The University of Iowa Law Library is seeking an innovative and collaborative individual to join us as the Head of Collection Services. Reporting to the Associate Director, the Head of Collection Services is responsible for overseeing all day-to-day operations involving the processing, maintenance, and care of the Law Library's physical collections. This includes leading and coordinating stack maintenance and planning activities; overseeing the cataloging, receiving, and claiming of physical materials; improving the discoverability and accessibility of collections; participating in collections-focused patron outreach activities; leading and working on special projects to support the preservation and expanded use of library resources; and collaborating with University Libraries staff with regards to physical materials and off-site storage. Additionally, they supervise, mentor, and develop members of the technical services staff, including permanent staff and student worker specialists, through active leadership and by creating an environment that promotes collaboration and a positive team atmosphere.
The University of Iowa Law Library is one of the largest academic law libraries in the country with a wonderful, comprehensive physical collection and an extensive electronic collection. Our mission focuses on providing support, access, and preservation of legal resources and information to present and future legal information seekers who include a broad population from the College of Law and University of Iowa to the people of Iowa and researchers around the country and the world.
Key Responsibilities:
Functionally and/or administratively supervise and mentor student assistants and/or staff dedicated to providing cataloging- or collections-related services.
Lead and coordinate library stack maintenance activities involving monitoring, planning, and coordinating the shifting and relocation of materials, as necessary.
Organize and monitor the complex flow of physical materials through the Law Library. Documenting decisions and changes to strategy, policy, or arrangement and keeping detailed notes of projects, outcomes, and statistics.
Set cataloging, receiving, and claiming productivity goals; monitor progress; and provide feedback, leadership, and supervision to staff in achieving goals and benchmarks. Identifying and outlining standards, expectations, and priorities for the cataloging, receiving, and claiming of materials and developing and updating policies, procedures, and templates.
Spearhead and/or collaborate on tasks designed to improve the discovery, ease of use, and accessibility of the library's print collections and electronic resources.
Participate in the implementation and regular revisions of the Law Library's Collection Development Policy. Leading and managing collection assessment and development by analyzing institutional data, usage statistics, interlibrary loan data, and other metrics.
Collaborate with staff in the University Libraries, College of Law, and other University teams/departments on stacks management, annex materials, inventory management, and promotion of the Law Library's extensive collections and robust services.
Represent the Law Library and actively engage in professional organizations, special interest sections, committees, and working groups. This includes presentations, scholarship, and leadership or participation within areas of responsibility or interest.
Other duties as assigned.
To see the full job description, please visit Jobs@UIowa.edu or contact joshua-gulick@uiowa.edu.
Required Qualifications:
Master's degree in library/information science from an ALA-accredited program.
Minimum of 4 years related experience (i.e., organizing physical and digital collections, library technical services, and/or digitization/preservation).
Excellent interpersonal skills including the ability to provide leadership and direction.
Familiarity with the types of physical and digital collections/resources typically found in an academic research library.
Ability to work in a team-based setting where consultation, flexibility, collaboration, and cooperation are key.
Demonstrated experience working effectively in a welcoming and respectful workplace environment.
Effective oral and written communication skills.
Desired Qualifications:
Supervisory experience.
Demonstrated project management skills and/or formal training in project management, workflow optimization, or continuous quality improvement.
Thorough knowledge and understanding of the importance of preservation, maintenance, and organization of physical collections as well as trends and requirements for/in law library collections.
Ability to implement the aspirations, visions, and missions of a large, academic research library.
Juris Doctor from an ABA-accredited law school.
Staff members are expected to maintain effective, civil, and respectful working relationships with the University of Iowa campus community and uphold a high standard of cultural competency and respect for difference that represents our commitment to the ability to effectively interact with a population of varying perspectives.
Applications should include:
A cover letter addressing how you meet the required and desired qualifications of this position.
A current resume or curriculum vitae detailing education and relevant experience.
The names and contact information for three professional references.
Job openings are posted for a minimum of 14 calendar days and may be removed from posting and filled any time after the original posting period has ended. Successful candidates will be required to self-disclose any conviction history and will be subject to a criminal background check and credential/education verification. Up to 5 professional references will be requested at a later step in the recruitment process. For questions, contact Josh Gulick at joshua-gulick@uiowa.edu.
Salary: $80,000 - Pay Commensurate with Experience (Pay Level: 5A)
Iowa City is a community with something for everyone. Iowa City offers great access to the arts, sports, and nature. The University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics provide an excellent health care system on the cutting edge of medical care. A UNESCO City of Literature and home to the renowned Iowa Writers' Workshop, Iowa City is a great place to be a librarian.
