Assistant Director of Styberg Library

Position Summary

The Assistant Director of Styberg Library (ADSL) works closely with the Seminary’s Library Director to oversee all major library operations and personnel. With the Library Director, they plan and manage the services and activities related to a) technical services; b) access and digital services; and c) research, instruction, and public services. Along with the Library Director, they serve as the lead implementer of programs and initiatives that advance the academic research, teaching, and learning needs of the Seminary’s constituencies (faculty, students, staff, alumni, and members of the public) and the Seminary’s external educational partners. The ADSL oversees library operations and staff in the absence of the Library Director.

A. Technical Services

Plan and manage the services and activities in the technical services office of the library, from acquisitions to cataloging/metadata and maintenance of the library materials in all formats; develop and update technical services policies and procedures; assist the Director in collection development and strategic planning.

Primary Responsibilities: Understand, train tech services student workers for, and perform functions related to technical services, including but not limited to:

• Cataloging and classifying library materials in all formats; physically processing items being added to and withdrawn from the collections; and creating metadata for electronic and digital resources in the library collection.
• Maintain and update the library's online catalog.
• Coordinate Styberg Library cataloging/metadata operations with Northwestern University Libraries, particularly their Metadata Services Operations Group (MSOG).
• Maintain statistics on collection inventory and technical services activity, and provide periodic reports of the same, in coordination with the Library Director.
• Oversee lending and borrowing Interlibrary Loan services.

B. Access and Digital Services

Support, enhance, and maintain a wide range of technologies and integrated library systems to provide robust library services and access to the library collection; develop, oversee, and deliver circulation and access services in a timely manner, responding to the information needs of the Seminary community in person and virtually.

Primary Responsibilities: Understand, train circulation student workers for, and perform functions related to access and digital services, including but not limited to:

• Oversee integrations and collaborations between Styberg Library and Northwestern University Library to maintain Alma and Primo and ensure access to electronic resources on and off campus.
• Manage the OpenAthens authentication system to ensure full access to the Styberg Library’s eBook collection.
• Maintain the library’s digital collections via ContentDM.
• Maintain and update the library’s website (WordPress), LibGuides (Springshare), and online chat service.
• Coordinate interactions with vendor and IT technical support; investigate and resolve issues related to library technology and equipment, including security gates, scanners, printers, etc.
• Oversee circulation services.
• Generate analytical reports and statistics.

C. Research, Instruction, and Public Services

Devise, oversee, and support a system of providing reference and research assistance to students, faculty, staff, alumni, and others; provide library instruction in classroom and workshop settings; collaborate with Academic and Student Affairs offices to provide integrative student academic support.

Primary Responsibilities: Understand, train student workers for, and perform functions related to research and instruction services, including but not limited to:

• Provide students and faculty with reference services via chat, phone, email, Teams, or in-person meetings.
• Lead library orientations and workshops.
• Offer classroom library instruction as needed.
• Create and develop informational and instructional materials in various formats, including video tutorials, LibGuides, print resources, etc.
• Oversee special exhibits and monthly displays of library resources.

D. Other

• Attend professional meetings, workshops, and conferences as required.
• Other duties as assigned by the Library Director.

Required Education and Experience

• Master’s degree in library science from a college or university accredited by the American Library Association
• Five or more years of work experience in an academic library, preferably supporting theological education
• Knowledge of the latest standard cataloging and classification rules, including AACR-2, RDA, Library of Congress classification, and Dublin Core
• Familiarity with Integrated Library Systems (particularly, Alma and Primo) and OCLC Connexion
• Experience with standard computer applications (Microsoft Office Suite)
• Video creation and editing skills
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and cooperatively with other staff within the library, across departments of the Seminary, and with Northwestern University library staff
• Effective supervisory skills
• Strong organizational and project management skills
• Excellent oral and written communication skills

Preferred Education and Experience

• Additional graduate degree in religion, theology, or related field
• Supervisory work experience
• Some experience in archives or record management
• Technical proficiency and interest in using emerging technologies in the library environment