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Chair, Collection Development and Management, James E. Walker Library

The James E. Walker Library at Middle Tennessee State University invites applicants for a 12-month, full-time, tenure-track faculty position (#401005) as Chair of Collection Development and Management. Applicants must qualify for appointment at the rank of associate professor or professor. Expedited tenure will be considered at the time of appointment. The start date for the position may be as early as October 1, 2023.

The successful applicant will work collaboratively with the Dean and leads the Collection Development and Management Department (CDM), which includes acquisitions, cataloging, continuing resources, special collections, binding/book repair, discovery services, library systems, collections assessment, and the collections budget. It is comprised of ten faculty librarians and ten staff members. Primary responsibilities include Strategic management of CDM operations and services in support of the teaching, learning, and research needs at MTSU. The chair of CDM oversees the expenditure of a $4 million collections budget that supports the curricular and research needs of the campus and collaboratively develops related policies and procedures. The chair provides leadership in aligning CDM services and collection strategies with library and university priorities.

The successful applicant is expected to:

• Develop strategies and approaches for increasing access to library resources, especially electronically. Consider intentional shifts from print to electronic formats that afford opportunities to reallocate physical space in the building to innovative initiatives.
• Serve as the interim unit lead for cataloging. Coordinate cataloging efforts within CDM, between library departments, and with other campus partners.
• Apply a user-centered orientation to developing and improving library services, collections, and programs.
• Collaborate with colleagues across library departments to continuously improve services and operations based on knowledge of emerging trends in libraries, higher education, distance education, research activities, and available technologies.
• Foster an environment of collegiality and teamwork for the 20 FTE department faculty and staff, cultivating a respectful and inclusive work environment.
• Supervise and evaluate faculty on librarianship, scholarship, and service, and provide recommendations for tenure, promotion, and annual renewal.
• Directly supervise the accountant and one staff member in cataloging and coordinate with unit leads regarding staff in their areas.
• Actively participate in hiring, training, and mentoring all Collection Development and Management employees.
• Monitor university strategic planning initiatives and provide direction for CDM’s planning and assessment activities.
• Actively contribute to the library’s leadership team and advise on organizational planning, budgeting, space use, and service and policy development.
• Promote and facilitate using technology, online resources, and productivity software to accomplish goals.
• Adapt communication strategies and messaging for various audiences to promote understanding.

Required Education

A master’s degree from an ALA-accredited program is required by the appointment date.

Required Related Experience

A minimum of five (5) years of professional library experience, with three (3) of the five (5) being in a leadership or supervisory position in an academic library setting, is required.

Other Desirables

Applicants with the following will receive special consideration:

• Demonstrated leadership ability in one or more areas: collection development, acquisitions, electronic resources, systems, or cataloging.
• Commitment to providing exceptional customer service.
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage complex projects successfully.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills. Excellent interpersonal communication and public presentation skills.
• Demonstrated use of technology to accomplish work and improve workflows.
• Experience with budgeting and planning.
• Flexibility, creativity, and the ability to thrive in a complex, changing environment with competing demands.
• Experience with human resource policies and practices.
• Knowledge of emerging trends in academic libraries related to collection development and management.

Documents Needed to Apply

To successfully apply, applicants must submit a cover letter, curriculum vitae, statement of teaching philosophy, and research statement or creative activities statement (as appropriate to the discipline) as separate attachments at the time of online application.

MTSU offers a comprehensive benefits package, including but not limited to the following:  

• Sick Leave
• Vacation Leave for Administrative/Classified Staff/12-month Faculty
• 13 paid University holidays
• Medical, dental, vision, and life insurance
• Retirement plans
• Optional 401K and 403B Deferred Compensation Plans
• Educational benefits for the employee and their spouse and dependents

Click here for additional information.

MTSU is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer that values diversity in all its forms. Women, minorities, individuals with disabilities, and protected veterans are encouraged to apply.

Proof of U.S. citizenship or eligibility for U.S. employment is required before employment (Immigration Control Act of 1986). Clery Act crime statistics for MTSU are available at https://www.mtsu.edu/police/docs/2023AnnualSecurityReport.pdf or by contacting MTSU Public Safety at (615) 898-2424.

MTSU is a Tobacco & Drug-Free campus.

This position requires a criminal background check. Therefore, you must provide information about your criminal history to be considered.