Head of Research and Teaching

Job Summary

Coordinates and advocates for the activities of the dynamic six‑member Libraries Research and Teaching (RaT) team of academic subject librarians, acting as a strategic bridge between the team and other Libraries departments. Sets goals and objectives while fostering a culture of experimentation, maintains a flexible team culture, and connects staff work to the broader curriculum. Develops strategies that align with the Libraries and the College, assesses, evolves, and promotes models for subject‑specific teaching, outreach, and consultations responsive to faculty and student needs.

In collaboration with the Head of Collection Development Strategies, leads the subject librarians in selecting research materials through a collaborative curation model, ensures collections support the teaching mission, and serves as a subject librarian to select academic departments for research workshops, consultations, and collection development. Reports to the Director of Learning, Research and Technology (LRT).

As a manager within the Learning, Research and Technology team, collaborates in developing service strategies and models in the Libraries, advocates for collective decision‑making, and participates in overall Libraries leadership activities.

• Management (40%) – Manages the Research and Teaching team with other LRT managers, Libraries, ITS, and campus partners; coordinates with campus colleagues to develop innovative teaching practices, including addressing the implications of artificial intelligence and developing strategies to support data research needs; leads and develops the Ask Us program; collaborates with Libraries to develop collection development guidelines; and communicates department information.
• Research Services (30%) – Directs a program of user‑centered multi‑modal research support for the Smith community; leads and participates in Libraries teams, committees, and working groups; collaborates with LRT, ITS, and campus partners to advance service strategies.
• Subject Librarian (20%) – Provides expert guidance to faculty and students on research methods and resources; develops online learning content for the Libraries website; participates in the consultation service and provides Zotero citation management support.
• Additional Responsibilities (10%) – Engages in continuous professional development, participates in institutional committee service, represents Libraries at conferences, and collaborates with national organizations in pedagogy, librarianship, and emerging library practices. Will include occasional nights and weekends.

• Master’s degree in Library Science, Information Studies, Education, or an equivalent field.
• At least 8 years of experience teaching in a library setting and 3‑5 years of leadership experience with research services in academic libraries.
• Knowledge of current issues and trends in undergraduate and graduate pedagogy.

• Progressive project, service, or team management experience.
• Strong commitment to public service and knowledge of effective information literacy instruction, including the use of artificial intelligence.
• Experience in collection development, program development, assessment, user experience, universal design, and managing service models.
• Experience navigating collective bargaining units (unions) and excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills with diverse constituencies.
• Subject‑area expertise in an academic discipline.

Knowledge of copyright, privacy, scholarly communication, and open access; understanding of accessibility and universal access design; technical proficiency with library discovery systems, the Google suite, Springshare products, and ethical applications of artificial intelligence; and strong cultural competencies with a commitment to anti‑oppressive professional practices.

Annualized pay typically ranges from $78,449.03 to $, covering the middle half of market compensation, with variation based on qualifications and work schedule.

Regular

All Smith College employees take appropriate actions to support a diverse workforce and participate in the College’s efforts to create a respectful, inclusive, and welcoming work environment.

Consistent with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Massachusetts General Law, Chapter 151B, it is the policy of Smith College to provide reasonable accommodation when requested by a qualified applicant or employee with a disability, unless such accommodation would cause an undue hardship. The policy regarding requests for reasonable accommodation applies to all aspects of employment, including the application process.

Smith College is an equal opportunity employer and complies with all state and federal laws that prohibit discrimination.