Job Openings >> Stony Brook University: Dean of University Libraries
Stony Brook University: Dean of University Libraries
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Title:Stony Brook University: Dean of University Libraries
ID:1204
Description

Stony Brook University

Dean of University Libraries


Academic Career & Executive Search is pleased to assist Stony Brook University in their search for Dean of University Libraries.

Stony Brook University invites applications and nominations for the Dean of University Libraries. This is a unique opportunity for a visionary, dynamic, and collaborative leader to join a flagship SUNY research university with ambitious goals. The Dean will work with a talented and dedicated staff to strengthen the Libraries’ diversity, inclusion, and equity efforts; further position the Libraries as the hub of collaboration, digital innovation, and scholarly endeavors; and center the Libraries as an essential partner in the University’s mission of global leadership in research, discovery, and learning.

Using their strategic and visionary leadership, the successful candidate will navigate the evolving needs and ever-changing roles of libraries in our modern society, and facilitate the implementation of the University Libraries strategic goals and core services. This position requires a dynamic leader, effective operations manager, innovative fundraiser, and transparent communications partner. The Dean serves as the advocate for the library and information services and resources within the institution, the SUNY system of 64 campuses, and the greater community; thus, the ability to build strong partnerships across campus will be critical to success. As the chief administrator for the library, the Dean will be a change agent, tasked with continuing the innovation practices and adaptability initiatives that have been the hallmark of libraries in recent years.

The Dean will oversee the Libraries throughout the University. As such, the Dean will be expected to form partnerships among the campuses in support of intra- and extra-campus research and educational activities in a multitude of disciplines in support of teaching, learning, research, and clinical care. Furthermore, the Dean of University Libraries will help establish collaborative relationships with other campus entities to address future data retention and dissemination matters related to digital preservation, intellectual property, scholarly communication, and unique institutionally-created information.
 

ABOUT STONY BROOK UNIVERSITY

Stony Brook University, officially the State University of New York at Stony Brook, is a public university in Stony Brook, New York. Along with the University at Buffalo, it is one of the State University of New York system's two flagship institutions and boasts the most diverse student body in the system. With more than 200 majors, minors and combined-degree programs, Stony Brook is listed among the world's top 1% of universities by the Times Higher Education World University Rankings. Kiplinger named Stony Brook as one of the 35 best values in public colleges and universities and was recently recognized as one of top five universities in the nation for social mobility. More than 350 companies recruit on campus, and nearly 90% of recent graduates are either employed or in graduate school. Stony Brook is home to 24,000 undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral students and more than 13,500 faculty and staff. Stony Brook University is a comprehensive research-intensive university and a member of the prestigious Association of American Universities (AAU), which includes 34 public universities among its 62 members. SBU consists of 12 schools and colleges as well as a teaching hospital that provides state-of-the-art healthcare in the Long Island region. SBU also manages and performs joint research with Brookhaven National Laboratory, the only Department of Energy Laboratory in the Northeast, and shares doctoral programs with Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, a world-renowned molecular biology institute. Home to the Emerson String Quartet, the Pollock-Krasner House and Study Center in East Hampton, New York, the Humanities Institute, the Southampton Arts Program, and with endeavors that extend to the Turkana Basin Institute in Kenya and the Ranomafana National Park in Madagascar, SBU sustains an international reputation that cuts across the arts, humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences.

Stony Brook Medicine integrates and elevates all of Stony Brook University’s health-related initiatives: education, research and patient care. It includes five Health Sciences schools — Dental Medicine, Health Professions, Medicine, Nursing and Social Welfare — as well as Stony Brook University Hospital, Stony Brook Southampton Hospital, Stony Brook Eastern Long Island Hospital, Stony Brook Children’s Hospital and more than 200 community-based healthcare settings throughout Suffolk County.

The University has a five-part mission:

  • to provide comprehensive undergraduate, graduate, and professional education of the highest quality;
  • to carry out research and intellectual endeavors of the highest international standards that advance knowledge and have immediate or long-range practical significance;
  • to provide leadership for economic growth, technology, and culture for neighboring communities and the wider geographic region;
  • to provide state-of-the-art innovative health care, while serving as a resource to a regional health care network and to the traditionally underserved; and
  • to fulfill these objectives while celebrating diversity and positioning the University in the global community.

For more information, visit the Stony Brook University website and its strategic plan.
 

ABOUT THE UNIVERSITY LIBRARIES

Stony Brook University Libraries (https://library.stonybrook.edu/) is the largest academic research library on Long Island, offering world-class research collections and services in support of the teaching, research, and clinical excellence missions of the University. Our holdings include more than 1.5 million volumes across all locations (including an offsite storage facility), over 480 research databases, and the largest repository of special collections on Long Island. Our monograph collection comprises 1,123,680 physical books and 367,712 electronic titles. The serials collection comprises 1,168 printed titles with access to 179,394 electronic titles. The University Libraries takes pride in building responsive collections, providing access to materials in support of teaching and learning across multiple disciplines and in all formats to meet evolving needs of the university, including traditional print materials, streaming videos, ebooks, mobile apps, and other digital resources and emerging formats. We have a well-integrated library research instruction program across the campuses, in high impact courses that contribute to student retention, engagement, and success. The Stony Brook University Libraries include several distinct facilities: the Frank Melville Jr. Memorial Library (Main Stacks, Music Library, Special Collections and University Archives, Center for Scholarly Communication, Center for Digital Humanities, Map Collection, Government Documents, reading rooms); the Marine and Atmospheric Sciences Information Center; the Chemistry Library; the Math, Physics, and Astronomy Library; the Southampton Library; and the Health Sciences Library. The Libraries belong to the Association of Research Libraries (ARL) and the Health Sciences Library is a member of the Association of Academic Health Sciences Libraries (AASHL). The Libraries also maintain memberships in and affiliations with arXiv, Center for Research Libraries, Coalition of Networked Information, the Council on Library and Information Resources, Digital Library Federation (DLF), DuraSpace (as a SUNY member), EDUCAUSE, Inter-university Consortium for Political and Social Research, Roper Center, SPARC, SUNY Connect, OCLC Research Library Partnership, and ORCID through the National Network of the National Libraries of Medicine. The Libraries also participate in the SUNY Library Consortium (SLC), the NorthEast Research Libraries (NERL) consortium, and several statewide consortia and partnerships. The Libraries currently use Ex Libris’ Alma library services platform and Primo discovery solution. DSpace, Bepress Digital Commons, and Omeka are used for managing digital assets and a growing institutional repository.

Mission: Stony Brook University Libraries inspire learning, research, scholarly inquiry and service in an environment dedicated to the open exchange of ideas and information. The University Libraries are engaged in scholarly, cultural, and artistic endeavors with Stony Brook University and its regional and global communities by: promoting academic engagement; building, preserving and providing access to rich and diverse collections; developing responsive library spaces for diverse user communities; and fostering an innovative culture of learning and assessment.

Vision: The University Libraries are an essential partner in Stony Brook University’s mission of global leadership in research, discovery, and learning, positioning ourselves as the hub of collaboration, digital innovation, and scholarly endeavors. We enable the dissemination, preservation, and creation of new knowledge by remaining committed to delivering world-class physical and digital content and services critical to research, education, and outreach, now and in the future.

Core values: The University Libraries are paramount to the research and educational excellence of the people we serve and are committed to the core values of access, collaboration, diversity and inclusion, stewardship, innovation, integrity, and respect.

Respect for diversity and inclusion is a fundamental value of Stony Brook University and the University Libraries, and is identified among the core values of our strategic growth. Working in parallel with the Vice President for Equity and Inclusion/Chief Diversity Officer, the University Libraries’ Committee on Equity, Inclusion and Diversity strives to:

  • Build, preserve, and provide access to rich and diverse collections
  • Recommend policies and projects that embed diversity and inclusion into the Libraries’ services and work environments
  • Envision events that build cultural awareness and provide the tools needed to strengthen work relationships and build a supportive SBU community
  • Increase awareness and sensitivity among library staff
  • Develop responsive library spaces for diverse user communities

Organizational structure

There are four divisions of the University Libraries. Research & User Engagement comprises Academic Engagement; Access & User Services; Reference Services; and Outreach. Collection Strategy & Management includes Cataloging & Metadata Services; Collections Statistics & Reports; Content Acquisitions & Services; Preservation Services; and Special Collections and University Archives. Library Technology, Discovery & Digital Initiatives includes Scholarly Communication; Digital Projects; Library Systems; Discovery and Repository Services. Finance & Administration oversees budgets, administration, and personnel. In addition to these operational divisions, the Libraries have several functional working groups such as Scholarly Communications, Digital Initiatives, and Communications & Outreach that draw on membership from across the organization. The University Libraries engage in shared governance through two standing committees; The Faculty Executive Committee and the Faculty Review Committee. Library faculty and staff also participate in University Senate committees, lead campus-wide initiatives such as research data management and open access, and serve on ad hoc committees. The University Libraries’ Office of Global Library Initiatives has forged partnerships with libraries abroad and has sponsored visiting scholars to encourage the open exchange of ideas and best practices in librarianship.

University Libraries’ annual operating budget is approximately $13 million. Its acquisitions budget is approximately $7.7 million.

University Libraries’ total staff is 71. The organizational structure can be found here.

Key Initiatives and accomplishments

  • Scholarly Communication and open access publishing
  • SUNY-wide leader and early adopter of open access and open education resources
  • Digital initiatives, including the grant-funded Center for Digital Humanities
  • Curricular integration of library research skills in high impact courses, teaching approximate 350 instruction sessions and workshops for undergraduate and graduate courses, and reaching approximately 9,000 students annually
  • STEM Speaker Series featuring esteemed and rising STEM faculty who engage the wider campus about their cutting-edge research and scholarship
  • Dedicated student art exhibit space
  • A record 2.3 million visits to University Libraries in 2019, an increase of 17% since the previous year
  • Significant increase (93%) in library workshop attendance since moving to online instruction during COVID-19
  • Implementation of laptop loan program, remote instruction, materials pick-up service during COVID-19 pandemic
  • COVID-19 archive project to document SBU’s experiences during the pandemic
  • Creation of Open Educational Resources structure, grant opportunities, course development, and annual open access symposium
  • More than 100 programs and events, with 7,700 participants and 30 campus partners to foster interdisciplinary discourse and cultural enrichment
  • High scholarly productivity and professional engagement: 97 presentations, publications, and grants in 2020
  • Fundraising and development efforts

 

LIBRARY FACILITIES

The Melville Library contains two main reading rooms; The North Reading Room and the Central Reading room. The combined 55,000 sq. ft. spaces have 1,400 seats. Diverse learning spaces are available to accommodate a variety of user needs. These spaces include individual and silent study areas, group study areas, as well as study rooms outfitted with collaborative technologies. Each reading room features a single service point providing both library and technology support at one convenient location.

The University Libraries are also home to several branch libraries, including the Math, Physics, and Astronomy library, the Chemistry, and the Marine and Atmospheric Sciences Information Center (MASIC). The branch libraries below are exemplary of specialized collections and spaces conducive to departmental needs.

The Special Collections and University Archives located on the second floor of the Melville Library contains collections of rare books, manuscripts, and maps comprise the largest repository of archival materials in Nassau and Suffolk counties on Long Island. The Long Island collections are premier sources for the study and research of regional history. Among the most frequently requested collections are two George Washington Revolutionary War spy letters, Senator Jacob K. Javits Collection, and University Archives. Researchers may access materials in the well-appointed reading room by request. The Special Collections seminar room also serves to host Stony Brook researchers and leading scholars for lectures and events.

The Music Library is an 11,285 square foot facility located on the first floor of the Melville Library providing 170 seats. The library provides access to various types of printed and audio materials, and technologies to access recordings in support of the performance and music education at Stony Brook University. The Music Library has over 200 current subscriptions to journals and other serials devoted to all aspects of musicology and the study of vocal and instrumental music, as well as bibliographical and discographical reference works. The Music Library serves as the archive for recordings of Music Department ensemble performances and final master’s and doctoral recitals.

The Health Sciences Library located within the Health Sciences Center is a 49,000 square foot space that seats approximately 425. In 2019, the library underwent a renovation adding seats to accommodate the 450,000 visitors annually, creating a common area that is accessible 24/7, implementing technology upgrades; including increased number of wireless access points, 26 desktop computers, collaborative technology at group tables, and charging stations at all individual study carrels and group study tables. The silent study area containing individual study carrels is accessible during staffed hours. The collection contains 35,000 circulating print books, 4,200 electronic books, over 100,000 serials volumes and 10,000 e-journals and 200+ health databases.

The Southampton Library is located approximately 40 miles east on the Stony Brook Southampton campus. The library is the first LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Gold Certified library on Long Island and provides study spaces and collections in support of various graduate programs including Health Professions, Marine and Atmospheric Sciences, Creative Writing, and Fine Arts. The library provides a cultural hub for the campus, hosting events and regular exhibitions in support of the community’s educational and creative endeavors.


ABOUT THE POSITION

Reporting to the Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs, the Dean of Libraries is a member of the senior leadership team, partnering with Deans, Vice Provosts and Vice Presidents to advance the University’s vision for excellence in learning, discovery, and engagement. The Dean will lead the Libraries in strategic planning and is responsible for overseeing collections in multiple formats; library research integration into the curriculum for student success, remote access to digital resources; library technologies; physical facilities and operations, including branches on three campuses; financial and human resources; and fundraising. The ideal candidate will play a crucial role in positioning University Libraries as the intellectual and cultural hub of the campus. They will be well-connected within the profession and active in professional associations for research libraries.

Leadership Agenda/Key Priorities

  • Lead the vision, strategizing, and goal setting for the Libraries in alignment with the University vision, mission, values, and strategic plan
  • Harness the strengths of a dynamic and evolving library organization and achieve strategic recruitment and resources to meet the needs and vision of a responsive 21st century academic library at an R1 research university
  • Be the chief advocate for recognizing the Libraries’ value and impact on learning and student success, research productivity, clinical care, and campus engagement
  • Advance diversity, inclusion, and equity in all aspects of policy, planning, operations, and services
  • Integrate a structured assessment and evidence-based decision making to planning, operations, and programs
  • Encourage and support innovation, creativity, and collaboration within University Libraries, across Stony Brook University, and across SUNY
  • Shepherd the Libraries’ initiatives on diversity, equity, and inclusion, open access, scholarly communication, digital projects (including digital humanities), research data management, and dynamic campus engagement;
  • Manage and oversee the Libraries’ financial and human resources.
  • Lead fundraising and grantsmanship for the Library

 

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

  • Masters of Library and Information Science (foreign equivalent or higher) or equivalent terminal degree from an American Library Association-accredited institution
  • Demonstrated evidence of improving diversity, equity, and inclusion in all aspects of library services, collections, workplace culture, and campus engagement
  • Distinguished national and international reputation for sustained professional engagement
  • Record of excellence in teaching, research, and service appropriate to appointment at the rank of Full Librarian at a major research university
  • Minimum of 10 years of professional library experience in an academic library, including 5 years of proven administrative and managerial experience
  • Excellent organization skills and oral and written communication skills


PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS AND ATTRIBUTES

  • Additional advanced degree;
  • Experience working in a large, complex, multi-campus system and consortial partnerships;
  • Experience working with a complex multi-source budget environment;
  • Dynamic leadership in strategic planning, resource allocation, and personnel management;
  • Demonstrated experience in leading transformational change;
  • Exceptional communication, supervisory and management skills;
  • Demonstrated record of successful stewardship of physical, fiscal, technological, and human resources;
  • Ability to work effectively with university senior leadership, colleges, schools, in implementing an ambitious strategic plan;
  • Success in creating a culture of continuous professional development and learning among library faculty and staff;
  • Experience with a collective bargaining environment and faculty status for librarians;
  • Strong evidence of leadership in advancing equitable scholarly communication practices, implementation of library technologies, and management of library spaces;
  • Thorough understanding of the libraries’ value and impact on student learning and success, faculty research productivity, clinical care, and campus engagement;
  • Demonstrated knowledge of emerging areas of librarianship, including the capabilities and future trends of service models, library technologies, and systems to maximize discovery and access to scholarly resources;
  • Understanding of the unique role and value of special collections;
  • Expertise in grants management;
  • Fundraising and donor relations experience;
  • Personal qualities: integrity; transparency; an openness to diverse perspectives; empathy; humility; good sense of humor.


LIVING IN THE AREA

Stony Brook's idyllic and lush 1,100-acre campus is located on the beautiful North Shore of Long Island, midway between Manhattan and Montauk. A train station on campus makes it easy to travel to New York City, arguably the most exciting and diverse city in the world, just 60 miles away. With a population of 13,000, Stony Brook is perfect for those looking for a city with a small-town feel. The area is in close proximity to the rich agricultural areas of Eastern Long Island and local growers sell their goods at local markets. Stony Brook is an historic hamlet with a bevy of restaurants, coffee shops, galleries, historic landmarks, and parks including; The Jazz Loft, Gallery North, and The Long Island Museum of American Art, History, and Carriages. Residents love the proximity of the harbor, the gorgeous beaches, and certainly, the fine public schools. Indeed, the public schools in Stony Brook are some of the top ranked in the entire state of New York, and continue to be highly rated year after year. The Stony Brook University Hospital has a fantastic reputation and is easily accessible.


TO APPLY:

Please do not email applications.

Applications will be reviewed as they are received and should include a cover letter and curriculum vita. All applications are treated confidentially.

Inquiries, referrals, and nominations are treated confidentially:

Inquiries and questions: Please send to stonybrooklibraries@acesrch.com

Nominations and referrals: Please send to nominations@acesrch.com

Institution’s EEO Statement:

Stony Brook University prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, religion, age, color, creed, national or ethnic origin, disability, marital status, familial status, pregnancy, genetic predisposition, criminal convictions, domestic violence victim status, and veteran or military status and all other protected classes under federal or state laws in the administration of its policies, programs, activities or other Stony Brook University administered programs or employment, and includes the terms, conditions, and privileges of employment and/or access for students, faculty and staff. Stony Brook University's non-discrimination policy affects all employment practices including, but not limited to, recruiting, hiring, transfers, promotions, benefits, compensation, training, educational opportunities, discipline, daily responsibilities and terminations.

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