DLA

Director of Public Services

Washington College
Library and Academic Technology
Director of Public Services

A hidden gem on the Eastern Shore, Washington College in Chestertown, Maryland, is less than a mile from the Chester River and not far from the Chesapeake Bay and the Atlantic Ocean. While nestled in rural farmland, Chestertown is just a 90-minute drive from Philadelphia, Baltimore, and Washington, DC. It is a charming small town with a thriving community of educators, historians, artists, writers, watermen, environmental stewards, kayakers, and boaters. If you are looking for a rewarding position away from the daily grind of city living and large university bureaucracies, this small, liberal arts college may be the answer to your dreams.

Miller Library seeks an experienced and forward-looking librarian to lead its Public Services department, comprising Research and Instruction, Circulation, and Resource Sharing functions. Reporting to the College Librarian/Dean of Library and Academic Technology, the Director of Public Services is a member of the library leadership team and regularly assesses and participates in planning the effective use of physical and virtual collections, space, and technology to deliver programs and services that meet the changing needs of faculty, staff, and students. Ideally, this position will also serve as a liaison to the Natural Sciences and Mathematics departments. A dedication to diversity, open communication, and positive relationships are a hallmark of the College and Miller Library, and an expectation of all library staff members. The team is close-knit and highly collaborative. The library promotes unhurried conversations and believes in fulfilling lives outside of work.

The position supervises and evaluates a team of three faculty research/instruction librarians (one currently unfilled), 1 FT interlibrary loan supervisor, 3 PT evening/weekend supervisors, and many student assistants. The Director of Public Services coordinates outreach activities and collaborates closely with librarians, staff, and student assistants to provide research, reference and resource sharing services, teach information literacy classes, support collection development, liaise with academic departments, and provide expertise regarding copyright and fair use. In addition, the Director of Public Services, under the guidance of the College Librarian/Dean of Library and Academic Technology and in collaboration with the Director of Archives and Technical Services, coordinates weeding of the collection. Some evening and weekend hours are required. Annual salary range is $75,000 – $80,000, commensurate with experience.

Requirements:

Master’s degree from an ALA-accredited library science or information science program. Five years of academic library experience in public services (reference, instruction, resource sharing, or circulation), preferably with supervisory experience. Demonstrated experience with assessment of library programs or services. Knowledge of and experience with integrated library systems, resource sharing systems, emerging technologies, and learning management systems highly preferred. Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, and a demonstrated ability to lead a team are a must, as is a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

This is an exempt full-time (35 hours per week), non-tenured faculty position. Benefits include 6 weeks of vacation, 14 paid holidays and administrative closing days, domestic partner benefits and paid maternity/paternity leave.

Washington College is a private liberal arts college of 1000 students situated on lands that historically belonged to Piscataway and Nanticoke indigenous peoples and is at the center of an area rich in Early American, African American, and Native American history and culture. The college’s three signature centers: Center for Environment & Society; Rose O’Neill Literary House; and Starr Center for the Study of the American Experience offer programs and events open to the entire community.

To Apply:

Please submit a cover letter, resume, and contact information of three professional references through our online portal. Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled.

Washington College is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to a diverse cultural environment and encourages applications from women, minorities, disabled persons, and veterans.

Posted: 8/6/24