Head of Library Experience Special Collections & Academic Engagement

Boston University • Boston, MA

1d

About The Position

Reporting to the Associate University Librarian for Academic Engagement and Special Collections, the Head of Library Experience provides strategic and operational leadership for a cohesive portfolio of student-facing programs centered on: Scaffolded information literacy delivered synchronously and asynchronously, and learning-object development; Campus partnerships across academic and student services that inform orientation, student engagement, inclusion initiatives, and community-building; and Program assessment and data-informed continuous improvement to ensure equitable access and measurable student success. The Head supervises and mentors Student Success Librarian(s) and the Library Experience Coordinator, serves as the liaison to the College of General Studies and Kilachand Honors College, leads development of instructional assets and learning objects, the libraries’ orientation programming, the libraries Common Read, and other outreach initiatives that connect library resources to student life and curricular goals.

Requirements

• Master's degree in library and/or Information Science from an ALA-accredited program, or equivalent professional experience, plus advanced degree in subject specialty.
• 5-8 years of experience.
• Demonstrated leadership experience in academic library instruction, reference services, or student engagement.
• Must have sufficient experience and expertise in library leadership, management, and the work of a team/unit/department to serve as a supervisor, advisor and mentor.
• Strong record of program development, assessment, and cross-campus partnership building.
• Experience with in-person and online instruction.
• Competence with information technologies and demonstrated effectiveness in integrating technology with traditional services and resources, particularly instruction.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, strong presentation, and customer service skills.
• Excellent analytical and organizational skills.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively as part of a team within a culturally diverse user community of faculty, students, staff, administrators, and the general public.
• Capacity to thrive in a dynamic environment, respond effectively to shifting needs and priorities of library constituents, and afford a willingness to be flexible with liaison and selector assignments as appointed.
• Flexible and forward-thinking approach to challenges and opportunities.
• Demonstrable collaborative management style and commitment to exceptional user services.
• Experience deploying marketing strategies through a variety of formats and creative technologies to increase the use of special collections.
• Ability to cultivate an environment of trust, empathy, collaboration, and respect.

Nice To Haves

• Advanced degree in a related field in the humanities and/or social sciences, or in curricular design.
• Experience supervising librarians or professional staff.
• Experience providing instructional services and outreach in an academic or research library environment.
• Experience with curricular mapping and aligning instruction to general education competencies.
• Familiarity with learning management systems and LibGuides.
• Background in data literacy, digital literacies or pedagogy related to emerging technologies.
• Grant-writing or budget management experience.
• Experience in a large research university environment.

Responsibilities

• Program leadership and strategy (20%) Sets a clear vision and priorities for the Library Experience program that advance progressive, scaffolded information literacy across the early career undergraduate curriculum, including multiple literacies (information, data, digital, and literacies related to emerging technologies) as appropriate to course contexts. Translate institutional priorities (including the BU General Education Hub competencies) into program goals, measurable outcomes, and annual plans; advocate for resources and partnerships to achieve those goals. Oversee the continuous improvement cycle for instruction, reference, and outreach: plan, implement, assess, and refine services based on evidence and stakeholder feedback.
• Information literacy and instructional oversight (20%) Lead design and deliver expectations for synchronous and asynchronous information literacy instruction across early career undergraduate curriculum, including the CAS Writing Program, Kilachand Honors, and the College of General Studies; ensure that library instruction aligns with course objectives and supports Hub competencies. Coordinate major early-career undergraduate instruction initiatives across Mugar and branch libraries and contribute appropriate documentation, training and support for librarians and staff who teach.
• Engagement, Outreach and Campus Partnerships (20%) Build and maintain strategic partnerships with academic departments, faculty, student success programs, and student services (e.g., Newbury Center, Howard Thurman Center for Common Ground, First-Year Success, Wellbeing, tutoring centers) to co-create programming that integrates library resources into student success pathways. Co-lead library orientation programming and plan, coordinate, and participate in outreach such as library pop-ups, workshops, and welcome activities that introduce students to library services and community-building opportunities. Represent the Library Experience program in cross-campus initiatives and working groups related to student engagement and academic wellbeing. Lead libraries cross-departmental orientation programs. Lead the libraries participation in the campus Common Read.
• Learning objects and educational assets (10%) Oversee creation, curation, and maintenance of scalable online learning objects, tutorials, course guides, videos, and modular teaching materials for integration into the Course Management System, LibGuides, and Teaching Objects repositories. Establish quality standards for inclusive and accessible design; promote evidence-based instructional design practices and ensure materials are responsive to course contexts and student needs. Coordinate embedding of learning objects into course sites in collaboration with faculty, instructional designers, and library colleagues.
• Program Assessment, Evaluation and Reporting (10%) Work closely with the Assessment Librarian, Research & Engagement Librarians and Associate University Librarian to develop assessment plans, learning outcomes, and evaluation strategies for instruction. Establish and monitor assessment frameworks and metrics for instructional effectiveness, student learning outcomes, and program impact; synthesize qualitative and quantitative data to inform decisions. Prepare and present regular reports and recommendations to the Associate University Librarian, Academic Engagement Leadership Team and Libraries Leadership Team and other stakeholders demonstrating outcomes, impact, and strategic needs.
• Reference, consultation and event services (10%) Contribute to scalable reference and consultation services, including evening and weekend virtual coverage, ensuring equitable, high-quality frontline support for undergraduates. Ensure consultations integrate appropriate library resources (open educational resources, archives and special collections, datasets, print/electronic collections) and that staff track and analyze interactions to inform service improvements. Occasional evening and weekend responsibilities for events, outreach, and event coverage.
• Professional Contributions, Supervision & Administration (10%) As a member of the Libraries Leadership Team, actively contributes and engages in information sharing, ideation, library-wide planning, decision making, and the development of the libraries strategic framework. Implements all strategic objectives relevant to your position as leader in the organization and your area of focus. Supervise and evaluate exempt and non-exempt staff—including Student Success Librarians, Library Experience staff, student employees, and temporary workers—assigning work, setting expectations, and supporting professional development and career growth. Contributes to the library, the institution, and the profession through sustained and progressive scholarship, creative expression, and service at the state, regional, national, or international level; contributions will support the advancement of librarianship and increase service to the University, and community.

Benefits

• We are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, natural or protective hairstyle, religion, sex, age, national origin, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, military service, pregnancy or pregnancy-related condition, or because of marital, parental, or veteran status. We are a VEVRAA Federal Contractor.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior