Deputy Director of Library Services (Bristol)

Deputy Director

This post is responsible for major cross-service programmes of activity and directly line-manages a significant operational and financial portfolio which underpins the effectiveness of the whole service. The deputy is responsible for annual expenditure of over £4.5m pa on library resources and responsible for resource allocation across the four reporting groups, Digital Library, Content Procurement, Collections and Metadata and the Library’s central Planning and Resources team, which supports resource planning and administration across the whole service. The ideal candidate will have experience of senior management and strategic financial planning and demonstrate the potential and career ambition to go on to lead at service-level. The Deputy Director will be expected to demonstrate the ability to think and act strategically, shows evidence of effective communication and people skills to lead others through change, is strong on planning and organising, and is highly numerate, structured and logical in their approach. The post-holder will join the University at an exciting time when the Library is developing its estate plan and pushing forward digital transformation of services and collections. The Deputy Director is a senior leadership role that will help define, drive and deliver these initiatives.

Statement of Responsibilities

Planning & Organising,

• Leads the Library’s business and operational planning over a three to five year planning horizon with insight and knowledge of the internal planning environment and best practice in the sector (e.g. budget planning and negotiation for £4.5m expenditure per annum on books and subscriptions)
• Responsible for strategic programme-level activity and projects (e.g. leads business planning and procurement for next generation library management system) and ensures effective coordination and workload planning across the Library’s project portfolio (e.g. chairs the Library Strategy Programme Board)
• A key aspect of the role is resource allocation. The post-holder will be required to set clear priorities for reporting teams, and deploy human resources appropriately and flexibly to manage changing service demands. The post-holder has a strategic role with the Director in planning and delivering the Library’s overall budget and human resource allocation, which will involve strategies for investment and savings.
• Service-wide leadership for operational planning, business continuity and business intelligence that underpin strategic and operational decision-making with a three to five year planning horizon (e.g. responsible for service-wide metrics, risk management, service level standards and operational planning cycle).

Analysis, Documentation and Reporting

• Strategic and operational analysis and benchmarking; production and presentation of reports, position papers and business-cases, including financial data and resource planning for service development and projects (e.g. reporting and negotiating at Library Strategy Group, University Planning and Resources Committee, Systems and Processes Improvement Board, Capital Investment Programme Board)

Customer Services & Support

• Responsible for a customer-focussed approach across reporting teams and for helping to set the standard for a library-wide approach to customer excellence
• Leadership for key strategies and their operational implementation through service development, projects and programmes (e.g. responsible for digital transformation and a programme of collection management activities which will underpin library estate transformation)
• Responsible for key areas of service appropriate to the remit of Deputy Director and reporting teams (e.g. responsible for planning the Library’s content strategies in line with the needs of academics and students and responsible for the Library’s institutional role in copyright guidance and governance)
• Responsible for service standards that are stretching, responsive to the needs of library users and demonstrate quality, timeliness and value for money

Liaison

• Leads strategic liaison and advocacy in key areas of business, including consultation, partnership working and negotiation with senior university figures (e.g. PVCs, Deans, Heads of Schools, Research and Education Directors, Divisional Heads) over major change initiatives
• Responsible for effective partnerships and liaison structures on behalf of the library with other Professional Services University, particularly IT Services, Strategic Planning Office, HR and Finance
• Responsible for senior supplier relationships and procurement, including software suppliers and publishers, ensuring the University is achieving value for money in the services and resources supplied by chosen vendors
• Represent the University externally, ensuring the University’s views are represented (e.g. on national working groups) and building a personal profile that helps build influence for Bristol externally

Decision-making, Problem-Solving and Continuous Improvement

• Decision-making responsibility for business solutions and delivering continuous improvement across significant areas of operational responsibility and in the context of challenging change initiatives in line with the Library’s Strategy (e.g. responsible for bibliographic standards and driving forward process change towards greater automation, self-service and outsourcing)
• Fosters a culture of individual and team empowerment and problem-solving, encouraging local ownership of decision-making, risk management, continuous improvement and innovation
• Manages the tension between financial constraints and a need to innovate with creativity and a positive approach to change

 

People Management

• Leading and building teams, representing a range of expert and technical skills across a diverse staffing group and leading people through business transformation; responsible for managing, motivating, challenging, empowering and developing staff. .
• Responsible for workforce planning, line management and development of reporting teams; ensuring the teams are structured flexibly and responsibly to deliver the Library’s objectives; coupled with the ability to define clear objectives and targets on both individual and team bases
• Responsible for leadership development of the Library’s middle managers group
• Responsible for project teams, including coordination and supervision of staff outside line-management remit

Deputises for the Director as required

Associate Director (Content, Collections & Discovery) (Southampton)

The post holder is a member of the Library Senior Leadership Team responsible for directing, developing and overseeing library strategy, policy and planning and ensuring alignment with and support for University strategic objectives.

The Associate Director (Content, Collections & Discovery) leads strategic development of physical and electronic content and collections in support of the portfolio of academic programmes and research across all Faculties and subject areas. With responsibility for the deployment of the information and content budget (currently £4 million) the post holder ensures an appropriate balance of expenditure on information in a complex and challenging funding environment to meet strategic priorities.  The post is also responsible for development of innovative discovery infrastructure to ensure effective access and use of digital content and collections.

The post holder is senior manager of the teams responsible for the following work areas: 1) procurement (acquisition processes) for library electronic resources and physical collections,  2) digital discovery and access through development of the catalogues and discovery tools, including teams responsible for cataloguing and metadata development  3) Digitisation of locally held content for  sites and  projects 4) specialist advice about use of content in learning, teaching and research – including  development of learning objects 5) Management of the operation of the University research outputs repository 6) physical management of the collections to support stock editing and relocation as needed. The role has a direct bearing on the University’s ability to meet academic objectives and the student learning experience.

 

Key accountabilities/primary responsibilities		% Time
1.	Develop strategic plans for the University Library as a member of the Senior Leadership Team, ensuring alignment of departmental support with University strategic objectives	20 %
2.	Lead the Content, Collections and Discovery Division (approx. 48 staff) developing strategic objectives and delivering enhancements. Ensure effective quality and continuous improvement by setting strategic objectives, developing service standards and KPIs, monitoring service performance and progress and working collaboratively with other Library Divisions and with stakeholders to ensure effective development and delivery of the area of work.	20 %
3.	Take responsibility for strategic oversight of Library budgets for information and content (More than £4 million) Ensure compliance with University financial regulations and procurement rules, monitor financial outturn based on analysis and benchmarking, provide specialist input to financial forward planning based on expert knowledge of changes in  academic publishing and the licensing of information and content.	10 %
4.	Develop strategies for the deployment of information and content resources to ensure appropriate fit and support for University strategic objectives, including developing processes to support new programme and research area development to ensure appropriate input of Library information resource costs working with the Academic Engagement and Research Support Librarians.	10%
5.	Lead the development of access to content via metadata for collections, including building the expert knowledge of the teams to provide support and guidance to other teams, e.g. by providing technical and metadata support for institutional repository development and by developing the contribution of the team to second line support	10 %
6.	Lead development of innovative discovery and access infrastructure to ensure effective use of digital content and physical and electronic collections.	10 %
7.	Lead or participate in cross-University strategic projects with other professionals service areas or faculties, bringing specialist knowledge to such developments	10 %
8.	Negotiate and develop approaches to provide information in support of partnerships, particularly the formal arrangements with NERC, NHS, overseas partners and in some cases commercial partnerships.	5 %
9.	Initiate, mediate and support the development of content-related externally funded projects which will promote the strategic needs of the University, deliver service benefits and enhancements.	5 %
10.	Any other duties as allocated by the line manager following consultation with the post holder.	%

 

Internal and external relationships
Department and University senior managers including University Executive, Other managers and library teams Library users and stakeholders Relevant external intermediaries, licensing bodies and suppliers Professional bodes and working groups as relevant to the area of responsibility, e.g.  JISC RLUK and SCONUL End users – staff students and visitors

 

Special Requirements

Additionally the post holder will be required to: •Show personal commitment to the values of the service: excellence, creativity, community and integrity •Demonstrate commitment to maintaining professional knowledge and awareness through continuing  personal and professional development of self, for those in the teams managed and to support for wider Library and University development in relation to the area of work •Fulfil the responsibilities for employees and managers as set out in the University Health and Safety Policy and procedures •Demonstrate commitment to equality and diversity

Criteria	Essential	Desirable
Qualifications, knowledge and experience	Professionally qualified with a relevant degree/postgraduate qualification in a field relevant to this post, e.g. Library and Information Science. Proven senior management and leadership experience and demonstrable success in a service-orientated organisation, including evidence of successfully managing change in an area of work relevant to the current post Experience of strategic and technical change management projects showing awareness of and interest in the application of technology to enhance services and deliver content. Evidence of  developments in academic publishing and the impact on access to information including open access developments Evidence of understanding of IT systems and e-resource management and procurement	Membership of a relevant professional body and commitment to the professional area of work evidenced by engagement with professional or sector bodies. PRINCE2 or similar project management qualification.
Planning and organising	Able to plan and direct a relevant specialist or professional area, such as development and discovery of digital content or in a technical services area Able to organise major new initiatives, with little or no precedent Evidence of collaborative and effectively work with colleagues outside direct responsibility, e.g. in delivering organisation wide or external projects
Problem solving and initiative	Able to develop significant new concepts and original ideas within the field in response to intractable issues of importance to the University.
Management and teamwork	Demonstrating an inclusive  leadership style based on a collegiate approach and an  ability to work collaboratively with staff at all levels Able to foster positive relationships with others across the University including proactive work with others senior managers to achieve key deliverables. Able to proactively develop team dynamics and performance, ensuring quality standards are consistently achieved. Evidence of effective business relationships with suppliers and publishers
Communicating and influencing	Able to negotiate effectively on behalf of the department or University on key issues. An excellent communicator, with the ability to develop and lead key communications strategies for the area of work within the department and d externally. Able to demonstrate a strong user and stakeholder focus and an anticipatory and agile and responsive approach to user requirements
Other skills and behaviours	Evidence of financial & commercial acumen associated with information and content procurement in a relevant field   Experience of managing budgets

Head of Special Collections (Leeds)

Key responsibilities

You will have proven experience of strategic leadership. You will be able to communicate a vision for developing collections and activities to both the Special Collections team and the wider University. You will also be able to translate that vision into action. With extensive experience in Special Collections, art galleries or museums, you will ensure that the collections make a significant contribution to teaching, research, and engagement with the wider community. You will have demonstrated the ability to manage significant projects, develop relationships with donors and secure external funding.

The post reports to the University Librarian and Keeper of the Brotherton Collection. As Head of Special Collections, your responsibilities are:

• Leading staff within Special Collections, by articulating the vision which flows from the Library’s strategic plan, Library Futures. This will involve setting individual and group objectives, monitoring performance and mentoring and encouraging staff to perform at the very highest level.
• Developing strategic and operational plans for Special Collections which will contribute to the achievement of the Library’s strategic objectives and vision as laid out in Library Futures.
• Securing external funding for Special Collections projects and ongoing operations through private donors, grant-giving bodies and other means.
• Being an ambassador for the Library and especially Special Collections both within the University and the wider academic community.
• Contributing to the leadership and development of the University Library more widely as a member of Leadership Team and through other groups as appropriate.
• Advising and assisting the University Librarian as required.

Main duties

• Leading the implementation of strategic actions within Library Futures relating to Special Collections. These include collection development, community engagement, increasing the range of research on collections and resource discovery projects.
• Raising the profile of Special Collections by leading the development of programmes of public engagement including exhibitions and events.
• Developing and supporting opportunities for research on the collections with academic colleagues within the University and beyond.
• Providing reports and information to the Brotherton Collection Advisory Committee and other groups associated with Special Collections.
• Keeping under review policies relating to acquisitions, fundraising, digitisation, and other issues to ensure best practice.
• Ensuring that the highest levels of security for the Library’s Special Collections and Art Collection are maintained.
• Developing collections, through acquisition and purchase, by encouraging gifts and deposits. University of Leeds Library – Head of Special Collections 4/10
• Managing budgets allocated to Special Collections and related projects, in consultation with the Library’s Management Accountant.
• Leading the operation and development of the Stanley & Audrey Burton Gallery and the Treasures of the Brotherton Gallery.

Deputy Director of Library Services (Glasgow)

Job Purpose

To deliver strong and strategic leadership in providing and developing the Library’s support for research and the University Colleges. To effectively manage and deploy resources in order to provide relevant high quality services aligned to the University’s research strategic priorities. To deputise for the Director of Library Services when required.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

1. As a member of the Library’s senior management team to deliver strong, effective leadership and strategic direction for the University Library and associated services within a dynamic environment; and to ensure strategic targets and goals are met, particularly with regard to supporting the University’s research strategies.

2. To have delegated responsibility for relevant aspects of the Library’s Budget, in particular the Library Materials and Consumables Budgets; and to work with the Scottish Higher Education Digital Library on collaborative purchase of content; to maximise opportunities for income generation in areas that support the Library’s strategic aims.

3. To be responsible for the delivery of the Library’s strategic engagement with academic staff and researchers. To manage the Library’s relationship with University Colleges, both directly and via management of the College Librarians. To ensure the Library materials budget is spent efficiently and effectively in partnership with academic colleagues and that collections are developed appropriately. To ensure that high quality training and professional services are delivered for academic staff and researchers.

4. To work with senior managers in the University, in particular the office of the Vice-Principal for Research, to provide support for research management across the University and for preparations for the Research Excellence Framework. To develop and provide expertise in areas such as bibliometrics.

5. To engage with senior colleagues to ensure the most effective, flexible, user-focussed and responsive use of Library space and resources, within a general context of a move from print to digital, to meet the needs of the University management, researchers and students.

6. To lead the Library’s services for open access and research data management, working closely with the Colleges to ensure that services are aligned to their requirements. To work with RCUK, the Charity Open Access Fund and any other funders, where relevant, to oversee the funds for open access provided by them. To engage with the wider HE community on developments in scholarly communications.

7. To oversee effective human resource management within Academic Engagement Services, including recruitment, deployment, performance management and staff development; to ensure compliance with all relevant policies and practices and the achievement of strategic objectives.

8. To strengthen and develop relevant strategic partnerships and collaborations; to effectively promote the Library within the University, and consolidate and enhance the status of the Library/University regionally, nationally and internationally.

9. Undertake other tasks and duties as agreed from time to time with the Director of Library Services

10. To contribute to the enhancement of the University’s international profile in line with the University’s Strategic Plan, Glasgow 2020 – A Global Vision

Deputy Librarian (Oxford)

Overview of the role

The post holder has strategic responsibility for the academic and public services of the Bodleian Libraries, including its special collections. The Deputy University Librarian deputises for Bodley’s Librarian in his absence or at his request and is a member of the Libraries’ Executive Team and Roundtable.

The Deputy to Bodley’s Librarian is responsible for coordinating the Bodleian’s Public Engagement Strategy, working with colleagues across the organisation to ensure that the Bodleian can support the University’s strategy in the most effective manner possible. As the individual responsible for overseeing the academic and public services of the Bodleian Libraries, the post holder aligns the Libraries’ information services with the teaching and research needs of the university and provides support for approximately 34,000 registered external readers. Included in the portfolio of the Deputy are over 30 facilities from which services are delivered and which serve as the offices for approximately 300 staff. The Heads of Subject Areas (Humanities, Medicine, Mathematical, Physical, and Life Sciences, and Social Science) and the Head of Research and Learning Support report to the Deputy, who is responsible for working with them to promote efficient management of resources, integration of services across the different disciplines, and the advancement of best practice and innovative services.

The Deputy also provides, through the Keeper of Special Collections, strategic leadership of special collections, and the University Archives. Over 93 staff provide highly specialised services and interpretation of collections to a broad audience of scholars and the general public and are responsible for maintaining and extending the Bodleian’s centuries old reputation as a world-leading research library.

The Deputy manages a total budget of about £11million.

The post holder is

• A key member of the Libraries’ Executive Team, Roundtable, Cabinet, and Council of Management
• A member of the Committee of College Librarians
• A member of the Committees on Library Provision at the Divisional Board level.

As Deputy University Librarian, the post holder will

• Contribute to the strategic oversight of all the activities of the Bodleian Libraries with Bodley’s Librarian, the Associate Director for Collections
• Support, the Associate Director of Digital Libraries, and the Head of Administration and Finance.
• Deputise for Bodley’s Librarian in his absence and at his request.
• Make a significant contribution to the development, updating, and implementation of the Bodleian’s Strategic Plan.
• Liaise with senior officers of the University and others on a wide range of policy and management matters and contribute to the discussion of these issues within the wider university and beyond,
• Attend, contribute to, and prepare papers for the meeting of the Curators of the University Libraries.
• Participate, as appropriate, in national and international professional organisations.

This is an entitled post with a Professorial Fellowship.

Responsibilities/duties

Strategy
Determine the strategic direction, provide leadership, and manage the delivery of user focused academic library services throughout the Libraries including the general and Special Collections, ensuring that the Bodleian Libraries are a key resource in teaching, learning, and research in the University of Oxford.

Work with Bodley’s Librarian and senior officers of the University toward the realisation of the Libraries’ Strategy, including improving access to the collections and information by ensuring that relevant scholarly materials are directly available to users that the Libraries are at the forefront in the adoption and promotion of both new technologies and new forms of information.

Increase the visibility and use of Bodleian collections, programs, and staff expertise among a wider audience through a varied programme of public engagement activities and appropriate services.

Services
Develop and sustain high-quality, innovative, and productivity-enhancing services for University and external users of the Libraries in collaboration with other senior staff of the Bodleian, including:

• Provision of services within the physical libraries, including the planning of new library facilities
• Online service delivery; adjusting services to respond to new forms of research and teaching
• Access services such as catalogues and finding-aids that provide accurate and useful descriptions of the Libraries’ holdings, as well as circulation, lending and document delivery services.
• An efficient and welcoming Admissions operation that minimizes the time needed by readers to register and provides the most positive first-encounter of the user with the Bodleian possible.
• Provision of support for teaching and learning including (e.g.) user education and information literacy programmes
• Oversight of the Bodleian’s research strategy and research support activities
• Coordination of the Libraries support for the REF
• Contribute to the support for open access and open data requirements of the university
• Measure the effectiveness of Libraries’ services against the stated needs of users and taking into consideration benchmarks with peer institutions.
• Work with the Head of Assessment and Heads of Subject Area to focus resources in the areas where they are most needed, using quantitative and qualitative data to identify those

Liaison
Set and implement a strategic plan for liaison with academic staff, students, and other library users concerning library provision for all subjects in the general and Special Collections.

Liaise with other areas of the Libraries, including Collections Support and Digital Libraries.

Maintain and enhance relationships with College Librarians (including through the Committee of College Librarians) and librarians at Independent Centres to promote improved access to information resources and services to users.

Establish and expand collaboration with Oxford museums.

Work with counterparts at UK and international institutions to support and develop shared serves such as UKRR, SCONUL Access, or other collaborative activities.

Liaise, in conjunction with Bodley’s Librarian and the Heads of Subject Areas, with Division Heads.

Staff Management
Provide strong, effective and dynamic leadership and management to all staff employed in Academic Library Services consistent with the policies and procedures of the University and the Bodleian.

Ensure that the library recruits, motivates, trains and retains staff with the skills needed for the Bodleian’s current and future needs, in an inclusive environment.

Ensure that all staff are fully trained to perform their jobs through the Staff Development Programme.

Conduct annual staff reviews.

Collections and Public Engagement

Working with the Associate Director for Collections Support, ensure that the Bodleian’s collections continue to be developed through purchase, deposit, and donation, through the articulation of a Collection Development Policy which supports the University’s mission.

Maintain excellent relations with key donors and depositors.

Contribute to the development of new policies for Collection Development and Legal Deposit implementation that take into account the changing nature of publishing and use of materials, including the growth of electronic media.

Contribute to the development of the Libraries’ digital strategy and the transformation of the content of the Libraries’ collections into digital form through the identification of relevant materials.

Coordinate the Bodleian’s Public Engagement activities and other public programmes, working with colleagues across the Bodleian and ASUC.

Financial Management and Administration
Monitor the budget for public services and the subject areas, ensuring that submissions are completed on time, that a balanced budget is maintained, and that resources are efficiently and effectively used.

Contribute to reduction of the PRAC budget through revenue generation and the implementation of ideas for saving funds.

Ensure that all areas of Academic Library Services are compliant with Health and Safety regulations and that recommendations from the DSO and ASUC Safety Officers’ receive a timely response.

Selection criteria
Essential
 A good degree and a relevant post graduate qualification
 An excellent knowledge of Special Collections and/or policy for Collection
Development and legal deposit
 Ability to strategically manage large and complex operations and projects including
highly developed planning and decision making skills
 Strong record of strategic innovation and creative leadership and accomplishment in
the management of collections in a large research or academic library, to include
significant project management experience
 Excellent analytical, problem solving and decision making skills
 The ability to communicate effectively, to influence and collaborate, and have a
strong customer service orientation with library staff, academic colleagues, library
users, donors, senior University officers and other constituencies within the
organisation and externally
 Proven record of successful collaboration with others
 Ability to initiate and manage strategic organisational change
 Ability to creatively manage and monitor a budget of £11m
 Ability to represent the Bodleian Libraries, locally, nationally, and internationally
through committees, papers and presentations
 Substantial experience of working in a senior role in a major research library or in a
related academic or research enterprise with a strong library association
 Awareness of current issues in higher education
 Demonstrated skills in management and supervision in collaboration with internal
stakeholders to influence effective deployment of people throughout the organisation
 Ability to manage a staff of over 300, as well as leading, motivating and developing
colleagues
 Ability to work under pressure; to involve all members of the library team in the
delivery of high quality, user focused services.
 Experience of leading public engagement activities

Head of Library Operational Services (Bath)

Job Purpose

The Library’s Head of Operational Services is a member of the Library Executive Team, comprising the University Librarian, Head of Library Academic Services and Head of Library Research Services.  The post holder will support the University Librarian to develop, direct and oversee Library strategy, policies and planning; participating in the executive management of the Library and ensuring alignment with the University’s strategies.

The Head of Operational Services will provide strategic leadership on behalf of the service in the procurement and delivery of scholarly content in all formats to support education and research and take strategic oversight of the Library’s physical and technical infrastructures.

The post holder will take responsibility for developing, directing and implementing the Library’s services in the following areas: the Technical Services department; financial planning and procurement; statistical analysis and KPIs; the physical infrastructure and operation of the Library; the systems used by the Library.

The role requires a highly customer oriented approach to service development and improvement with a focus on innovation and an emphasis on digital and operational services and systems.  The ability to foster excellent working relationships with academic and professional services colleagues, manage complex vendor and system relationships and the ability to engage with innovation and change are key requirements.

The Head of Operational Services will be a recognised authority within the University on information systems and represent the Library as a member of University committees and at external events.  The Head of Operational Services is expected to maintain the highest standards in the execution of his/her duties.

 

Management responsibility

The Head of Operational Services will lead the management of the following teams:

Acquisitions, Cataloguing, Copy & Print, Document Supply, E-Resources, Library Administration, Serials, Systems.

The post-holder will be expected to implement and work within the University’s Policies, Procedures and Guidelines.

Career and Professional Development Activities

The Head of Operational Services is required to maintain an extensive knowledge of trends in higher education, best practice and innovation within librarianship and information science, and relevant developments and requirements in both electronic and print collection management.

Special conditions 

Chartership OR Fellowship with CILIP (or equivalent) and a demonstrable engagement to CPD through a commitment to Revalidation with CILIP.

Library qualification to at least undergraduate level.

 

Main duties and responsibilities

1

Strategy   As a member of the Library’s Executive you will participate in the strategic planning and development of the University Library, monitoring and delivering strategy and key performance outcomes to ensure it maximises its contribution to the work of the University.  As outlined under the following broad areas below, you will be expected:   Finance & Statistics:   to be responsible for the proposal and monitoring of the Library’s allocation estimates, licensing and contracts; and for expenditure control, comparator analysis and financial forward planning estimates to ensure compliance with the University’s financial regulations and procurement rules, and to liaise with the Central Finance department and Purchasing Services to ensure effective quality assurance processes and service level targets within the Library, including their monitoring and evaluation to lead the evaluation and collation of the Library’s KPIs and national statistical returns; and to take responsibility for surveys, including their analysis and monitoring.   Administration, Building, Systems and Technical Services:    to be responsible for the physical infrastructure of the Library: its furniture, fixtures and fittings, ensuring that it meets legal requirements and the expectations of the Library’s staff and users to be responsible for the monitoring and development of the Library building, including space and connectivity requirements and major procurement to maintain the security and cleanliness of the Library building and to liaise with appropriate University staff in this regard to manage and maintain effective working relationships with staff from other departments and services working within the Library building to be responsible for the overall look and feel of library premises, working with the Library Executive to ensure they support the education, research and international strategies of the University to be responsible for the technical infrastructure of the Library: its technical services, systems and equipment, ensuring that it meets the requirements and expectations of the Library’s staff and users to lead thinking on the library systems landscape to ensure it is innovative and responsive to the University’s education and research ambitions and to emerging technological developments and user requirements to ensure compliance with licenses, contracts and other regulations, including copyright, third party content licenses and contracts for hosting or delivering library e-resources to be a recognised authority within the University on library information systems and to ensure library systems are compatible with those of the University through effective working relationships with other University departments, in particular the University Computing Service to manage and maintain an effective administrative support system for the Library and its users, ensuring administrative procedures deliver a high level of service in support of University policies

 

2

Leadership and Management   as a member of the Library’s Executive, to plan and lead staff and develop services and strategies to enhance the Library to be responsible and accountable for the vision, strategic leadership, performance and development of the Library’s technical, operational and administrative services and systems to take strategic oversight and provide planning and policy as required for all aspects of delivery of the services within your remit to lead and manage the Library’s Technical Services, Systems and Administrative teams, maintaining the effective and efficient deployment of team members to oversee the recruitment, selection, development and performance of staff within your teams, complying with University strategy and policy to set standards for service delivery, ensuring their quality and the continuous review and improvement of business processes, practices and procedures within your areas of responsibility to contribute to and support University wide initiatives as required, working co-operatively with colleagues across the University to enhance and develop services and initiatives to build effective relationships with others within the Library, the University and the wider professional community, displaying influencing and advocacy skills and representing the Library and the University on committees, forums and other events.

You will from time to time be required to deputise for the University Librarian and to undertake other duties of a similar nature as reasonably required.

Person Specification

 

Criteria	Essential	Desirable
Qualifications
Chartership OR Fellowship with CILIP (or equivalent).	√
Library qualification to at least undergraduate level.	√
Experience/Knowledge
Significant experience in a senior librarianship (or equivalent) post, with demonstrable success in a service-orientated organisation.	√
Knowledge of the HE environment and current issues in the delivery of e-resources and library systems, with an understanding of legal and compliance issues such as copyright and licensing,	√
Experience of working collaboratively and effectively with university colleagues in academic and professional services.	√
An understanding of IT systems and e-resource management and procurement and experience of building effective relationships and negotiating with external suppliers and publishers.	√
Experience of strategic and technological change projects, including managing changes to working practices and business models to achieve sustainable user-focussed results.		√
Professional involvement with external organisations in the HE or LIS sector.		√
Skills
Think strategically and innovatively, leading, managing and motivating others to meet Library & University priorities and to deliver University objectives.   Demonstrate a strong user focus and customer service ethos, and an anticipatory and agile approach to service provision.   Demonstrate financial and statistical acumen and commercial awareness, with the ability to ensure best value for e-resource and system procurement.   Demonstrate exemplary interpersonal and management skills, and the ability to work effectively with all levels of staff and users.   Display excellent oral and written communication and advocacy skills, including the ability to express complex ideas and statistical analysis clearly and succinctly, and to represent the Library within the University and externally.   Have a proven ability to manage complex projects, work under pressure, and prioritise, schedule and balance your workloads and those of others in the face of conflicting and uneven demands.   Maintain an awareness of and display an interest in the application of technology to enhance services and deliver efficiencies.   Demonstrate experience of working with and developing collections, managing finite budgets and working accurately with numerical and financial data, including experience of working with collections and licenses within a legal framework.   Demonstrate an understanding of digital scholarly publications and the research information management environment.   Show initiative and demonstrate an innovative approach to your work and an ability to manage change.	√       √       √       √       √         √       √       √                   √	√
Attributes
Display versatility, creativity and enthusiasm, with a commitment to the provision of high quality Library Services and an ability to exploit the opportunities offered by new technologies.   Display a committed and proactive approach to your own continued professional development, along with a positive attitude towards technological developments and the provision of equitable services.   Demonstrate an inclusive and collaborative leadership style, with a collegiate approach and an ability to work co-operatively and effectively, inspiring and motivating others to deliver library objectives.	√         √         √

Effective Behaviours Framework

 

The University has identified a set of effective behaviours which we value and have found to be consistent with high performance across the organisation.   Part of the selection process for this post will be to assess whether candidates have demonstrably exhibited these behaviours previously.

Managing self and personal skills: Willing and able to assess and apply own skills, abilities and experience.  Being aware of own behaviour and how it impacts on others.

Delivering excellent service: Providing the best quality service to all students and staff and to external customers e.g. clients, suppliers. Building genuine and open long-term relationships in order to drive up service standards.

Finding innovative solutions: Taking a holistic view and working enthusiastically and with creativity to analyse problems and develop innovative and workable solutions.  Identifying opportunities for innovation.

Embracing change: Adjusting to unfamiliar situations, demands and changing roles.  Seeing change as an opportunity and being receptive to new ideas.

Using resources: Making effective use of available resources including people, information, networks and budgets.  Being aware of the financial and commercial aspects of the University.

Engaging with the big picture: Seeing the work that you do in the context of the bigger picture e.g. in the context of what the University/other departments are striving to achieve and taking a long-term view.  Communicating vision clearly and enthusiastically to inspire and motivate others.

Developing self and others: Showing commitment to own development and supporting and encouraging others to develop their knowledge, skills and behaviours to enable them to reach their full potential for the wider benefit of the University.

Working with people: Working co-operatively with others in order to achieve objectives.  Demonstrating a commitment to diversity and applying a wider range of interpersonal skills.

Achieving results: Planning and organising workloads to ensure that deadlines are met within resource constraints.  Consistently meeting objectives and success criteria.

Associate Director (Partnership & Liaison) (King’s College London)

Role purpose

The purpose of the Associate Director (Partnership & Liaison) is to strategically develop an excellent, customer focused service by proactively:  Developing a strategic approach to liaison on behalf of Library Services Motivating and managing a team of Liaison Managers and leading them in delivering purposeful liaison across the College Building close working relationships across the Students and Education Directorate (SED) and the College to facilitate the effective flow of information in the interests of all customers Developing customer insight and customer involvement which delivers improved services, collections and resources including taking accountability for the customer feedback and complaints procedures Leading promotion and engagement activities via Liaison Managers and throughout Library Services Leading on Library Services’ continuous improvement in line with the Customer Services Excellence Standard Working closely with teams across Library Services and the Library Leadership Team to ensure liaison represents the full range of services, collections and resources Creating a culture of empowerment and collective responsibility Consistently role modelling ‘responsive, inclusive, knowledgeable and friendly’ behaviours in line with our Quality Service Definition.

 

Role outline

Strategic approach to liaison Develop a plan for liaison across the College based on customer insight Ensure that limited staffing resources are targeted effectively by defining liaison channels that will result in the most significant impact for customers Develop a liaison framework that ensures effective communication channels are defined and appropriate representatives are involved in committees, liaison meetings etc Ensure that Library Services are represented on all relevant committees, working groups, etc, across College and that the needs of customers using Library Services are represented in College planning processes Identify opportunities for liaising directly with students including building effective relationships with King’s College London Students Union (KCLSU) Work closely with the Associate Director (Training and Skills) to define a strategic approach for integrating training and skills provision into the curriculum and alongside teaching and learning through targeted engagement with senior colleagues in Schools Use advanced influencing and persuading skills to secure senior level College support for services and initiatives that will enable Library Services to contribute towards enhancing the student experience and academic attainment.   Managing and motivating a team of Liaison Managers Lead a team of Liaison Managers in delivering purposeful liaison across the College in line with the defined plan and liaison framework Ensure Liaison Managers advocate for all services in the Students and Education Directorate and across the College, feeding customer insight back into other departments as appropriate Motivate team members through effective objective setting, clear definition of job roles, communication of the Customers Division Team Plan, the Library Services Strategic Plan and commitment to the Performance Development Review process Create a culture of honesty and trust that encourages ideas through open communication and constructive feedback Empower staff through ownership of defined areas of responsibility, especially with regards to promotion, engagement, and customer insight activities Foster a culture committed to training and development, identify development needs and ensure training is arranged; encourage staff to identify their own training and development requirements Celebrate both individual and team successes Motivate staff through change, establishing a culture that is positive about rapid and constant change in the pursuit of continuous improvement Adopt a positive, proactive, flexible and committed approach that inspires others Follow HR procedures and best practice in recruitment, probation, Performance Development Review and performance management.   Building relationships Gain a thorough understanding of the College structure and the services provided throughout the College, especially in the Students and Education Directorate Develop effective relationships with key stakeholders, including students and their elected representatives the King’s College London Students Union (KCLSU), King’s staff and NHS partners Understand and promote key messages from Professional Services to Academic Schools, and vice versa Feed any customer insight gained through liaison channels back to relevant departments Raise the reputation of Library Services throughout the College and the understanding of the services, collections and resources offered.   Customer insight Ensure that results from key surveys such as the National Student Survey, the Postgraduate Taught Experience Survey and the Postgraduate Research Experience Survey are received, analysed and that action plans are developed as a result Identify existing methods across the College for customer consultation and feedback, and ensure Library Services are aware of any relevant data emerging from them Ensure that customer feedback is fed into planning processes Continually improve and develop methods of gaining customer insight Develop innovative methods for customers to become directly involved in designing, delivering and developing services, collections and resources that meet their changing needs Have overall accountability for the feedback and complaints procedures and ensure information is fed into planning.   Promotion and engagement Ensure ownership responsibilities for promotion and engagement activity across own team and Library Services and oversee their success and development. Examples of which are: o   Development and maintenance of the Library Services website o   Running a cross-Library Services Marketing & Communications Group o   Producing marketing materials o   Developing and updating user guides and leaflets o   Developing campaigns to heighten awareness and increase usage of services, collections and resources o   Producing the Library Services Annual Report o   Developing and maintaining use of social media.   Customer Services Excellence Standard Oversee Library Services’ continued adherence to the Customer Services Excellence (CSE) Standard Oversee annual light touch assessment process and re-accreditation as required Maintain and develop action plans for improving services in line with results from CSE assessments Network with other organisations achieving the CSE Standard and learn from their successes, especially in areas deemed as ‘compliance pluses’ Be a leading participant in achieving the CSE standard for the Students and Education Directorate.   Working closely across Library Services and the Library Leadership Team Build an excellent knowledge of the services, collections and resources offered by Library Services in order to be a leading advocate for them Take a leading role in ensuring teams across Library Services liaise with each other and facilitate strong communication across the department Keep up to date on all Library Services developments and ensure Liaison Managers communicate developments to the College Ensure there is oversight of, and a common approach, to all liaison and promotion activity throughout Library Services Ensure communication with the rest of College is unified in order to present a professional, joined-up approach and to avoid causing information overload with our colleagues in the College Work closely as part of the Library Leadership Team (LLT) to ensure coordinated approaches and a common culture of empowerment across all teams Work with the LLT to provide strategic leadership and guidance for staff across the whole of Library Services Work together to ensure high quality communication across the service Work as a team to drive continuous improvement within Library Services, service innovation and the pursuit of excellence in customer service.   Empowerment and collective responsibility Encourage staff to challenge and stretch themselves when setting goals and undertaking new tasks Encourage staff to take initiative and to identify ideas and solutions to problems Support staff in identifying their own strengths and weaknesses and provide tools to help them gain the skills to progress Continually challenge own working practices and ways of thinking Encourage a critical analysis of working practices Facilitate an environment of continuous improvement where staff members understand change is possible and required. Help to remove the obstacles that may prevent change Address difficult issues that prevent success or are barriers to excellent customer service Embed the concept of empowerment in everything we do.   General Consistently role model the ‘responsive, inclusive, knowledgeable and friendly’ behaviours in line with our Quality Service Definition, minimum standards and staff charter Adapt duties to the changing requirements of the role over time.

Head of Collections Development and Access (Edinburgh)

 

Salary:£47,787 to £53,765 per annum As Head of Collections Development and Access, you will be required to manage a large team of multi-professional staff, functions, services, and budgets in order to ensure the rapid and seamless acquisition, discovery, access and use of the library resources of a large and prestigious research university, with world-renowned collections and services. You will be a member of the Senior Management Team who are collectively responsible for the successful management and performance of the division. You will initiate innovative strategies for future services, champion our Vision and Values, while ensuring Key Performance Areas are delivered. Additionally, you will provide high-level advice to university wide senior management on major new initiatives, legislation and compliance in the library sector, in order to ensure appropriate adherence to professional standards and accreditation channels. Candidates require an honours degree in an appropriate discipline, plus a recognised professional qualification or registration in a relevant branch of Librarianship, Information Management or equivalent area.

Information for Candidates 1. Job Details Job title: Head of Collections Development & Access School/Support Department: Information Services (IS) Unit (if applicable): Library and University Collections (L&UC) Line manager: Director of Library and University Collections 2. Job Purpose To provide strategic leadership and management to Collections Development & Access, in line with divisional, support group and University wide strategic objectives, particularly in relation to supporting excellence in education and research, and providing an outstanding student experience. To plan accordingly and manage a large team of multi-professional staff, functions, services, and budgets in order to ensure the rapid and seamless acquisition, discovery, access and use of the library resources of a large and prestigious research university with world-renowned collections and services. 3. Main Responsibilities, approx. % of time 1. Leadership, strategic planning, development and monitoring of work programmes across Collections Development & Access to achieve objectives. Management of staff, providing clear direction to ensure high quality service provision and collections development, and to promote collaboration in Library and University Collections (L&UC), User Services Division (USD) and more widely across Information Services (IS), academic Schools and central university administration 30% 2. Forge, sustain and enhance relationships with the community of teachers, learners and researchers in order to ensure the delivery of an outstanding student experience and appropriate provision of and access to collections for world-leading researchers 20% 3. Deliver strategic objectives, in particular, transforming workflows through the implementation of a new library services platform and discovery layer; supporting the current and future needs of the University through efficient and cost-effective use of the Estate, taking into account the balance between space for collections, study and staff. Where appropriate, seeking funding for research and development projects which will enhance and streamline services 20% 4. Working with the Senior Management Team, engage with and initiate innovative strategies for the future services of the Library and University Collections. Champion L&UC Vision and Values, ensuring Key Performance Areas are delivered. Provide high level advice and advocacy to senior management in L&UC, IS, and the wider University on major new initiatives, legislation and compliance in the library sector, in order to ensure appropriate adherence to professional standards and accreditation channels 20% 5. Represent the interests of the University in the library sector at national and international levels, and promote wider outreach and networking to integrate best practice, share our experiences and maintain a high profile and leading reputation in the wider community 10% 4. Planning and Organising The post holder is responsible for planning the work of Collections Development & Access in consultation with the Director of the Division reflecting strategic priorities over one to three year time frames. Progress towards objectives is reviewed via regular meetings with the Director and the divisional Senior Management Team and the same one-to-one and peer review pattern is repeated between the post-holder and first reports. Work is delegated to teams (Acquisitions and Metadata Services, E-Resources, Collections Management, and Library Information Systems) through a devolved planning process, regular meetings with team managers, and individually to monitor progress. There is also devolved responsibility for a variety of budgets, justifying expenditure, complying with audit requirements, and ensuring effective deployment of and delegation to professional staff across section functions, which includes discerning funding opportunities, plus subsequent planning, coordination and delivery of major projects. The post holder also has to anticipate and react to shifts in the University’s strategic planning emphases or professional and academic research trends, and to monitor potential effects of legislation through professional associations, contact with governing agencies and key colleagues 5. Problem Solving Brokering and negotiating with senior colleagues and external parties in relation to funding opportunities, project/business proposals, and strategic initiatives in order to deliver continuous service improvement. Determining the section’s input, positioning and resourcing in relation to inter-institutional partnerships and mergers. Managing medium and long term space management issues, such as capacity for a large print collection and supporting services against the availability of existing and potential facilities, user demands and the digital horizon. The dual challenges of ensuring effective long term preservation of both ‘born digital’ and digitised material whilst maintaining a hybrid service delivery model across a wide variety of formats, requiring judicious deployment of staff/project resources and fostering of internal/external collaborations. Initiating improvements in, for example, management information, organisational structures, staff development, funding opportunities, as part of continuous process improvement. Working with teams across Information Services to ensure that the solutions are integrated, often across divisional boundaries. 6. Decision Making Contributing to decision-making processes as a member of both L&UC’s Senior Management Team and the cross-divisional Library Management Team. Managing significant competing priorities, such as demand on the £5M+ Library Materials Budget and the appropriate use of other sources of funding, as well as strategic projects. Determining relative allocation or virement of significant resources as part of on-going work planning and budgeting, large scale programme and project management or with high value acquisitions. Ensuring team structures are appropriate and enable continuous improvement to workflows and changing service demands. Motivating and developing the skills of a large staff team in order to deliver the best outcome for Library users. Assessing risks to arrive at balanced decisions on, for example, the implementation of new collections development strategies and management policies. Reviewing staff and section performance in relation to declared objectives and targets and deciding on appropriate action. 7. Key Contacts/Relationships Frequent contact with the Director of Library and University Collections as advisor on Collections Development & Access issues and member of divisional Senior Management Team. Frequent contact with other Heads of Section (Research and Learning Services, Special Collections and Archives, Museums). Frequent contact with Academic Support Librarians and other senior staff in the User Services Division including role as member of Library Management Team. Regular contact with Directors, other Heads of Sections and Units in Information Services. Regular contact with academic staff across the three Colleges regarding funding for and the provision of Library materials. Regular contact with senior administrators across the University including Estates and Buildings Directors and Buildings Officers, HR Officers and Management Accountants. Contact with senior professional colleagues in libraries in other institutions in the UK and overseas, concerning national and international policies, partnerships, technological developments, professional standards and legislative frameworks. Contact with a variety of professional consultants and suppliers, regarding for example, capital projects, independent scoping of collections, collection and facility relocations, etc. 8. Knowledge, Skills and Experience Needed for the Job Qualifications and Experience An honours degree in an appropriate discipline, plus a recognised professional qualification or registration in a relevant branch of Librarianship, Information Management or equivalent area. Highly experienced professional, skilled in leadership and management in libraries with a proven contribution to relevant professional networks in the UK and preferably internationally. Extensive experience of and responsibility for print and electronic general collections provision and access within a large research intensive academic library. Extensive management and administrative experience in libraries, preferably in a research university with a record of policy and procedural development, plus related strategic planning and budgeting activity. Experience in the development and motivation of a large team of multi-professional staff. Demonstrable experience of managing change, developing innovative solutions and services and contributing toward the development and delivery of strategy and planning. Comprehensive understanding of the application of relevant national and international standards. Knowledge and experience in space planning, understanding accommodation needs of unique resources and the services associated with them. A record of scholarly publication or contribution in a relevant academic discipline is desirable coupled with evidence of contribution to an appropriate branch of information management practice. Sound experience of project direction and management is required, and there will be a proven track record in bidding processes and securing funding. Experience of working in close partnership with academic colleagues. Attributes Leader with self-awareness, and proven success in developing, motivating and leading staff. Detailed understanding of the overall current context for acquisition, management and accessibility of library resources in the Higher Education sector. Calm, resourceful, reliable, committed and flexible. Strong team player but with capacity to work independently towards realisation of high level objectives. Willing to take responsibility for and to deliver solutions to difficult problems. Skilled negotiator, able to deploy tactfulness, persuasiveness and assertiveness. Innovative and strategic thinker with the ability to engage with researchers, learners, and a variety of colleagues on relevant issues. Commitment to continuous improvement in terms of personnel and service development and delivery. Specific Skills Sets Leadership and direction: motivation, delegation and initiative. Strong verbal and written communication skills, particularly in relation to the promotion of new developments, staff resources and planning priorities. Highly developed financial and project management skills. Excellent organisational and time management skills. Well-developed operational ICT skills. 9. Dimensions The Collections Development & Access section is one of four L&UC sections and is located in the Main Library and Library Annexe, our off campus collections facility. It is responsible for providing access to electronic and print resources for a community of approximately 40,000 members of the University, and its alumni. The Head of Section manages four members of staff who in turn manage approximately 83 staff. Broadly, the Library Collections consist of 3,500,00 printed items, 51,000 journal titles, 325,000 E-books, 228 databases and 6km of manuscripts and archives. Annually, the Collections Development & Access team is responsible for expenditure of over £5M+ on the provision of library resources, with approximately 85% of the budget being spent on digital content. Usage across the collections is high, for example, E-journal article downloads = 5,232,553 p.a. and E-Book section requests = 1,878,335. Physical collections are spread across ten Library sites and one off-campus collections facility. 10. Job Context and any other relevant information The Head of Collections Development and Access, will be a member of the Library and University Collections Senior Management Team, alongside the Director, Head of Research & Learning Services, Head of Special Collections, and Head of Museums, who are collectively responsible for the successful management and performance of the Division. The Head of Collections Development and Access will also represent or contributes to strategic initiatives at, for example, Research Libraries UK meetings and conferences. The post-holder is a driver for continuous improvement and innovation, formulating policies and conceptualizing the future configuration of services to ensure competitive edge in student recruitment and research activity through world-class facilities, project development and the learning and research experience. Person Specification  Qualifications/Training Essential An honours degree in an appropriate discipline, plus a recognised professional qualification or registration in a relevant branch of Librarianship, Information Management or equivalent area. Desirable Advanced management, professional or academic qualifications Experience Essential Highly experienced professional, skilled in leadership and management in libraries with a proven contribution to relevant professional networks in the UK and preferably internationally. Extensive experience of and responsibility for print and electronic general collections provision and access within a large research intensive academic library. Extensive management and administrative experience in libraries, preferably in a research university with a record of policy and procedural development, plus related strategic planning and budgeting activity. Sound experience of project direction and management is required, and there will be a proven track record in bidding processes and securing funding. Experience in the development and motivation of a large team of multi-professional staff. Demonstrable experience of managing change, developing innovative solutions and services and contributing toward the development and delivery of strategy and planning. Desirable Comprehensive understanding of the application of relevant national and international standards. A record of scholarly publication or contribution in a relevant academic discipline is desirable coupled with evidence of contribution to an appropriate branch of information management practice. Experience of working in close partnership with academic colleagues. Knowledge and experience in space planning, understanding accommodation needs of unique resources and the services associated with them. Knowledge, Skills and Competencies Essential Excellent organisational and time management skills. Leadership and direction: motivation, delegation and initiative. Strong verbal and written communication skills, particularly in relation to the promotion of new developments, staff resources and planning priorities. Desirable Highly developed financial and project management skills. Well-developed operational ICT skills. Personal Attributes Essential Leader with self-awareness, and proven success in developing, motivating and leading staff. Innovative and strategic thinker with the ability to engage with researchers, learners, and a variety of colleagues on relevant issues. Commitment to continuous improvement in terms of personnel and service development and delivery. Strong team player but with capacity to work independently towards realisation of high level objectives. Detailed understanding of the overall current context for acquisition, management and accessibility of library resources in the Higher Education sector. Willing to take responsibility for and to deliver solutions to difficult problems. Desirable Calm, resourceful, reliable, committed and flexible. Skilled negotiator, able to deploy tactfulness, persuasiveness and assertiveness. Well-developed public speaking and presentation skills

Head of Collections, Content and Discovery (Liverpool)

POST

We are seeking a Head of Collections, Content & Discovery to provide leadership and vision for the University Library’s Collections, Content & Discovery section, and, as a member of the Library’s Strategic Leadership Team, to develop and deliver a strategy that fulfils the wider objectives of the University.

You will be a professionally qualified librarian with extensive experience of team leadership and strategic development in a management position in a university or research library.

PRIME OBJECTIVE OF THE POST

To lead and develop the Collections, Content & Discovery Section in the University Library and to contribute to the management and development of the Library as a whole, representing the Library at key University and external meetings.

DUTIES

• As a member of the Library Leadership Team, to make a substantial contribution to the management and development of the Library as a whole, and develop and deliver a library strategy that fulfils the wider objectives of the University of Liverpool
• To develop a clear strategy and vision for the Collections, Content and Discovery (CCD) Section, to encourage individuals in the section to contribute to the achievement of goals to the best of their ability, and to represent the section at Library Leadership Team Meetings
• To manage multiple projects to implement the CCD strategy, ensuring that resources are co-ordinated across several teams, and that projects are completed on time and within budget
• To set the standards for service delivery in the CCD Section, monitor the performance of the section and maintain quality of service
• To develop innovative services, review and change existing practices, and ensure that the Electronic Library delivers the best possible user experience for the University community
• To analyse and research financial data, statistical usage data, and user behaviour to ensure that the library materials budget is used to maximum effect
• To initiate, build and develop internal and external networks, including influencing publishers and other vendors to ensure that products and business models are developed that benefit the Library and the University
• To develop the skills and knowledge of the CCD Section, and the section’s five middle managers in particular, defining required standards, identifying current abilities and training needs, and developing and delivering training to individuals and groups
• To take strategic responsibility for the management of the Library’s acquisitions of information resources in all formats, ensuring that the most appropriate management tools and workflows are developed and deployed
• To develop a strategic approach to the licensing of electronic resources, including provision at remote sites, at partner institutions (where appropriate), and for students on online programmes
• To lead the strategic development of the Library’s discovery tools, anticipating user needs to ensure that they can find and access library materials quickly and easily, both on- and off-campus
• To lead the development and implementation of methodologies to evaluate the effectiveness and value of the Library’s information resources, to enable evidence-based decision-making
• To develop strategies for the management of the Library’s physical collections, so that collections are classified and stored with maximum efficiency to meet the needs of users while maximising the space that can be devoted to other purposes
• To work closely with senior academic and professional services colleagues in developing a range of support strategies for University staff, students and external partners, setting and monitoring service standards
• To lead workshops, team briefings and training events for library staff and wider constituencies in order to inform them of the role played by Collections, Content and Discovery in the Library and the University and to brief them on strategic directions in the field
• To represent the Library at University committees, and to table papers and give presentations to those committees as necessary
• To maintain growth in personal and professional skills and knowledge, exploring best practice in HE and related sectors nationally and internationally, building and maintaining beneficial partnerships with external agencies
• To deputise for the University Librarian as appropriate
• To undertake other such duties, at any location, as assigned by the University Librarian

 

 

 

 

Research Services Manager (Manchester)

JOB DESCRIPTION
Overall purpose:
To meet the needs of the University’s research strategy by ensuing relevant print and electronic content is acquired and discoverable, research data is well-managed, and research outputs are curated and highly visible. To ensure that Library research services are user-centred through an understanding of the researcher lifecycle.

To manage research services in the most efficient and effective manner through the deployment of a team of Research Services Librarians, and to work closely with the Library’s Research Information Analyst to measure the impact of the University’s published research.

Main responsibilities
• To ensure researchers communicate their outputs effectively by providing scholarly communications consultancy, support and services.
• To manage, support and grow the Manchester eScholar service, in partnership with the Library’s Digital Technologies and Services (DTS) division and to work with the Directorate of Research and Business Engagement Support Services (DoRBESS) on integration of eScholar and other relevant University systems.
• To liaise with DoRBESS and Faculty and School research administrators to ensure that the library supports the needs of the University’s research strategy, benchmarking, research assessment and strategic planning at the Faculty and School level.
• To ensure compliance with the University Publications Policy through advocacy, training and support.
• To provide a research enquiry service in partnership with the Teaching, Learning and Students division, taking ownership of complex research enquiries, including relevant copyright enquiries.
• To provide and further grow a research data management service in partnership with DTS and IT Services.
• To take a strategic lead in the development of research collections, in partnership with the Collection Management division.
• To work with the Strategic Marketing division to ensure library research services meet researcher needs and are well communicated to them.
• To monitor and manage performance against the operational plan by setting and monitoring progress against agreed KPIs.
• To seek and identify trends, opportunities and funding to support innovation and position the University Library in a leadership position in the research service area.
• To work with Special Collections and the Faculty of Humanities to ensure the John Rylands Research Institute meets its strategic objectives.
• To work at any Library site as required.
• To be flexible in relation to hours of work as may be reasonably requested from time to time.
• To participate in a rota to cover evenings and weekends at any library site as may be required.
• To take an active approach to continuing professional development.
• Such other duties as may reasonably be associated with the grade and a role of this nature.

PERSON SPECIFICATION
Essential
• Educated to degree level, or equivalent.
• Full professional qualification in librarianship or another appropriate qualification, and/or relevant experience at a comparable level.
• Experience in an appropriate environment, such as an academic library.
• Experience of staff leadership and management.
• Excellent interpersonal skills.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills.
• High level of IT literacy and fluency with office software and Internet communication and information technologies.
• Experience of service planning, including the development of policies and procedures, and proven ability to manage change.
• Understanding and experience of the use of, and requirements for, information resources by academic users in a research-intensive university.
• Experience of the exploitation of technology for information management and delivery in an academic context.
• Influencing and negotiation skills.