Head of Research Services for Widener Library

Head of Research Services for Widener Library

Harvard College Library

Cambridge, MA

Reporting to the Associate Librarian for Research and Instruction for Harvard College Library, the Head of Research Services for Widener Library leads the development, implementation, and evaluation of the Library’s teaching, learning, and research services in support of the scholarly activities of the Harvard community. The Head supports and encourages user-focused innovation in the department’s education, research, and outreach efforts and fosters a collaborative, team-based environment. This department leader enhances a well-established and successful liaison program, promotes the use of emerging technologies, and incorporates best practices into reference and research services. The Head cultivates collaborative initiatives between the Research Services department and the other Harvard Libraries and Faculty of Arts and Sciences academic programs and departments. This position is responsible for leading and managing the Research Services Department, a team of 11 professional librarians, and 1.5 support staff in Widener Library.

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to, developing unit goals, hiring and supervision of staff, budget preparation, and financial management. Leads the assessment of user needs, investigations of innovative reference and teaching service models, and the development of new programs to meet user needs and changes in the curriculum. Works collaboratively with heads of other HCL libraries and research services units and with the Research, Education, and Outreach Committee to provide integrated HCL-wide support for interdisciplinary teaching and learning. Develop programs supporting graduate and undergraduate research, teaching, and learning experiences. Participate in strategic planning and identify priorities for program and staff development. Works closely with HCL’s Head of Research and Learning Technologies to integrate innovative uses of technology into Research Services’ teaching, research, and outreach services. Consults and collaborates with HCL department heads in the development, delivery, and assessment of user services and programs. Supports continuing development of librarians as teachers, including enhancing librarians’ teaching skills, developing in-class and online learning opportunities, and evaluation student learning. Supports Research Services librarians in their work as teachers and liaisons and promotes further development of the liaison program with academic departments and programs. Participates in Research Services programs, including reference desk services, virtual reference programs, library orientations, outreach and teaching opportunities, and professional development activities. Serves on committees and promotes Research initiatives at national and regional conferences.

Additional Information:

There are over 80 libraries at Harvard that comprise the Harvard library system, with combined holdings of over 16 million items. More than 11 million of those items are part of the collection of Harvard College Library (HCL), a centrally administered system within the Faculty of Arts and Sciences that includes the following libraries: Widener, Cabot Science, Fine Arts, Fung, Harvard Film Archive, Harvard-Yenching, Houghton, Lamont, Loeb Music, Quad, and Tozzer.

Basic Qualifications:

ALA-accredited MLS required. Minimum of 5 years of research services, teaching, and supervisory experience required. Demonstrated experience in heading a department and fostering teamwork, collaboration, and creativity within the department.

Additional Qualifications:

A second advanced degree is preferred. Demonstrated experience in building effective and collaborative working relationships with other library managers, librarians, staff and other administrators. Dedication to supporting research services librarians and mentoring staff professional development. Demonstrated record of leadership in evaluating and implementing innovation and change in library services or programs.

Interested parties may apply to http://www.jobs.harvard.edu and search using requisition # 34627.

Harvard University is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer.

Harvard University requires pre-employment reference and background screening.


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