Following is the job description for a dept. head opening at Northwestern University Library. I am forwarding it to SERIALST on behalf of the search committee. This announcement may be forwarded to multiple lists; please excuse any duplication. Kevin M. Randall Head of Serials Cataloging Northwestern University Library Evanston, IL 60208-2300 (708) 491-2939 kmr@nwu.edu PROFESSIONAL LIBRARIAN VACANCY POSITION: Head, Serials and Acquisitions Services Department DEPARTMENT: Serials and Acquisitions Services DIVISION: Technical Services REPORTS TO: Assistant University Librarian for Technical Services SUMMARY: Manages and leads the Serials and Acquisitions Services Department (SAS), which is responsible for pre-order searching; monographic ordering and receiving, serials ordering and receiving, gifts and exchanges, and serials cataloging. The department is responsible for the expenditure of a $4.5 million materials budget and for processing over 15,000 current serial titles. The responsibilities of the Head include direct or indirect supervision of 3 librarians and 13 non-exempt staff; policy and budget formulation; procedural review; and goal setting. The Head is responsible for coordinating the work of the Department with that of other library units, and serves on the Technical Services management team. Also serves as a member of the Management Council, an advisory body to the University Librarian. RESPONSIBILITIES: Formulates and implements goals, objectives, policies and procedures. Sets priorities and allocates financial, staff and space resources for the Department. Continually examines and as necessary adjusts operations in relation to Library policies and goals in the light of changing circumstances and new opportunities. Directly or indirectly supervises 3 librarians, 13 support staff plus student assistants, who are engaged in monographic order preparation, approval plan maintenance, serials order placement, claiming, receipt, gifts and exchange operations, and serials cataloging. Responsible for the preparation of position descriptions; hiring, training and evaluating staff; establishing performance standards and goals; and recommending appropriate personnel actions. Conducts meetings to review needs, develop new procedures, and communicate information. Interprets administrative decisions, directions, policies and regulations to SAS staff. Promotes continuing staff development for the Department's employees. Plans, prepares, and analyzes budgets, reports and statistics; prepares staff manuals and other materials setting forth policies and procedures for the Department. Monitors book and serial expenditures and monthly budget statements, discussing trends and problems with appropriate staff. Coordinates blanket order and approval programs. Maintains contacts with publishers and library materials vendors to solve problems and negotiate service; analyzes vendor performance. Maintains current awareness and understanding of issues and trends in serials and acquisitions, publishing and librarianship. Keeps abreast of and coordinates adherence to appropriate standards and business practices. Serves as a member of the Technical Services management team, consulting with heads of the Bibliographic Records Services and the Catalog departments, participating in the overall planning and management of Technical Services operations, and coordinating activities with other Northwestern libraries and units. Works closely with Collection Management and Administrative Services staff, and with library materials selectors throughout the library. Consults with representatives of other libraries and library units using a shared NOTIS system for acquisitions, serials control and cataloging activities. Consults with Information Technology Division staff about utilization and modification of automated systems for support of serials and acquisitions operations. Participates in library-wide planning and service programs. Serves as a member of Management Council, an advisory body to the University Librarian. QUALIFICATIONS: Required: MLS from an ALA-accredited library school; Extensive (at least five years preferred) post-MLS technical services experience; Substantial (at least two years preferred) acquisitions and/or serials control experience in an academic or research library using an automated library information management system; thorough understanding of publishing and library acquisitions issues; Successful supervisory and management experience; Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing; Record of professional development and continuing education. Preferred: Serials cataloging experience; Experience supervising both librarians and support staff; Record of innovation and successful implementation of change; Record of professional service and/or research. ENVIRONMENT: Northwestern University is a major private university which offers an extensive library system to support its program of study, research and teaching. This includes the Northwestern University Library, three branch libraries on the Evanston Campus, and four libraries on the Chicago Campus. Northwestern University Library is a member of the Association of Research Libraries and participates in programs of the Committee on Institutional Cooperation. The holdings of the libraries total over 3.6 million volumes. The Serials and Acquisitions Services Department is one of three units in the Technical Services Division. Technical Services staff work in a highly automated environment, using OCLC, NOTIS, a locally-developed cataloger's toolbox, and other online resources. SALARY: $40,000 minimum. TO APPLY: Send letter of application and resume, including names and addresses of three references to Peter Devlin, Personnel Librarian, Northwestern University Library, Evanston, Illinois 60208-230. Applications submitted by November 10, 1995 will receive first consideration. Northwestern University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. Employment eligibility verification required upon hire.
