[Posted 2007.10.11]

University of Houston
Program Director for Collections

Program Director for Collections
University of Houston Libraries


Responsibilities: Reporting to the Assistant Dean for Collection Services, this is a new position offering the opportunity to build and manage the Collections Program of the University of Houston Libraries. The Program Director for Collections will be responsible for planning, developing, and implementing policies and procedures for the management of the library's print, electronic, and digital collections. This position will supervise the Coordinator for Collections and several subject librarians. Additional responsibilities include: chairing the Collection Management Committee; working closely with subject librarians to maintain and strengthen the librarian/faculty liaison program; collaborating with the AD for Collection Services and the Head of Acquisitions to update the library's allocation formula; overseeing the selection, accessibility and assessment of electronic resources; and directing the development of the library's digital projects program. In addition, the Program Director for Collections is a member of the Academic Support Council (ASC) which consists of the Program Directors for Instruction, Reference and Research, and Collections, who work as a team to provide integrated services in support of the curricular and research needs of the University.

The UH Libraries recently adopted a set of strategic directions (http://info.lib.uh.edu/strategic_directions.pdf) and we seek individuals who will be interested in supporting and implementing this plan. The Libraries support the ongoing professional development of librarians and our goal is to recruit librarians committed to continuous learning. Librarians hold academic ranks pursuant to the University of Houston Librarians' Governance document. They are expected to develop a record of service and professional involvement.

Qualifications: Required: ALA-accredited degree in library/information science. Substantial, successful experience with collections management in an academic or research library. Experience coordinating, coaching and assessing librarians with collection development responsibilities. Preferred: Substantial knowledge of and experience with selection and assessment of electronic resources. Conversant with current practices and trends in digital library development. Demonstrated effectiveness in organizational leadership and project management. Ability to work cooperatively within a team-based environment. Desired: Knowledge of trends in scholarly communication, publishing and research.

Salary: $60,000 to $66,000 expected hiring range, depending on qualifications. Comprehensive benefits package; choice of retirement programs including TIAA-CREF; tax-deferred annuity program available; release time to take a class up to 3 hours/week; no state or local income tax.
Library Information: The UH Libraries are a member of the Association of Research Libraries, the Greater Western Library Alliance, and the Texas Digital Library Alliance. The Libraries hold over 2 million volumes. Total staff includes 48 professionals and 120 support staff. Additional information available at: http://info.lib.uh.edu.
General Information: The University of Houston campus comprises 13 colleges and schools offering close to 80 degree programs with an enrollment exceeding 35,000 students, 7,200 of whom are enrolled in graduate studies. Reflecting the multicultural community of metropolitan Houston, UH is one of the most ethnically diverse research university campuses in the nation.
Houston, the fourth largest city in the United States, offers all the cultural and recreational opportunities of a great city and is within easy reach of the Gulf of Mexico. It enjoys a very reasonable cost of living and was rated eighth among livable North American cities by Places Rated Almanac.
For additional information, including information about its housing market, flourishing arts scene, low cost of living, plus other interesting information, visit out Web site at: http://info.lib.uh.edu/houston/.
Application Deadline: Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. Send letter of application, names and contact information of 3 references, and resume to John Lehner, Assistant Dean for Library Systems, Planning and Personnel, University of Houston, 114 University Libraries, Houston, Texas 77204-2000. Potential applicants seeking further information should contact John Lehner at 713-743-9801 or jlehner@uh.edu.
THE UNIVERSITY OF HOUSTON IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY/AFFIRMATIVE ACTION EMPLOYER. MINORITIES, WOMEN, VETERANS AND PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES ARE ENCOURAGED TO APPLY.