone.” The Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools accredits WCU to award baccalaureate, masters, education specialist and doctoral degrees. The University also holds 21 program accreditations and is a member of more than 30 state and national associations and organizations to which its professional programs are related. WCU has more than 500 full-time faculty members; 73 percent hold doctoral or terminal degrees. More than 78 percent of the classes have fewer than 30 students and the student faculty ratio is approximately 14-to-1.
Western Carolina University invites applications and nominations for Dean of Library Services. The Dean is the chief administrative and academic officer of Western Carolina University’s Hunter Library. The position is tenure-eligible with faculty rank and reports to the Provost. The Dean serves on the Board of Directors of the Western North Carolina Library Network and on the University Library Advisory Council of the University of North Carolina.
The Dean of Library Services must articulate a vision for Hunter Library and position the Library to take advantage of future opportunities. The successful candidate will be an active academic leader and play a vital role in fulfilling the University’s mission in teaching, research, and service.
THE LIBRARY
Hunter Library has a long, respected record of providing excellent service to the University. The library is dedicated to the thoughtful integration of print and digital resources and to supporting the information literacy development of students and the teaching and research needs of faculty. The library has 19 tenure-track faculty members, 30 staff members, and an annual budget of $4 million. The library contains approximately 750,000 print and electronic volumes and provides access to more than 34,000 journals through print subscriptions and electronic databases. The library is an active partner in the Western North Carolina Library Network.
SCOPE OF RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Support the university’s strategic vision to adopt an educational model of engaged learning with service to the region.
- Provide leadership in the management of the library including resource development and the recruitment, supervision, and appointment of staff and faculty
- Promote and advocate for the library, both within the university and at a state and regional level
- Coordinate collaborative efforts in strategic planning
- Plan and oversee library facilities to maintain an integral library presence within the university community
- Develop, allocate, and manage the library budget
- Raise external funds to further support the library’s programs and initiatives
- Oversee the assessment of library services and collections
- Facilitate active staff development
- Direct and advise the library faculty in the tenure, promotion, and reappointment processes
EXPERIENCE/REQUIREMENTS:
- M.L.S. or equivalent from an A.L.A.- accredited program
- Significant and progressive library administrative experience in a college or university library
- Strong knowledge and understanding of information technology as it relates to library services and instructional support
- Commitment to the library as central to the life of the university and thorough understanding of the library’s evolving role in a growing university
- Strong record of success in developing and implementing library innovations amid changes in scholarly communication - Understanding of the operations and goals of a regional comprehensive university
- Significant experience with budgeting and financial management
- Willingness to pursue external funding through grants and private fund-raising
- Commitment to an active staff development program, including support of tenure-track faculty
- Ability to build consensus, foster a collegial working environment, and work effectively with a variety of constituencies
APPLICATION PROCEDURES:
Salary is competitive and commensurate with qualifications. The position is available upon completion of the search, with a desired start date of January 1, 2008, but is negotiable. Review of applications will begin on September 14, 2007 and continue until the position is filled. Nominations of potential candidates are welcome.
Please submit application materials, resume, and names and telephone numbers of three references to the attention of the Search Committee Chair.
Candidates are asked to apply online directly at https://jobs.wcu.edu. or for the direct link to that ad: https://jobs.wcu.edu/applicants/Central?quickFind=50975
For more information, contact Dr. Scott Higgins, Dean of the Graduate School and Research at 828-227-3174 or higgins@email.wcu.edu.
*~Western Carolina University is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer*
* that conducts background checks before employment~*