Head of Technology and Digital Strategies

Description

POSITION OBJECTIVE
Reporting to the Associate University Librarian for Creation & Curation Services, the Head of
Technology and Digital Strategies coordinates, develops, advises, and supports when needed all
library technology and digital strategies in collaboration with the Kelvin Smith Library leadership
team. Systems include the library services platform, and infrastructure for resource preservation
and access. The librarian is also responsible for oversight of desktop support and other technology
equipment and resource needs. The Head of Technology and Digital Strategies serves as the
primary contact and collaborator with the University’s central IT department (UTech) to ensure
efficient and effective technology support across all aspects of the library's strategic initiatives and
operations. This position will work collaboratively with all library teams and play a leadership role in
library-wide planning and decision-making as a member of the KSL Leadership Team. Expectations
for Leadership Team members are outlined in the team charter.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
1. Provides creative and innovative leadership to Kelvin Smith Library, collaborating across teams
and externally. Communicates effectively and employs general management theories and
practices. Plans for library or functional area(s), including the design and evaluation of policies,
services, and programs. Effectively implements relevant policies, operations, and services with a
user-centered approach. Implements change management when needed, develops operational
procedures and policies, and advocates for all necessary staff and resources. Collects and
analyzes data for evidence-based decision-making and planning. (25%)
2. Identify, articulate, and implement innovative digital strategies for the development,
management, and maintenance of all technology-driven services for Kelvin Smith Library.
Ability to translate requirements, identify technologies and support needs, and implement
solutions that enable the goals of library teams and the mission and vision of Kelvin Smith
Library and Case Western Reserve University. (15%)
3. Provides leadership and support for all aspects of Library Services Platform (i.e. library catalog)
for Kelvin Smith Library, all Case Western Reserve University campus libraries, and the
Cleveland Institute of Music (CIM). Serve as OhioLINK lead implementer for our campus
Library Services Platform. Carry out or support a variety of large and/or complex data loading,
extraction, and manipulation or transformation processes for a range of library uses and with a
variety of data types including but not limited to catalog/bibliographic data, holdings and item
data, user data, etc. (15%)
4. Serve as the Library’s liaison to UTech for the purchase, implementation, and support of all
technology and digital storage solutions, including administrative, public, and lab computing.
Manage a dedicated technology budget and approve technology purchases. Oversee the day-
to-day priorities of two UTech personnel assigned to support Kelvin Smith Library technology
operations. Collaboratively establish prioritization of work and communicate performance
results with UTech supervisors. (15%)
5. As a member of the Kelvin Smith Library Leadership Team, actively contributes and engages in
information sharing, ideation, library-wide planning, decision making, and the development of
KSLs strategic framework. Implements all strategic objectives relevant to your position as
leader in the organization and your area of focus. Specific LT guidelines are outlined in the
team charter (15%)
6. Contributes to the library, the institution, and the profession through sustained and progressive
scholarship, creative expression, and service at the state, regional, national, or international
level; contributions will support the advancement of librarianship and increase service to the
University, and community.(8%)
7. Cultivates a work environment that promotes and maintains an environment and culture of
empathy, collaboration, and respect (6%)
NONESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Perform other duties as assigned. (1%)
CONTACTS
Department: Work with Kelvin Smith Library leadership on policy and planning of resources,
services, and operations. Frequently collaborate with staff on all levels of the organization to
support the provision of excellent library services and resources. (45%).
University: Consult regularly with UTech to ensure efficient and effective design and
implementation of technology-based solutions. Consult and collaborate with Case Western Reserve
University Library directors and key staff to ensure effective Library Services Platform design and
management. (30%)
External: Engage with affiliate libraries (Cleveland Institute of Music) for purposes of efficient and
effective Library Services Platform support. Direct collaboration with OhioLINK for Library Services
Platform and other technology operations and supported technologies. Occasional collaboration
with colleagues in OhioLINK and other academic libraries. Coordination with external technology
and platform vendors to ensure optimization and support for all library operations. (25%)
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY
Oversee the work of two Utech staff and may oversee non-exempt staff, student employees, and
temporary full or part-time workers.
QUALIFICATONS
Education. Master's degree in Library/Information Science or an advanced degree in a relevant
discipline and 6 years of relevant experience preferred.
Experience. The Head of Technology and Digital Strategies must have sufficient experience in
libraries and library leadership, as well as implementation, administration, and assessment of
complex technology and library systems.
Librarian Level: Appointment to the level of librarian assumes that all requirements of that level
have been met and sustained, that the individual will demonstrate continued and outstanding
growth in the profession and perform existing duties and responsibilities at the highest level.
Librarian levels are outlined in the librarian assembly handbook.
REQUIRED SKILLS
1. Ability to make evidence-based decisions on a strategic basis; to engage in leadership activities
in library, scholarly, and professional organizations; to exercise the highest level of professional
judgment and provide evidence of longstanding leadership. Able to apply best practices; can
use advanced techniques and technology to innovate; able to perform or administer most
complex or most specialized duties; communicate effectively; and employ general management
theories and practices.
2. Evidence of professional contributions publishing, creative contributions, presentations, and/or
professional service at the state, regional, national, or international level; notable contributions
to advance librarianship and increase service to the University and community; keeps abreast of
the role and application of trends for libraries in higher education
3. Demonstrated experience with library services platforms, e-resource management systems and
principles, digital repositories and preservation strategies, and other library technologies. These
include general practices and standards for library technical services workflows (cataloging,
metadata, acquisitions…)
4. Evidence of managing and optimizing complex desktop, storage, and networked technologies
5. Ability to manage and forecast a budget.
6. Excellent communication, interpersonal, and customer service skills.
7. Demonstrable collaborative management style and a commitment to exceptional user services.
8. Ability to cultivate an environment of empathy, collaboration, and respect.
9. Demonstrated history of successful support, education, and advocacy for all students, aligned
with the values, mission, and messaging of the university, while adhering to the staff policy on
conflict of commitment and interest.
10. Ability to meet consistent attendance.
11. Ability to interact with colleagues, supervisors, and customers face to face.
WORKING CONDITIONS.
General office/library environment.