Director, Libraries Deanship

Job Description

United Arab Emirates University (UAEU) invites applications for the position of Director, Libraries Deanship. United Arab Emirates University is the principal university of the UAE. It was the first federal university to be founded (in 1976) and is therefore approaching its 50th anniversary. UAEU remains the only fully comprehensive university in the UAE. It is situated in the historic city of Al Ain, which is about 100 km inland from both Abu Dhabi and Dubai cities. UAEU is in the process of transitioning into a research-intensive institution to be fit for its second half-century. It enrolls over 16,000 students, with a growing international student body. The UAEU Libraries are the gateway to finding a wide range of resources and services put together to support the learning, teaching, and research needs of the University community. They offer fine quality research services and resources, designed to meet the growing requirements of the University’s diverse academic programs. Currently, UAEU has two libraries – namely the Main Library (Crescent Building) and the National Medical Library Section (College of Medicine and Health Sciences) that serve UAEU students, faculty, staff, and community users. Students and other users can use their iPads, laptops, or library computers for study and to search the library for a wide selection of books, e-books, journals, databases, manuscripts, electronic thesis and dissertations, microforms, and audio-visual collections. Libraries also provide discovery tools such as WorldShare Management Services (WMS), created to make the digital content more discoverable and easily accessible.

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

1. Provide vision, strategies, and leadership to library faculty and full-time staff that aligns with the UAEU.
2. Facilitate and promote the collection and analysis of data to drive decision-making in the library and assess programs and services.
3. Plan and manage the financial, human, and physical resources of the library and ensure cost-effective use of resources.
4. Develop and implement programming and outreach initiatives to promote use of the library and its resources.
5. Implement and deliver high-quality digital learning resources and infrastructure in accordance with the University’s academic strategy.
6. Lead the creative use of digital technology in collaboration with IT Services, to enhance the reach and impact of the service across the university and externally as a positive contributor to the university’s success.
7. Coordinate the library’s Access Services functions, including personnel, policies, and procedures.
8. Coordinate library activities with other educational institutions and public agencies.
9. Prepare the annual report, which includes the activities and achievements of the library.

Minimum Qualification

• A Master’s degree accredited by the American Library Association (ALA) (librarianship, information science, management or related field).
• 8 years of progressively more responsible experience in an academic library, including at least 3 years of administrative or leadership experience.

Preferred Qualification

• Full English proficiency is required.
• Experience with budget development and oversight.
• Demonstrated knowledge of current and emerging technologies in library services, information technology, and information literacy.
• Demonstrated knowledge of current trends in research, academic publishing processes, the broader publishing industry, and the open research movement.
• Demonstrated understanding of program and service trends that support academic success.

Expected Skills

• Strong communication skills and interpersonal skills; skilled negotiator.
• Ability to leverage new technologies to develop a vision and new strategies to support changing student needs.
• Ability to take initiative and make independent decisions.
• Ability to make administrative decisions, interpret policies, and supervise staff.

Special Instructions to Applicant

• A cover letter.
• A full updated CV.
• A list of 3-5 referees with academic affiliations (preferable) and contact information.

Salary Range

Salary commensurate with experience.

Close Date

Kindly apply before the closing date. Open until filled.