Chair, Department of Special and Area Studies Collections; SASC)

Apply now Job no: 541874
Work type: Tenure-Track Faculty
Location: Main Campus (Gainesville, FL)
Categories: Libraries/Museums
Department:  - LB-SPECIAL - AREA STUDIES-CHR

Classification

Title:

Chair, Department of Special and Area Studies Collections (SASC)

Master’s degree in Library or Information Science from an ALA-accredited (or foreign equivalent) program, or other relevant advanced degree in subject specialty.

Eight years of relevant professional experience, including a record of progressive scholarly accomplishment. At least three years of leadership and supervisory responsibility in a research library, with demonstrated experience leading change and fostering professional development and growth.

Experience in effective planning and budgeting.

Ability to cultivate and maintain effective relations with donors.

Effective supervisory skills, with demonstrated ability to listen, mentor and lead.

Excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills.

Demonstrated ability to work both independently and collaboratively with faculty, students, administrators and the public.

The George

A. Smathers Libraries, University of Florida, seeks applications and nominations for the position of Department Chair for Special and Area Studies Collections. The successful candidate will be accomplished and forward-thinking, and enthusiastic about leading special and area studies in a new era for the UF libraries. Reporting to the Associate Dean, this position is a key member of the library team, heading a department comprising some of the libraries' most distinctive and internationally significant collections.

The Chair of the Department of Special and Area Studies Collections (SASC) is a year-round (12 month) tenure track library faculty position, based in the historic Smathers Library. This position will provide leadership, strategic vision and direction for the department to expand collections and usage, increase available resources, manage spaces, advocate for facility improvements, and strengthen the department's capacity to preserve and provide access to its collections.

The Chair works collaboratively with departmental colleagues to assess strengths and weaknesses in the fourteen collections, determine priorities, establish policies, and develop departmental service plans that enhance and support the academic mission of the University. The Chair of the Department of Special and Area Studies Collections (SASC) will pursue professional development opportunities, including research, publication, and professional service activities to meet library-wide criteria for tenure and promotion.

For a candidate ready to assume a major leadership role, this position offers the opportunity to guide internationally significant collections while advancing research, teaching, public engagement, and the long-term stewardship of cultural heritage. The libraries seek candidates who demonstrate curiosity, dedication, and a collaborative spirit in working with the campus community to foster engagement with special and area studies collections.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Collaborates with the Dean of University Libraries and the Associate Dean to devise and implement strategies to achieve goals relating to the education, research, and outreach mission of the department.

Works with departmental faculty and staff to define needs, set priorities, develop policies, and establish goals, objectives, strategic plans, and budgets to ensure effective management and development of services and collections.

Partners with the Dean of University Libraries, the Associate Dean and the Director of Advancement, to seek financial support for the department’s collections and operations.

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