Director of Resource & Discovery Services
Tulane University, New Orleans, Louisiana, United States, 70123
Description
The Director of Resource & Discovery Services provides leadership and strategic direction for acquisitions, electronic resource management, and cataloging and metadata operations at Tulane University Libraries (TUL). The director fosters a culture of innovation and teamwork while managing TUL's Resource & Discovery Services division, which includes more than 20 full-time librarians and staff. The division is responsible for acquiring, organizing, and ensuring access to the broad spectrum of resources essential to a research university, as well as for supporting distinctive collections, such as those of the Doris Z. Stone Latin American Library and Research Center, and Tulane University Special Collections.The director directly supervises two department heads: the Head of Acquisitions & Electronic Resource Management and the Head of Cataloging & Metadata.
The director guides operations through strategic planning, culture-driven leadership, ongoing evaluation, and cross-department collaboration to support and align with TUL's and the university's evolving goals, ensuring that division policies and procedures are documented and regularly updated.
In partnership with other library leaders, the director promotes innovative solutions by adopting emerging technologies and mobilizing staff and resources to enhance user experiences, streamline workflows, and foster collaboration between Resource & Discovery Services and other library teams. The director is a member of the TUL Leadership Group and the Vice Dean's Research & Resource Strategies leadership team, serving as TUL's representative on resource and discovery issues.
The Director of Resource & Discovery Services reports to TUL's Vice Dean.
Qualifications
REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE :
ALA-accredited MLS, or eqivalent A minimum of two years' progressively responsible experience in library technical services in an academic or research library environment A minimum of three years of experience in supervision and evaluation of librarians and staff REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES/COMPETENCIES TYPICALLY NEEDED TO PERFORM THIS JOB SUCCESSFULLY:
Demonstrated knowledge of best practices and emerging trends in library technical services for research support in academic or research libraries. Demonstrated in-depth knowledge of contemporary library services platforms (e.g., integrated library systems such as Alma) and third-party software tools for bibliographic control, ordering, and database management. Strong knowledge of cataloging and metadata processes, including outsourcing and authority control. Knowledge of acquisitions and electronic resources management. Experience with vendor relations. Evidence of strong leadership skills and the ability to inspire organizational change. Strong verbal and written communication skills. Ability to work independently and in a collaborative team environment with cultural competence and humility. Ability to direct, mentor, and grow information professionals successfully.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
• Professional involvement or contributions to the library field.
• Familiarity with acquiring and cataloging both English and foreign language materials.
• Proven experience managing special projects.
Application Instructions
To ensure full consideration, applicants must submit a letter of application, resume, and the names with full contact information of at least three professional references.
Applications are only accepted within Interfolio here
https://apply.interfolio.com/179071
Applications will not be accepted from the Tulane University job system.
The Director of Resource & Discovery Services provides leadership and strategic direction for acquisitions, electronic resource management, and cataloging and metadata operations at Tulane University Libraries (TUL). The director fosters a culture of innovation and teamwork while managing TUL's Resource & Discovery Services division, which includes more than 20 full-time librarians and staff. The division is responsible for acquiring, organizing, and ensuring access to the broad spectrum of resources essential to a research university, as well as for supporting distinctive collections, such as those of the Doris Z. Stone Latin American Library and Research Center, and Tulane University Special Collections.The director directly supervises two department heads: the Head of Acquisitions & Electronic Resource Management and the Head of Cataloging & Metadata.
The director guides operations through strategic planning, culture-driven leadership, ongoing evaluation, and cross-department collaboration to support and align with TUL's and the university's evolving goals, ensuring that division policies and procedures are documented and regularly updated.
In partnership with other library leaders, the director promotes innovative solutions by adopting emerging technologies and mobilizing staff and resources to enhance user experiences, streamline workflows, and foster collaboration between Resource & Discovery Services and other library teams. The director is a member of the TUL Leadership Group and the Vice Dean's Research & Resource Strategies leadership team, serving as TUL's representative on resource and discovery issues.
The Director of Resource & Discovery Services reports to TUL's Vice Dean.
Qualifications
REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE :
ALA-accredited MLS, or eqivalent A minimum of two years' progressively responsible experience in library technical services in an academic or research library environment A minimum of three years of experience in supervision and evaluation of librarians and staff REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES/COMPETENCIES TYPICALLY NEEDED TO PERFORM THIS JOB SUCCESSFULLY:
Demonstrated knowledge of best practices and emerging trends in library technical services for research support in academic or research libraries. Demonstrated in-depth knowledge of contemporary library services platforms (e.g., integrated library systems such as Alma) and third-party software tools for bibliographic control, ordering, and database management. Strong knowledge of cataloging and metadata processes, including outsourcing and authority control. Knowledge of acquisitions and electronic resources management. Experience with vendor relations. Evidence of strong leadership skills and the ability to inspire organizational change. Strong verbal and written communication skills. Ability to work independently and in a collaborative team environment with cultural competence and humility. Ability to direct, mentor, and grow information professionals successfully.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
• Professional involvement or contributions to the library field.
• Familiarity with acquiring and cataloging both English and foreign language materials.
• Proven experience managing special projects.
Application Instructions
To ensure full consideration, applicants must submit a letter of application, resume, and the names with full contact information of at least three professional references.
Applications are only accepted within Interfolio here
https://apply.interfolio.com/179071
Applications will not be accepted from the Tulane University job system.