Head of Research and Instruction Services
External posting
Full-Time, Exempt , Administrative/Professional
Salary Range: $65,000-$70,000

Monday - Friday, 8:00-4:30. Occasional weekends and evening hours required.

JOB SUMMARY:
Responsible for managing the Research Services department including personnel management, student, staff, faculty, and community research support, library instruction, assessment, library outreach, and online course support services.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Manages the Library’s Research and Instruction Services including coordinating the Research Center (staffing and service), library instruction (information and digital literacy), online course support (learning management system), online support services, outreach, collections and assessment.
• Manages online support platforms (AI technology, chat, text, online conferencing)
• Establishes goals and objectives for the Research Services Department that support and advance library and university goals. Evaluates departmental services and policies and initiates improvements as needed. Maintains awareness of current developments in areas of responsibility and evaluates new services for possible implementation.
• Compiles and directs the collection of statistics to assess all aspects of Research Services.
• Trains, evaluates, and supervises Research Services personnel.
• Serves as a member of the library’s administrative team and participates in library-wide planning, assessment, budgeting, and decision making.
• Works with students, faculty, staff, and other users on a one-to one basis by filling specific information requests, offering research assistance, and guiding patrons in the effective use of the broad range of information sources available through the library.
• Provides individual, classroom, and group instruction in library services and procedures, search strategies, and the use of information sources.
• Assists patrons in the use of the Library’s services, programs, resources, and collections.
• Works toward the development of cooperative services with outside groups and toward the establishment of a positive relationship with the public and the university community.
• Oversees the print Archives collection in consultation with the Head of Access Services and appropriate staff.
• Coordinates the promotion of library services and activities.
• Serves as the acquisitions liaison to designated academic departments, oversees the selection, and evaluation of materials in assigned subject areas and works to develop and maintain good relations with the faculty.
• Participates in professional activities, including university and library committees and task forces, and attendance at professional meetings.
• Other responsibilities and duties assigned by the Director of the Library.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED:

Supervision is received from the Director of the Library.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED:

Supervises Research Librarians, staff, student assistants.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• ALA accredited Master’s degree in Library or Information Science.
• At least 3 years' experience with progressively increasing responsibility in research services.
• Knowledge of automated library systems and other department related technical programs.
• Must possess good oral, written, telephone, online communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to handle differing, non-routine work situations, and problems by exercising independent judgment and initiative.
• Supervisory experience.
• Experience and ability to positively interact with a diverse campus community.
• Ability to perform the essential duties of the position with or without accommodations.

About SVSU:
Saginaw Valley State University is a comprehensive university with more than 100 programs of study for its more than 7,000 students. Located on a suburban campus in Michigan’s Great Lakes Bay Region, SVSU is committed to a supportive and empowering environment for students, faculty and staff. For seven consecutive years, SVSU has been recognized as a “Great College to Work For” (2016-2022).
SVSU emphasizes undergraduate teaching and learning, and community-based research. SVSU earned the Community Engagement classification from the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching, a distinction achieved by only 7 percent of U.S. colleges and universities. By their senior year, 84 percent of students have engaged with community employers and agencies in internships, field placements or some other component of their academic preparation.
SVSU is establishing itself as a leader in STEAM education for the Great Lakes Bay Region, partnering with businesses, foundations and school districts to improve students’ performance in math, science and the arts at the middle school, high school and university levels.
More than 70 percent of SVSU freshmen live on campus in student housing that has been rated No. 1 among public universities in the U.S. (2018-2022). SVSU fields 19 varsity sports at the NCAA Division II level. The average class size is 23 students.