[LIBJOBS] Head of the Tombros McWhirter Knowledge Commons, Penn State University Libraries

Head of the Tombros McWhirter Knowledge Commons
Penn State University Libraries

 

The Pennsylvania State University Libraries seek applications and nominations for the position of Head of the Tombros McWhirter Knowledge Commons, a new tenure track and administrative position at the University Park campus.  The Head will be responsible for the implementation of the Knowledge Commons at University Park Libraries, a federation of services and repurposed physical spaces designed to facilitate information discovery, collaborative learning, and knowledge building, focused mainly on undergraduate students.  This exciting new venture will blend digital and multimedia technologies with the best of online and traditional library services to foster student learning and research.  The Knowledge Commons has been developed in phases, with the major phase due to open in the Fall of 2011. A goal is to make the Knowledge Commons one of the most student-centered spaces at the University, helping to fulfill University President Graham Spanier’s vision: “I truly believe students must be our top priority and this is why Penn State must be a model of a student-centered university.  As a learning community, we must put our students and their development at the heart of all we do.”

Responsibilities:  Reporting to the Senior Associate Dean, the successful candidate will:

• Implement the new Knowledge Commons and provide oversight and management of the facility,

• Engage in continuous assessment of user needs and evaluation of services provided by the Knowledge Commons,

• Develop partnerships and manage relationships  across units of the University Park Libraries and with appropriate units of the University outside the Libraries (Information Technology Services, Learning Centers, etc.) to provide services for students and to develop new initiatives,

• Network and closely collaborate with the Commonwealth Campus Libraries and with other  units of the University Libraries that are creating new learning environments,

• Collaborate with other units of the Libraries on outreach and promotion of the Knowledge Commons to the larger University community,

• Actively participate in the life of the Commons, providing services and interacting with students,

• Ensure the Commons has a strong technological presence and infrastructure that is responsive to changing curricular needs,

• Participate in the development of complementary commons at University Park (such as a Research Commons),

• Network and collaborate in regional and national forums with professional colleagues who are engaged in similar  endeavors,

• Stay apprised of trends and developments relating to commons environments in academic libraries, and

• Develop and refine the existing vision for the Knowledge Commons.

Required Qualifications:  Master’s degree in Library Science from an ALA-accredited program (or equivalent); several years of progressively responsible experience in a public-services focused library environment; knowledge and understanding of technology and its applications to libraries and other learning environments; strong commitment to outreach and student engagement; excellent oral and written communication skills; strong collaborative leadership and project management skills and experience; commitment to building diversity; flexibility and the capacity to embrace change and to work in a continuously changing environment.

Preferred Qualifications:  Previous experience in a learning/information commons environment; familiarity with the assessment of public services; experience with space planning and development; interest in educational fundraising and grants development; and participation in related professional service and/or research.

Penn State, a land-grant institution, is a member of the CIC (Big 10) academic consortium.  In its special "Paths to Professions" section on September 13, 2010, the Wall Street Journal published results of a survey of industry recruiting executives, with Penn State named the No. 1 overall institution in the nation for producing the best prepared, most well-rounded graduates who are most able to succeed once hired.  Based on current Association for Research Libraries investment rankings, Penn State is now ranked 7^th out of 114 of the largest research libraries in North America.  A Penn State student survey completed in 2010 found overall student satisfaction with the Libraries to be at the top of its category. 

The Libraries hold membership in ARL, OCLC, and CRL. Collections exceed 5.4 million volumes, including more than 109,000 current serial subscriptions. The University Libraries are located at University Park and 22 other locations throughout Pennsylvania, and they serve approximately 6,000 faculty and 44,000 students at University Park, and more than 92,000 students system wide.

The University Park campus is set in the State College metropolitan area, a university town located in the heart of central Pennsylvania. State College offers a vibrant community with outstanding recreational facilities, a low crime rate, and excellent public schools. The campus is within a half-day drive to Washington D.C., Baltimore, Philadelphia, New York City, and Pittsburgh. The University Park Airport is served by three major carriers with flights to Washington, Philadelphia, and Detroit. For more information, please visit www.libraries.psu.edu and www.cbicc.org. 

Salary and Benefits: Potential for promotion and tenure will be considered based upon University standards in librarianship, research, service, and outreach.  Salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience. Fringe benefits include liberal vacation, excellent insurance and health care coverage, state or TIAA/CREF retirement options, and educational privileges.

To apply:  Send a letter of application, resume, and the names and contact information of three professional references (including email addresses) to: Search Committee, Box HDKC-LIBJ, The Pennsylvania State University, 511 Paterno Library, University Park, PA 16802.  Applications and nominations may be sent to the search committee at the above address or to cur1@psu.edu. Review of candidates will begin on April 8, 2011 and continue until the position is filled.

Penn State is committed to affirmative action, equal opportunity, and the diversity of its workforce.