Department Chair for Library Public Services

Western Kentucky University Job Location: Kentucky Apply By: 03/05/2025 Date Created: 02-03-2025

Department Chair for Library Public Services About Western Kentucky University: Western Kentucky University (WKU) is a student-centered, applied-research institution committed to providing its students with a transformative academic and social experience and to elevating its surrounding communities. Founded in 1906, WKU is the second largest undergraduate institution in the Commonwealth of Kentucky with approximately 15,035 students (29% first generation, 18% underrepresented minority) and just over 2,500 faculty and staff employees. Western Kentucky University is committed to empowering its campus community to embrace diversity by building equitable and inclusive learning, working, and living environments. At the heart of our mission, we seek to provide holistic education and employment experiences that prepare students, faculty, and staff to become effective scholars, contributors, and leaders in our diverse and evolving communities. Located 65 miles north of Nashville, TN, and just over 100 miles south of Louisville, KY, WKU's main campus is in Bowling Green, KY - a city with approximately 70,000 residents. Our population is ethnically diverse, with more than 85 languages spoken in and around Bowling Green, and people from 35 nationalities call our community home. Western Kentucky University seeks to attract talented faculty and staff who are inspired individually to contribute to WKU's strategic plans and ongoing success. We offer comprehensive wellness and health benefits to employees and their families, including domestic partners and other qualified dependents and take pride in providing a workplace culture that supports balancing the responsibilities of work and family life. Paid-time off for holidays, vacation and sick leave, and a tuition discount program for employees and dependents are also provided. Learn more about WKU and Bowling Green at wku.edu/about. Job Description: Western Kentucky University (WKU) Libraries is seeking an experienced and innovative leader to serve as Department Chair for Library Public Services. This position plays a pivotal role in shaping the future of public services within WKU Libraries, providing leadership and strategic oversight for library instruction, reference services, and outreach efforts. The successful candidate will lead initiatives to enhance patron engagement and foster partnerships across the campus and the broader academic community. This is a twelve-month faculty administrator appointment at the rank of Associate Professor or higher. As a member of the WKU faculty, the successful candidate will actively engage in service and research / creative activity. Principal Responsibilities: The following duties are customary for this position, but additional responsibilities may be assigned based on institutional needs and management discretion:

• Provide visionary leadership and strategic oversight for public services, including library instruction, reference services, and outreach initiatives, ensuring alignment with institutional priorities.
• Establish and lead long-term planning and day-to-day operations by defining departmental goals, policies, and procedures that effectively support institutional and library-wide objectives.
• Oversee and optimize library software solutions related to public services, including Springshare tools, to enhance service delivery and user experience.
• Supervise and mentor departmental faculty and staff, conduct performance evaluations and support professional development, rank advancement, and tenure processes.
• Build and sustain cross-campus collaborations to integrate WKU Libraries into the broader campus environment and curriculum, serving as a liaison to key stakeholders when appropriate.
• Partner closely with the Department Chair for Library Collections & Discovery to ensure seamless integration and collaboration across library initiatives.
• Actively contribute to strategic planning as a member of the Library Leadership Council, driving the implementation of library-wide goals and priorities.
• Participate in the library's Collection Development Committee, fostering a collaborative approach to building and curating resources that meet user needs.
• Promote an inclusive and professional work environment that values teamwork and ethical practices, ensuring respect and equity across all interactions.
  
  

Requirements

• ALA-accredited Master's in Library Science or equivalent.
• At least five years of progressively responsible experience in an academic library.
• Demonstrated expertise and knowledge of library user-facing services and trends, such as reference, instruction, or outreach.
• Proven abilities in at least one of the department's key areas of responsibility (reference, instruction, open educational resources, collection development, or outreach).
• Strong organizational, managerial, interpersonal, and communication skills.
• Record of professional librarianship, research/creative activity, and service that meets the criteria for tenure at the Associate Professor level or higher.
  
  

Additional Information: Kentucky state law requires all public institutions of postsecondary education to conduct pre-employment criminal background checks to determine suitability for employment. Western Kentucky University (WKU) is committed to a policy and practice of providing equal employment and educational opportunities to all individuals. In accordance with Title VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Revised 1992, and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, no form of discrimination or harassment will be tolerated at WKU on the basis of race, color, ethnicity, national origin, creed, religion, political belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, marital status, age, uniformed services, veteran status, genetic information, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, or physical or mental disability in admission to career and technical education programs and/or activities, or employment practices. Persons with disabilities, who need reasonable accommodations to participate in the application and/or selection process, should notify the office of Institutional Equity. To request an accommodation, report a complaint, or ask questions regarding WKU's Discrimination and Harassment Policy (#0.2040), please contact Ms. Ena Demir, Executive Director/Title IX Coordinator via email at ena.demir@wku.edu or by phone at (270) 745-6867. Ms. Demir is also responsible for coordinating the University's response to complaints related to sex and gender harassment. Additional information regarding Title IX is accessible via WKU's https://www.wku.edu/titleix/ website. Information concerning educational programs offered by WKU are provided at: http://www.wku.edu/atwku/academics.php For information related to job postings, please email employment@wku.edu. Application Instructions: The following items must be submitted through this electronic talent management system by February 28, 2025, although expressions of interest may be considered until the position is filled:

• Letter of Intent
• Curriculum Vita
• Unofficial Transcripts
  
  

Names and contact information of three reference providers will be collected during the application process. Reference letters will be requested by the Search Committee through an online process at a later date. You will receive email confirmation once you have successfully completed the application process. Interested applicants can contact Andrew Adler (andrew.adler@wku.edu), Department Chair for Library Collections and Discovery, with any questions. Quicklink to apply: https://wku.interviewexchange.com/jobofferdetails.jsp;jsessionid=C005EEFE6EF71F7F0A589DD8314E0979?JOBID=185198

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