Job Summary
The Director of Library Services is responsible for overseeing and developing traditional and innovative library services. This role involves collaborating with library staff, faculty, and university administration to translate vision into practice, responding to the rapidly changing and complex higher education environment. The Director balances existing library services and resources with emerging technologies, ensuring the library remains a vital resource for patrons. The Director provides leadership for every aspect of library operations and manages Marvin E. McKee Library personnel, services, and resources in ways that support the mission of Oklahoma Panhandle State University and serves the needs of students, faculty, and other users.
Responsibilities
- Oversee and develop traditional library services to support the academic needs of the university.
- Work closely with library faculty and university administration to ensure alignment with institutional goals and standards.
- Translate vision into practice, responding proactively to the rapidly changing and complex higher education environment.
- Balance existing library services and resources with emerging technologies to enhance user experience and accessibility.
- Participate in consortia and professional associations to stay current with best practices and trends in library services.
- Work creatively and collegially with library staff and university stakeholders to solve problems and plan future development.
- Provide leadership in strategic planning, development, and promotion of library resources and services.
- Continue the development of a library that facilitates user access to comprehensive library resources
- Collaborate with the instructional design team to incorporate advancing technologies for both operational and instructional use.
- Represent the library in university committees, strategic planning groups, accreditation planning, and other projects as requested.
- Advocate for and encourage the adoption of Information Literacy as a campus-wide initiative.
- Actively pursue outside private or governmental funding sources in conjunction with appropriate university personnel.
- Analyze staffing needs and assume responsibility for personnel recruitment, training, development, and evaluation.
- Interview and recommend library staff for appointment.
- Develop and administer the library budget effectively to ensure resource optimization.
- Serve as chair for the Faculty Library Advisory Committee.
- Submit annual Program Plans and Budget Requests, ensuring alignment with institutional priorities.
- Formulate library policies in conjunction with the Faculty Library Advisory Committee to ensure effective governance and operations.
- Determine librarian faculty liaison assignments and coordinate the program to enhance collaboration.
- Assemble library resources necessary to support current and proposed degree programs, ensuring they meet academic standards.
- Coordinate the acquisition, organization, and preservation of library materials in all formats, maintaining a diverse and relevant collection.
- Design and maintain effective formal and informal internal lines of communication within the library and across the university.
- Provide outcome measurements, statistical reports, and surveys to facilitate compliance with standards for library services and all applicable university accreditation agencies.
Qualifications
- Ability to cooperate and work effectively with various types of individuals and staff levels (professional, paraprofessional, and student).
- Knowledge of and experience with integrated automated library software systems.
- Knowledge and understanding of current and emerging technologies and their application to library services, including distance education support.
- Experience and expertise in the integration of emerging electronic/online resources with traditional library materials.
- Ability to work collegially and effectively with students, faculty, and staff in a diverse community.
- Extensive professional development resume including professional organizational leadership experience, library conference presentations, research or journal publications, and other relevant participation in conferences, workshops, or webinars.
- Demonstrated ability in collection development and faculty liaison program.
- Ability to promote the library with many different audiences.
- Experience in developing external funding sources.
- Required: Master’s in Library Science (MLS or MLIS) from an ALA accredited institution.
- Preferred: Five years library experience at the college/university level including two years of administrative experience and professional librarian personnel management.
- Reasonable business ability to prepare budget requests and administer library budgets as well as negotiate with various vendors for discounts for services.
About Oklahoma Panhandle State University (OPSU): OPSU is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and is the first public Hispanic Serving Institution in Oklahoma. The university is a baccalaureate degree granting institution located in Goodwell, Oklahoma. Rooted in “Progress through Knowledge,” OPSU is committed to promoting excellence in the preparation of students for success in a global community. Our university achieved multiple rankings by the 2023 U.S. News & World Report Best Colleges rankings: #3 Best Value Regional Colleges West; #8 Top Public Colleges for the Western Region; and #17 Best Regional Colleges West. U.S New and World Report also recognized OPSU as one of the top ten universities in Oklahoma, standing out of our affordable tuition rates.