Director for Research Services

The Binghamton University Libraries provides research collections in electronic (over 2 million and growing) and print (1.7 million items) formats with an extensive array of databases and e-packages (over 400), and archival and distinctive printed materials in Special Collections, as well as services and a variety of student-centered study spaces. With three public locations (Glenn G. Bartle Library, Science Library and the University Downtown Center Library) and an off-site Collections Management Facility, our aim is to provide access to primary research materials and resources befitting an R1 research institution.

Binghamton University Libraries seeks a collaborative, visionary, and service-oriented leader for the position of Director for Research Services. This role provides leadership to a newly-restructured department that is comprised of four units: Digital Scholarship Services, Liaison Services, Special Collections, and Teaching and Learning. The Director will combine a commitment to public service with a forward-thinking approach to evaluating and supporting emerging research methods, as well as apply evidence-based decision-making to continuously develop, implement, and assess library services in this portfolio to ensure University needs are met.

This newly-reorganized department presents a unique opportunity to shape its direction and ensure its success. The ideal candidate will have a background in academic research services, a passion for continuous improvement, and the ability to work collaboratively across departments and with external partners. Leadership, communication, problem-solving, and strategic planning skills are essential.

This position reports directly to the Senior Assistant Dean for Research, Learning and Access Services and serves as a member of the Dean's Library Council.

Key Responsibilities

• Leadership and Strategy
  • Strategic vision: Work with the Senior Assistant Dean for Research, Learning and Access Services on strategic planning, as well as departmental and unit-level goal setting; define priorities for department and unit projects, activities, and innovations.
  • Service excellence: Prioritize excellence in instruction and research services across modalities, including application of inclusive pedagogy and universal design principles; support and lead professional development activities; assess the effectiveness and impact of research services.
  • Compliance: Work with the Senior Assistant Dean for Research, Learning and Access Services to ensure university policies and practices regarding accessibility and patron privacy are followed; stay informed of any evolving campus or professional guidelines or expectations to ensure department activities comply.
  • Embrace new challenges: Evaluate and recommend services and technologies that support established and emerging University research areas.
    Transform data into insight: Maintain accurate statistics and workflow documentation. Analyze data trends, provide reports and information to library administration, and incorporate results into decision-making processes.
  • Lead and shape research services practices: Through active engagement in library consortia, professional organizations, and peer networks, advocate for and implement innovative approaches that advance the field, and foster collaborative relationships that improve the user experience.
  • Be a key contributor to Dean's Library Council: Contribute meaningfully to the Dean's Library Council; collaborate constructively with leadership to support shared goals and strategic direction; prioritize the overall success of the Libraries while maintaining departmental collaboration.
• Supervision and Management
  • Team Leadership: Supervise the work of four assistant directors; collaboratively identify performance goals, provide ongoing feedback and guidance, and contribute to a supportive culture.
  • Collaborative communication: Foster communication among team members and with other library units; address questions and concerns as they arise and convey broader organizational context.
  • Professional growth: Stay at the forefront of the field by pursuing professional development opportunities, and integrating new knowledge and skills into the work of the department.
  • Foster Inclusivity: Participate in a work culture that promotes diversity and anti-racism and actively works to eliminate or mitigate the effects of systemic racism and bias.
  • Active Mentorship: Support professional development activities related to the duties in this department.
• Scholarship:
  • Contributes significantly to the profession to meet the Libraries' standards of scholarship.
• Service:
  • Participates in library, University and national service.

Minimum Qualifications

• Master's degree from an ALA-accredited library or information science program or an ALA-approved foreign equivalent.
• Minimum of five years of experience, in an academic or public library, or comparable environment, including at least two years in a supervisory position, with responsibilities in one or more of the following areas:
  • reference
  • information literacy instruction
  • liaison services
  • data services
  • scholarly communication
  • special collections
  • support for grant writing
• Commitment to high-quality service to users in a diverse, fast-paced environment, including the ability to resolve issues in a professional and respectful manner.
• Effective written and oral communication skills, with the ability to convey complex information clearly and build productive relationships across departments.
• Record of scholarly activity, such as presentations, publications and/or grants.

Preferred Qualifications

• Demonstrated experience evaluating and improving research services by collecting and analyzing quantitative and/or qualitative data.
• Experience leading professional development related to the duties in this department.

Visa sponsorship is not available for this position. If you currently need sponsorship or will need it in the future to maintain employment authorization, you do not meet eligibility requirements. Additionally, please note that Binghamton University is not an E-Verify employer.

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