Associate Director for Collections & Information Discovery

Come join the Thurgood Marshall Law Library at the University of Maryland Francis King Carey School of Law– ranked this year as one of America’s Best Employers (Forbes Magazine)! The law school campus is located in the heart of historic downtown Baltimore, steps away from a daily rotation of food trucks, seasonal farmer's market, one of the oldest indoor markets in the country (Lexington Market), Camden Yards, and the Inner Harbor. The university’s shuttle provides easy access to other parts of the city. Baltimore has a rich history as a major transportation hub with the intersection of its seaport and the oldest railroad in the United States (Baltimore & Ohio). The economy has since shifted from industry and trade to knowledge and service. As a thriving intellectual hub, it is home to numerous academic campuses and libraries. With easy access to mountains and beaches, a quick drive or train ride to Philadelphia, New York, DC, and multiple airports, Charm City lives large.

The Thurgood Marshall Law Library is committed to innovation from playing an instrumental role in the robust, required legal research instruction program to the digitization of unique civil rights collections. We welcome applicants who are interested in building on this foundation and helping to lead forward-thinking initiatives that align with the university’s core values: respect and integrity; well-being and sustainability; equity and justice; and innovation and discovery.

Job Summary:

The Associate Director for Collections & Information Discovery is an essential member of the library’s leadership team, providing input on strategic directions for the law library and programs. Reporting to the Executive Director of the Thurgood Marshall Law Library, this position oversees the day-to-day management for the teams responsible for information discovery in all formats (e.g., technical services, access services, resources sharing, systems).

This position contributes expertise to library and campus committees, participates in local, regional, and national organizations; and participates in and represents the law library within the context of University System of Maryland and Affiliated Institutions (USMAI) working groups.

In order to maintain a nuanced understanding of the needs of the Carey Law community, this position will include approximately 1-2 hours on the reference desk per week. This position will also participate in the required legal research instruction program.

Essential Responsibilities:

• Participate in regular planning with the law library’s leadership team
• Directly and indirectly supervise four full-time allied professionals, two full-time librarians, part-time staff, and student workers
• Responsible for evaluating and mentoring direct reports
• Within budgetary parameters, acquire materials in all formats, ensuring the library’s collection effectively supports the diverse and evolving needs of the law school community
• Forecast trends and changes in acquisitions expenditures
• Conduct cost and use studies, along with weeding, cancellation, and collection maintenance projects as appropriate
• Serve as point-person for licensing resources, negotiating contracts, and resolving disputes with vendors
• Gather accurate and comprehensive statistics about library resources and their usage to ensure that patrons are well-served, to maximize the library’s budget, and to participate in benchmarking projects
• Oversee all resource sharing activities and policies
• Teach in the required legal research program
• Responsible for developing solutions within the context of collections & information discovery to meet the evolving needs of the Carey Law community

Qualifications :

Minimum Qualifications :

• Juris Doctor from an ABA accredited program and a master’s degree in library or information science (or related) from an ALA accredited program
• Four years post-MLS professional library experience
• Two years supervisory experience, and strong supervisory skills
• Experience with the application of new and emerging technologies in library environments
• Record of creativity in problem-solving, and open-mindedness in decision-making
• Strong project management skills
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Ability to prepare and explain reports (e.g., budget, usage statistics)
• Ability to establish and maintain strong working relationships with colleagues
• Enthusiasm for innovation and user-centered services
• Participation in professional, campus, and/or consortial library activities
• Commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility
• Collaborative approach to problem solving and working across teams and departments
• Ability to prioritize and complete tasks in a rapidly changing environment

Preferred Qualifications :

• Experience with an ILS migration
• Academic law library experience
• Teaching experience and familiarity with different instruction formats (e.g., in person, virtual)
• Experience using learning management systems, content management systems, video conferencing platforms, and instructional technology applications

Salary and Benefits :

Salary is competitive and is commensurate with qualifications and experience. Generous benefits include choice of retirement, medical, and dental plans; 22 days of annual leave; 15 days of sick leave; 3 personal days and 14 holidays. Regular employees, as well as their spouses and dependent children, may receive tuition remission for most programs at many campuses of the University System of Maryland. The position is a 12-month library faculty appointment. The successful candidate will be expected to meet library and university requirements for permanent status and promotion. A candidate with prior professional accomplishments may be considered for initial appointment at a level above Librarian I.

To Apply:

Application materials must include a CV/resume; cover letter which includes the source of advertisement; three references; and a separate signed/dated affidavit page (stating “I verify that my CV is current and accurate” - does not need to be notarized). Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.

UMB requires all faculty, staff, and students to be vaccinated against COVID-19. Exemptions for medical or religious reasons will be processed through Human Resources.

UMB is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law or policy. For assistance related to employment, please contact HRJobs@umaryland.edu .

If you anticipate needing a reasonable accommodation for a disability under the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA), during any part of the employment process, please submit a UMB Job Applicant Accommodation Request . You may also contact HRDiversity@umaryland.edu . Please note that only inquiries concerning an ADA request for reasonable accommodation will be responded to from this email address.