What are the responsibilities and job description for the Director of the Library & Learning Resource Center position at Spartanburg Methodist College?
Spartanburg Methodist College is seeking a Director of the Library and Learning Resource Center (LRC). This position provides vision, leadership, and strategic direction for a comprehensive plan that provides high quality resources and support for the academic and student programs of the College. Through personal example, leadership, and supervision, the Director will instill a dedication to excellence in professional performance and commitment to customer service in all phases of library work. The Director must display sound professional judgment and problem-solving skills as well as thorough knowledge of all elements of librarianship. The Director reports directly to the Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs and maintains faculty status with eligibility to participate in the tenure process.
Major Areas of Responsibility:
- Direct, plan, implement, manage, and evaluate the programs and services of the LRC
- Supervise and coordinate the work of all the members of the library staff
- Promote the use of instructional support resources in the academic program of the College
- Plan and manage the budget of each of the programs of the LRC and recommend and recommend an appropriate budget to the Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs
- Develop a plan for assessing the programs and services of the LRC
- Oversee the library facility and provide recommendations for its use and for upgrading to meet the changing educational demands of students
- Recommend changes in the staff of the LRC
- Develop and implement a staffing and evaluation program for the LRC
- Provide leadership in identifying program areas requiring updating through equipment, software, or program modifications
- Coordinate the evaluation, purchase, and use of computers, software, and technology in the library
- Oversee, coordinate, and direct the development of resource collections to support the academic and student development programs of the College
- Provide leadership in all activities of the technical services department of the library including cataloging
- Coordinate the activities of the Circulation Department with the Associate Librarians
- Provide a program of bibliographic instruction to introduce students to research techniques
- Provide leadership in developing a system to reference services for all patrons
- Serve as a liaison between the LRC and the other libraries in the community and in the State
- Serve as a member of the LRC Committee and the Academic Affairs and Curriculum
- Oversee, manage, and supervise the following:
- The Associate Librarians
- The part-time Library Assistants
- Student Assistants
Working Conditions:
This work is normally performed in an office environment and will require significant contact with students and faculty members. The Librarian will make frequent presentations to large and small groups in a variety of settings. The Marie Blair Burgess Library is a historic, two-story building, and does not maintain an elevator. The Library observes the same holiday/break schedule as all College offices.
Physical Requirements:
- Light physical exertion that includes moving around the library, sitting and standing for periods of time
- Ability to access office files, reach bookshelves, and climb stairs
- Manual and physical dexterity and visual acuity needed to operate a computer keyboard and handle paper documents
- Sufficient near vision acuity to read information appearing on a computer monitor, in hand-written form, and printed on paper
- Adequate hearing and verbal abilities to communicate effectively in person, by telephone, and through alternative connective technology (i.e. MS Teams, Zoom, etc.)
Other Details:
This is a 12 month position with faculty status. The position is also tenure eligible.
Minimum Qualifications:
- Education: Master's degree in Library Science from an (ALA} accredited program master's degree is preferred
- Experience: Three years of progressive work experience in a library environment
Skills, Knowledge, and Abilities:
- A thorough understanding of the principles of librarianship as they relate to all aspects of an academic library
- Familiarity with library technical services, public services, and media services
- Knowledge of technologies that support both library infrastructure and student learning
- A knowledge of computers, computer software, and computer applications in a library and a teaching/learning environment
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills
- Ability to make effective presentations to large and small groups in a variety of settings
- Work effectively with a diverse student body
FLSA: Exempt
Spartanburg Methodist College, located in Spartanburg, SC, founded in 1911, is a private residential liberal arts institution serving a diverse student population within the United Methodist Connection. Since its founding as the first co-op school in the nation, SMC has remained dedicated to its mission to connect education and employment. After over 100 years as an Associate Degree granting institution, the college launched its first bachelor’s degree in 2019. Today, the college’s emphasis on education and employment includes a unique professional development concentration comprised of eight required courses for students seeking associate and bachelor’s degrees. SMC is growing significantly, adding new programs, and consistently evaluating operations as a result of a campus-wide commitment to innovation and a passion for designing all campus programs to serve its student population intentionally.
Job Type: Part-time