Chief University Librarian

POSITION DETAILS

Title:

Chief University Librarian

• Advances the concept of a single University library system in order to exploit economies of scale through centralised collection building, development and archiving of digital collections and acquiring and negotiating access to electronic resources.
• Develops library management strategies, establishes and maintains standardised services, for maximum efficiency and effectiveness in service delivery.
• Plans for the future co-coordinated development of the University library system and its collections and services.
• Formulates library policies in keeping with the University’s mission and vision and in collaboration with the relevant stakeholders.
• Promotes the library to University stakeholders and to the wider community, through an effective public relations programme and by participation in activities, which provide a full understanding of its role in the University and ensures its visibility in the national community.
• Represents the University library on appropriate planning, academic, finance and other decision– making and management committees.
• Fosters collegial and participatory interaction and communication among library units and between the library and other University departments.
• Manages human resources related matters pertinent to professional staff including recruitment, deployment, induction and orientation, leave administration, and performance management.
• Guides and directs the library’s collection development and access programmes.
• Plans for the physical facilities of the library.
• Prepares and administers the library’s budget.
• Advises the VP RASA on the management of the library, information and documentation services of the University.
• Represents the University library nationally, regionally and internationally in professional circles, as appropriate.
• Promotes inter-library cooperation and collaborates with external agencies in the development of partnerships/consortia for cooperative purchasing, for accessing and sharing information resources, and for acquiring external funding.
• Provides professional leadership in keeping with the University’s role in contributing to national development.
• Prepares annual reports and other special reports, position papers, etc. on specific aspects of the work of the library as necessary.
• Ensures that dissertations and theses adhere to proper referencing standards.
• Provides information services including research support and information literacy programmes for students and faculty.
• Oversees digitisation of collections and development of digital repositories.
• Leads the integration of new technologies to improve library services and operations.

• A Master’s degree in Library and Information Science or related field from an accredited university. A Ph.D. in a related field would be an asset.
• Minimum of ten (10) years’ senior managerial experience in a university or research library.

COMPETENCY PROFILE

• Demonstrated leadership and experience in strategic planning, budgeting and human resources management.
• A record of research, publications and other professional contributions.
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate with academic units and support research initiatives.
• Knowledge of current technologies and information systems in higher education and current trends best practices, and innovation in library and information science, including open access, data management and information literacy.
• Experience in developing inter-library cooperation through participation in consortia or other collaborative arrangements will be an asset.
• Consultative management style.
• Effective interaction with students, faculty, administrators and the public.
• Excellent written and communication skills.
• Strong client orientation.
• Experience with library technologies, digital resources and information systems.
• Active participation in professional organisations and other relevant associations.