POSITION IDENTIFICATION
TITLE Dean of the Library
CLASSIFICATION NUMBER 1038
GRADE Unclassified
CLASSIFICATION Exempt
IMMEDIATE SUPERVISOR Provost
GENERAL FUNCTION
The Dean of the Library provides visionary and strategic leadership to advance the Library's mission as a hub for intellectual inquiry, learning, and research. The Dean will oversee the development and management of physical and digital collections as well as the Testing Center and the Ozarks Studies Institute. The Dean will also work to enhance student learning and success, support faculty and staff excellence, and foster an accessible and innovative environment. The Dean reports to the Provost, serves on the Deans’ Team, and collaborates with various stakeholders to fulfill the university's strategic goals.
MINIMUM ACCEPTABLE QUALIFICATIONS
Education: A terminal degree in library and information science or related field with demonstrated leadership experience in an academic library or similar setting and credentials that qualify for appointment as a full professor at Missouri State University are required. An equivalent combination of years of experience and education may be considered for substitution of educational requirements.
Experience: At least five years of management experience in an academic library is required. Demonstrated, sustained achievement in the areas of research, scholarship, and service in the general field of library and information science is required as well as experience with budget management, strategic planning, and fundraising, knowledge of current issues, emerging trends, and technologies, and best practices in academic libraries are required.
Skills: Proven ability to build internal and external partnerships and collaborate across disciplines is required. Excellent communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills are required. Demonstrated commitment to fostering and implementing policies and practices that promote inclusive excellence and cultural competence at Missouri State University.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
1. Offers clear vision, strategic guidance, and operational leadership for the Library to support the university’s educational mission, strategic goals, and community engagement efforts.2. Develops and implements Library policies, practices, and programs that foster inclusivity and accessibility.
3. Leads the ongoing transformation of the Library into a center for student and faculty success, collaborating broadly to develop internal and external partnerships that promote teaching and learning, research and scholarship, and academic excellence.
4. Effectively plans and administers the financial resources of the Library to provide access to scholarly collections and content, innovative technologies, information specialists, and collaborative and focused study spaces that meet the university’s teaching, research, and learning needs.
5. Represents, advocates for, and advances the interests of the Library in local, state, and national contexts.
6. Demonstrates a proven ability to manage complex projects from inception to completion, including but not limited to major Library renovation projects.
7. Promotes professional development and support for Library faculty and staff.
8. Cultivates relationships with donors, alumni, and external partners to secure funding and support for the Library.
9. Exercises full managerial responsibility for the hiring, performance appraisal, and educational/professional development of Library personnel.
10.Contributes to a work environment that encourages knowledge of, respect for, and development of skills to engage with those of other cultures or backgrounds.
11. Remains competent and current through self-directed professional reading, developing professional contacts with colleagues, attending professional development courses, and attending training and/or courses as directed by the supervisor.
12. Contributes to the overall success of the library by performing all other duties and responsibilities as assigned by the Provost.
SUPERVISION
The Dean supervises the Associate Dean, faculty, staff, and student employees of the library as well as the Coordinator of the Testing Center and the Director of the Ozarks Studies Institute.
OFFICE OF HUMAN RESOURCES
OCTOBER 2024