Director, Access and Research Services

The New York Public Library•New York, NY

2d•Hybrid

About The Position

Overview The New York Public Library (NYPL) has been one of the world’s great public research libraries for more than 130 years. Its research centers provide opportunities for engagement with in-depth and unique collections, inspirational reading rooms, exhibitions, programs, and a range of research services. Collections and Research Services encompasses several departments focused on managing the ongoing development of our exceptional research collections, advancing unified discovery and expanding access, both in-person and online, and ensuring stewardship of the collections at every stage of their lifecycle. NYPL seeks a proven and visionary leader to advance the Library’s strategic goals to improve access and optimize the user experience, ensuring our diverse and unique research collections are accessible to the broadest number of patrons and reach new audiences. We are looking for someone we can count on to: Own: And lead engagement with research staff on the Library’s five-year strategic priorities related to optimizing the infrastructure supporting the patron experience and clarifying policies and procedures for core collection management and discovery systems. And drive NYPL’s digitization strategy and related policies, and partner on major initiatives to expand access to the Library’s research collections. Teach: Priorities and progress across the Library and with external partners And foster awareness of new tools, systems, and approaches that strengthen discovery and access. Learn: The scope of NYPL’s research collections and the needs of patrons and staff and use data, assessment, and user insights to shape patron-centered services. And understand the challenges and opportunities of AI for discovery and access. Improve: Policies, optimize workflows, and strengthen communication to enhance staff collaboration and the patron experience. A culture of engagement and inclusivity within the Access and Research Services team. Some expectations for this role are that within: 1 month, this person will: Understand responsibilities, current projects, and begin establishing working relationships with key partners across NYPL and ReCAP. 3 months, this person will: Contribute to committees and strategic planning efforts, clarify team priorities, understand gaps in policies and procedures, and develop a preliminary plan for aligning staff around a shared vision. 6 months and beyond, this person will: Establish a clear roadmap for access and research services, with measurable goals and resource needs identified.

Requirements

ALA-accredited MLS and substantial research library experience or Masters degree and relevant, substantial research library experience
10 years of experience in an academic or research library setting, with increasingly responsible managerial responsibilities
7+ years of successful people management experience
Successfully demonstrated experience promoting and managing access systems and services to support research and scholarly communication
Successfully demonstrated experience in strategic planning, project and resource management, problem-solving, and decision-making in a collaborative and coordinated work environment; a proven team player
Demonstrated experience in analyzing workflows, developing policies, and implementing change to promote alignment and greater efficiency of operations
Experience managing multiple projects and initiatives
Demonstrated experience evaluating the effectiveness of products and systems that support collections discovery and access
Experience setting clear and attainable performance goals
Excellent interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills
Strong leadership and project management skills, including negotiation and influencing skills
Excellent analytical skills and ability to lead complex projects
Demonstrated ability to build consensus and promote productive teamwork
Knowledge of current issues and emerging trends in research library services and systems as well as emerging technologies
Successfully demonstrated commitment to excellence in public service

Nice To Haves

Experience with project management principles and tools preferred

Responsibilities

Oversees the collaboration between the Research Libraries staff and the Digital Product Management team to develop and refine the strategic vision for a unified patron experience on its website and initiatives that expand access to more scholarly ebooks through innovative approaches such rights clearance partnerships
Ensures staff engagement for the ongoing development of the Research Catalog and compliance with ILS and circulation policies and procedures
Oversees the systems and policies that support access to the collections, including Aeon, EDS, and resource sharing systems; supports the implementation of a new DAMS as related to integration with these systems
Oversees resource-sharing services; engages with partners, including the Manhattan Research Library Initiative (MaRLI), the ReCAP Shared Collections, BorrowDirect partners, and the CUNY-wide community to strengthen and sustain our partnerships and new initiatives; represents NYPL on partner committees
Leads the review and development of a multi-pronged digitization strategy and related policies and procedures
Develops and implements, in collaboration with stakeholders, a centralized service model for the library’s electronic document delivery services, Scan and Deliver, for general and special collections
Oversees accessibility services for the research collections, partnering with other teams – Branches, Digital, Legal, and HR – to align policies, services, and products to address access to the collections for research patrons with disabilities
Oversees the public order team and commercial digitization and licensing initiatives
Ensures that accurate and consistent research usage data is being reported; oversees special research assessment projects, and uses data-informed decision making to optimize services
Effectively manages organizational change, strengthening the alignment of people and processes to deliver the best possible experience to patrons
Manages budgets and grants and contributes to fundraising initiatives and events
Develops and supports staff, fostering inclusion, professional growth, and a collaborative culture
Represents NYPL nationally in consortia and conferences, advancing its role as a leader in access and discovery
Performs other related duties as required