Head of Research and Reference Services
Responsibilities
• Provides vision and leadership in developing reference and research services that will support the scholarly activities of the Duke community; assumes a major role in identifying and implementing emerging technologies and incorporating best practices into reference services.
• Works in partnership with Library IT, Center for Instructional Technology, Digital Projects departments and other Libraries’ staff to anticipate and develop services for the Information Commons and digital reference and research services.
• Works with subject specialists throughout the Duke University Libraries, including special collections and data/GIS, to create an environment supportive of interdisciplinary research and discovery.
• Manages the operations of the Reference and Research Services Department: sets goals, hires, supervises and evaluates staff; prepares and manages the departmental budget.
• Works at the reference desk, including evening, holiday, and weekend rotations; answers reference questions and instructs patrons in person or via phone, virtual reference, instant messenger, or e-mail; provides in-depth reference and research consultations.
• Oversees the selection, management, and provision of reference resources and services and the development of applicable public services policies.
• Participates in user education by giving library tours, class instruction and personal orientation to library resources.
• Contributes to and is highly active in local, consortial, regional and national meetings to stay abreast of developments/trends in reference and research services programming and to represent Duke University Libraries.
• Reviews professional literature; networks with reference, instruction and other library professionals outside the University; and participates in activities to stay informed about trends in supporting research, reference and instruction in academic research institutions.
• Consults regularly with counterparts at other Duke Libraries and within the Triangle Research Libraries Network (TRLN).
• Actively contributes to library-wide initiatives; participates in departmental and library-wide activities; serves on library and University committees.
• Performs other duties as assigned.
Supervisory Responsibilities
• Supervises nine reference librarians and one support staff
• Oversees training of new reference staff
Qualifications
It is the expectation that all Duke University Library staff members will demonstrate exceptional workplace behaviors in the execution of their specific position responsibilities. These behaviors are customer focus, collaboration, creative problem solving, continuous learning and a commitment to diversity. In addition, managers and supervisors are expected to help develop a common vision by providing clear direction and priorities, clarifying roles and responsibilities, and promoting mutual understanding through effective communication. They are also expected to take the time to effectively plan and evaluate performance, provide feedback, recognition and coaching, and develop employees to achieve their personal and organizational goals.
Education
Required: ALA-accredited MLS or advanced degree in archives administration or a related academic field
Experience
Required: At least five years of progressively responsible professional experience providing reference services; evidence of strong supervisory and team management skills; ability to demonstrate a sophisticated understanding of the applications of new technology; effective analytical, interpersonal, and oral and written communication skills; flexibility; service orientation; and an ability to work both independently and as a member of a team.
Preferred: At least five years of reference experience in an academic or research setting; academic library supervisory experience; working knowledge of course management systems like Blackboard; demonstrated skills in using data for assessing and enhancing public services; knowledge of current cataloging and metadata issues; familiarity with various discovery tools (Google Scholar, Infomine, etc.) and personalized research tools and applications (RefWorks, EndNote, etc.); experience in an Information/Learning Commons environment.
Working Conditions
- Must be able to work in an environment in which exposure to materials containing dust and mold is possible
- Frequent bending, crouching, stooping
- Normal office environment
- Occasional weekend shifts required
- Occasional travel required
These statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by the employee in this position. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of a person in this position.
Salary and Benefits
Environment
The Duke University Libraries are the shared center of the university's intellectual life, connecting people and ideas. The William R. Perkins Library, its branches (Lilly, Music, Biological and Environmental Sciences, Marine Laboratory in Beaufort, and the Rare Book, Manuscript, and Special Collections Library) and the separately administered libraries serving the schools of Business, Divinity, Law, and Medicine, comprise one of the nation's top ten private university library systems. Duke is a member of the Triangle Research Libraries Network, which promotes collaboration in the areas of collection development and management, access services, information technology and human resources among the libraries of Duke University, the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill, North Carolina Central University and North Carolina State University.
Duke University and Durham are located in the Research Triangle, a region that encompasses one of the nation's premier concentrations of academic, corporate, and public research. The Triangle region is rated among the most desirable areas in North America to live and work and has been identified by Money magazine as one of the "Best Places to Live" in the U.S.
Application
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