Director of the Library and Knowledge Commons

Search:#711
Date Posted: 10/29/2018
Type/Department:Administrator in Library
Search Status:Search Suspended
Apply Now:Currently we are not accepting resumes for this position.

Hampshire College, an independent, innovative liberal arts institution and member of the Five College consortium with Amherst, Smith, and Mount Holyoke Colleges and the University of Massachusetts at Amherst, invites applications for the position of director of the library and knowledge commons. The College is located in the beautiful Pioneer Valley in Western Massachusetts and contributes to the rich cultural environments of the college towns of Amherst, South Hadley and Northampton.

The director of the library and knowledge commons has chief responsibility for all library services and helps to carry out the mission of the library, as such, “The Hampshire College Library is a dynamic hub of people, technology, and information that serves as an incubator of ideas across all disciplines. Educating for change demands comprehension of the past and vision for the future.  The library’s innovative risk-taking intellectual environment fosters new ways of creating knowledge and understanding.”  The director plans, organizes coordinates and directs all aspects of library services in support of Hampshire's academic mission in a unique, “do it yourself” educational environment.  The director brings creative problem solving to leverage available resources and ensure broadest access to relevant resources in support of Hampshire’s unique curriculum.  

The director of the library and knowledge commons attracts, develops and supervises an engaged professional and support staff that includes liaison librarians and staff in acquisitions and technical services, discovery, access services, archives, media, advanced media, and the gallery.  They work within the Five College library consortium to develop shared access to collections and services; identify and engage partners to participate in development of the library “knowledge, community and technology commons,” a hub of extended academic, community-engaged and technology resources in the library that directly support student academic success; and lead the integration of library and technology services with assistances provided by the Writing Center, Transformative Speaking Program, Quantitative Resource Center, and Center for Academic Support and Advising. The director will identify and modify library spaces to support evolving library services; identify necessary resources; and make judicious use of existing institutional resources in support of the library and knowledge commons. Responsibilities will include budget planning, oversight, documentation, and outcomes. The director of the library and knowledge commons serves as spokesperson, both on and outside of campus.

An advanced degree with a minimum of ten years of job related experience is required. Qualified candidate will have an extensive knowledge of collection management and discovery systems, library and archival cataloging, and metadata standards. Candidate must have the ability to collect and analyze data, project and forecast trends for libraries in higher education  with solid interpersonal, leadership, analytical, problem solving, organization, communication (written & oral), computer and administrative skills. This position requires strong management skills and an obligation to stay informed and abreast of trends and best practices in libraries and in higher education. A commitment to working with people from diverse backgrounds and the ability to foster an inclusive library culture is essential.  

This is a full time, benefited position. Hampshire College offers a competitive salary and excellent benefit program. Please submit your cover letter, resume and names/phone numbers of three professional references via our website at https://jobs.hampshire.edu/

www.hampshire.edu

 

 

Hampshire College is an equal opportunity institution, committed to diversity and inclusion in education and employment.