Head of Learning Commons & Branch Libraries (FP463A1)

The Old Dominion University (ODU) Libraries seeks a forward-thinking, collaborative, user-centered candidate to join its leadership team as the Head of Learning Commons and Branch Libraries. The successful candidate will manage the personnel, services, and day-to-day operations of the Learning Commons, located on the first level of Perry Library and jointly operated by the University Libraries, Information Technology Services, and the Office of Academic Success Initiatives and Support, as well as operations of the Music Library (co-located with Diehn Composers Room, operated by Special Collections and University Archives) and the Hofheimer Art Library. Learning Commons and Branch Libraries provide library research assistance, circulation of materials, technology assistance, event scheduling and support, and much more to facilitate student learning through exploration, collaboration, and discussion.

The Head of Learning Commons and Branch Libraries reports directly to the Dean of Libraries and participates in shared decision-making and strategic planning for the ODU Libraries. The successful candidate will leverage experience managing personnel, deploying technology, designing and continuously improving services, and planning spaces to create an environment that supports student learning, faculty teaching and research, and creates community at ODU. This position collaborates with colleagues within the Libraries, including departments of Teaching and Learning Initiatives and Liaison Services, Special Collections and University Archives, and Systems Development, and will creates and sustains productive partnerships with university units including Information Technology Services, the Office of Academic Success Initiatives and Support, Writing Center, Office of Educational Accessibility, and many others.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Leadership and Management:  Provide overall leadership, planning, and management of the Learning Commons and Branch Libraries Department, including collaboration and partnership with all Libraries departments and units outside of the Libraries that support student success. Evaluation operations of the Learning Commons and Branch Libraries and research, suggest, implement, and assess continuous improvements. Manage personnel administration for nine full-time staff and six hourly employees, including hiring, onboarding, evaluation, and mentoring and professional development. Set and promote excellent customer service standards and practices. Campus Engagement and Program Development:  Collaborate with university departments for student success, housing, student engagement and enrollment, information technology, and others to create a supportive learning environment and programming that contributes to student success. Evaluates new developments, identifies partnerships, and adjusts services and operations as needed. Library Leadership and Planning:  Participate in shared decision-making and strategic planning with the Library Management Team. Align Libraries goals with larger University strategic priorities. Manage effective relations between Learning Commons and Branch Libraries and other libraries units and personnel to ensure achievement of goals and objectives. Library and University Team and Committee Participation:  Participate in library and university teams, committees, task forces, and/or special projects to support the mission of the Libraries and the University. Build collaborative working relationships with academic departments, university offices, and organizations to expand and strengthen library services. Professional Involvement:  Actively engage in the life of the Libraries, University, information professions, and higher education, such as:  participating in university projects and initiatives; attending professional conferences or workshops; participating in professional organizations or committees at the state, regional, and/or national level; maintaining current awareness of developments in the field; sharing information with library colleagues through publications, presentations, digital projects, or other outlets.

Required Qualifications:

• ALA-accredited graduate degree in library and information science or its equivalent, or an advanced degree in a comparable field from an accredited institution Strong leadership and managerial skills including excellent analytic, creative, and innovative problem-solving abilities. Communication skills to effectively communicate issues, concerns, and ideas to the appropriate personnel over multiple modalities such as face to face, email, chat, telephone, and/or virtual meetings.

• Record of progressively responsible administrative and/or management experience in an academic or other library of comparable size, including experience with: Supervising library staff with evidence of or ability to prioritize the development of employees by coaching and mentoring staff; Organizing and managing complex projects, balancing competing priorities, and setting and meeting deadlines; Planning, supporting, and evaluating technologies and their utilization for advancing research and learning; and Building and sustaining effective interpersonal relations with library staff, campus administrators, faculty, and students. Analyzing user needs, developing solutions, implementing and assessing results.

• Knowledge of the concepts and best practices associated with Learning Commons spaces, library user services, collection development, and/or technical services; to include current learning technologies and their applications in a research and educational environment Demonstrated ability to work effectively with diverse staff and campus user communities

The successful candidate will be a member of the Libraries’ Administrative and Professional Faculty, with expectations for Libraries and University service and appropriate professional involvement. This is a full-time, 12-month position. Administrative and Professional Faculty are not eligible for tenure at Old Dominion University, but extended contract options are available based on performance.

For the full position description, more information on Old Dominion University and the University Libraries, and to apply, visit https://jobs.odu.edu/postings/16907.