Head of Department - Library

Job Description

• JOB DETAILS:

Unique Job Code: TBDPositionReports to: Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic Affairs)DepartmentLibraryLocation: SUAD, Abu Dhabi, UAEBand:TBDGrade: 3Prepared / Revised on: June 2023

• JOB PURPOSE / ROLE:

The Head of Library department provides a strategic vision for supporting the research and academic activities of Sorbonne University Abu Dhabis community, and the leadership skills to implement this strategy. A strong focus on research support services, as well as the ability to collaborate with internal and external partners is expected.

• JOB DIMENSIONS

Number Of Staff Supervised

• Direct Reports: 6
• Total: 6
• KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES:

Key Priority / Key Activities

Strategy

• Develop the Library strategy in collaboration with Line Manager, ensuring key initiatives are aligned to the Universitys strategic plan in relation to learning and research initiatives

Leadership

• Provide leadership to the Library department by confirming the vision and mission of both the University and the department, to ensure that all staff are aware of what they are required to achieve and how they are performing against their objectives
• Manage the day-to-day operations of the department providing guidance, encouraging teamwork and facilitating related professional work processes in order to achieve high performance standards

People Development

• Develop direct reports through setting individual development objectives, reviewing performance and providing ongoing formal and informal feedback and appraisal in order to maximize subordinate and divisional performance

Library and Information Services

• Supervise the implementation and development of library and information services, including the classification, cataloguing and presentation of materials as well as supporting user training activities to ensure ease of access to all learning resources and a high quality service for students and staff

Development of Library Collection

• Ensure appropriate development of the print and electronic library collections in order to support academic teaching, research projects and student assignments in line with the strategic plan and the student and staff needs

Academic Support

• Supervise close working relationships between academic and administrative departments to ensure the librarys services are responsive to the teaching and research needs of SUAD

Library Services Platforms

• Manage and maintain up-to-date technology platforms and digital initiatives, in conjunction with IT, to ensure smooth running of the library and to enhance the users experience

Library Facilities

• Manage the librarys physical space in order to provide a suitable and attractive place for students and staff to study and learn.

Library Promotion

• Supervise and participate in the promotion of the library and information services to the University community in order to attract students and staff to utilize the library
• Represent the library outside the academic community on boards and committees thereby sharing and collaborating on resources by promoting SUAD

Knowledge Base

• Maintain and develop own knowledge of library developments and technological advances in order to adapt and enhance the library services to meet the rapidly changing needs of University staff and students

Budget

• Prepare the annual budget submission to ensure that the library is adequately funded to fulfil its mission and meet all its obligations
• Monitor the departments financial performance versus the set budget so that areas of unsatisfactory performance are identified and rectified promptly and potential performance improvement opportunities are capitalized upon

Policies and Procedures

• Update and implement the Library policies & procedures to ensure all relevant procedural/legislative requirements are fulfilled
• Communicate the requirement of operational policies and procedures to staff and monitor their adherence so that work is carried out in a controlled manner

Reports

• Ensure that all departmental reports are prepared timely and accurately to meet University requirements, policies and standards

Research repository

• Manage the digital repository of all the universitys research output

Related Assignments

• Advise the DVC(A) of all relevant matters pertaining to the library and perform other related duties or assignments as directed by the Line Manager

Partnerships

• Develop collaborate with the Libraries of Sorbonne University in Paris and University Paris Cit, and with internal and external partners
• QUALIFICATIONS, EXPERIENCE, & SKILLS:

Minimum Qualifications

• Masters degree in Library Science or Library and Information Science from an ALA-accredited institution

Minimum Experience

• 8 years management experience in a University/academic Library

Job-Specific Skills

• Library management
• Knowledge of digital research repositories
• Knowledge of latest trends in academic libraries and higher education
• Knowledge of recent developments in Library Services Platforms and applications
• In depth knowledge of information providers in print and electronically
• Good Communication skills
• Good financial skills
• Excellent interpersonal skills
• Excellent working knowledge of English and/or French language

Keyskills :
Applications Financial Skills Library Management Higher Education Interpersonal Skills academic libraries English French Communication Skills