University of Missouri-Kansas City
Director of Public Services

Director of Public Services – University of Missouri-Kansas

Dynamic urban academic library seeks innovative, collegial, energetic, and knowledgeable leader with strong public service orientation and experience for the position of Director of Public Services at the University of Missouri-Kansas City (UMKC) University Libraries. Reports to the Associate Dean of Libraries and directly supervises 4 department heads in a division with a total staff of 32 permanent employees plus approximately 50 student assistants. Ensures the overall effectiveness of the public services operations of the Miller Nichols Library, which includes the Information Commons, Reference/Instruction, Access Services (circulation, course reserves, stack management), Government Documents, Interlibrary Loan/Document Delivery, and Music/Media Library. Works closely with faculty, students, scholars, researchers, administrators, and community users to develop new teaching, service, learning and research opportunities. As a member of the senior administrative group, the Director of Public Services shares leadership in the development and implementation of the mission, goals, strategic and building planning, and broad policy directions for the University Libraries. The University Libraries are currently planning for a major renovation and expansion of the Miller Nichols Library which will include an automated high density storage and retrieval system (ASRS). The successful candidate will coordinate with the Health Sciences libraries, the UMKC Law Library, Special Collections and the Linda Hall Library on policies and services applicable to all. Kansas City’s rich array of cultural and academic organizations offers many opportunities to partner with professional colleagues in the area on events, exhibits, and programming. The Director of Public Services participates in the state-wide MOBIUS consortium, University of Missouri System, and other regional library consortia for resource sharing and shared library technology initiatives.

UMKC recognizes that a diverse faculty, staff and student body enriches the educational experiences of the entire campus and greater community. To this end, UMKC is committed to recruiting and retaining faculty, students and staff who will further enrich our campus diversity and making every attempt to support their academic, professional and personal success. See: http://www.umkc.edu/aboutumkc/values.asp

In a large area of green space and in Kansas City’s research/cultural corridor, the campus is located in the heart of one of America’s most affordable and attractive cities.

Required Qualifications: Must have an ALA-accredited MLS and a minimum 5 years progressively responsible experience developing and managing user-focused services in an academic or research library. Must have evidence of excellent leadership and management skills; successful managerial and supervisory experience of both professional librarians and support staff; flexibility; project management; and a strong vision for the future of public services. Must have excellent analytic and problem solving skills, exceptional interpersonal skills, good oral and writing communication skills; and a strong commitment to public service. Must show evidence of professional initiative, mature judgment, and an understanding of the scholarly research environment. Must be able to thrive in a team setting, handle multiple responsibilities in a dynamic environment, and operate effectively in a diverse academic community. Potential for professional growth, service activities in keeping with university and library requirements for retention, and promotion in non-tenure track appointment also is required.

Preferred: Advanced graduate degree. Experience in the delivery of user-services in an urban, academic environment.

Salary: Commensurate with education and experience. Affordable medical and dental plans (no waiting periods). Non-contributory defined retirement plan, 403(b) savings plan, tuition assistance (75% of educational fees paid), and University paid long-term disability and life insurance benefits.

Send letter of application, resume, names of three references to: Bonnie Postlethwaite, Associate Dean of Libraries, University Libraries Administrative Office, University of Missouri-Kansas City, 5100 Rockhill Road, Kansas City, MO 64110, 816-235-1531 or submit via e-mail to: umkcula@umkc.edu. Applicants who are not U.S. citizens must state their current visa and residency status. All final candidates will be required to successfully pass a criminal background check prior to beginning employment. Application review begins August 1, 2008, and continues until position is filled.

UMKC is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer. Women, minorities, veterans, and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply.