Dean, Sojourner Truth Library
New Paltz is a highly selective public college that is recognized regionally for the strength of its academic programs. It is located in the beautiful Hudson River Valley with easy access to New York City and nearby cultural and recreational amenities.
The State University of New York at New Paltz announces an unparalleled opportunity to lead the Sojourner Truth Library through a period of renewal that includes a major renovation of our physical building and our transition to a 21st century library. We invite applications and nominations for the position of Dean of the Sojourner Truth Library (STL).
Responsibilities: Reporting to the Provost/Vice President for Academic Affairs, the Dean of the Sojourner Truth Library provides strategic leadership for all functions of the Library in collaboration with other academic units and in support of the mission of SUNY New Paltz. We look to our new dean to:
• Engage the capacities of the Library to supplement and improve student learning
• Develop innovative reference and instruction programs
• Support student-faculty collaborative research and scholarship
• Lead the creation of a learning commons, an environment that encourages creativity and diversity
• Guide the Library through the remaining steps of an ongoing $12M renovation
• Manage the operations and staff of the Library to encourage collegial problem solving
and professional development
• Actively communicate with and respond to the needs of the campus community, with
special attention to students
• Manage financial resources
• Advocate and speak for the Library
• Implement System Administration policies
• Lead the integration and use of information technology
• Assist in external fundraising
• Support/initiate regional partnerships
• Support faculty research and scholarship
• Coordinate with faculty to promote innovative programs responsive to the needs of the region
and to the greater SUNY vision
The Dean will represent the Library in college administrative groups and engage in partnerships to further integrate the Library’s mission and the strategic directions of SUNY New Paltz. Working collaboratively with faculty, staff and students, the Dean will build connections college-wide, integrating library resources and services with academic departments and support services. The Dean will create an environment which provides positive goals for staff, fosters meaningful teams and encourages professional development and growth. The Dean will work closely with staff to improve Library services and foster a supportive and productive community of scholarly achievement.
Qualifications: The following qualifications will be considered in review of applications:
• A master's or higher degree in librarianship/information sciences from an
ALA-accredited institution or an international equivalent is required
• Managerial experience in positions of increasing responsibility
• Strong interpersonal & communication skills
• Effective administrative and leadership experience
• Evidence of support to faculty in developing innovative and responsive curricula
• Experience with and commitment to building and maintaining a diverse library faculty and staff
• Experience in personnel matters, including staff development and team building
• Experience in developing and sustaining collegial collaboration
• Broad and critical understanding of the major issues and emerging trends in libraries
and librarianship
• Experience in managing budgets
• Experience in managing or implementing a building renovation, or a willingness to learn
• Record of advocating for the interests of the Library
• Experience with and/or willingness to participate in fundraising
• Active service in regional, state and national higher education and/or library organizations
• Commitment to and appreciation of the role and mission of American public higher education
Context: New Paltz (www.newpaltz.edu) is a highly selective, state-assisted, four-year comprehensive college of about 6,500 undergraduate and 1,300 graduate students. We seek a leader to share our vision of collaborative and innovative service. Key to that vision is representing the Library to internal and external constituencies, leading a staff of more than 30, and carrying out a planned renovation of the three-story Library building built in 1969. Named for Sojourner Truth, who lived for a time in New Paltz, the Library houses more than 500,000 volumes and serves an eight-county area.
Founded in 1828, New Paltz is the 99th oldest collegiate institution in the country and was named “Hottest Small State School” in the nation in the 2008 Kaplan/Newsweek How to Get into College Guide. The 216-acre campus, nestled in the foothills of the Shawangunk Mountains, is located in the scenic Hudson River Valley halfway between Albany and New York City. The nation’s oldest continuously-inhabited street is just blocks from campus. New Paltz enjoys easy access to New York City and all its activities and amenities.
New Paltz has been recognized for its academic excellence and its unique appeal to students. According to the 2012 U.S. News & World Report, New Paltz ranks sixth among the best public universities and thirtieth among public and private universities in the North. The College offers 100 undergraduate and 60 graduate programs in a challenging, diverse, student-centered and personalized environment. Degrees are offered in the liberal arts and sciences, fine and performing arts, education, business, and science and engineering. The exciting New Paltz blend of tradition and vision has at its educational core the belief in the importance of a liberal education.
Read more about the Library and Sojourner Truth at http://library.newpaltz.edu/about_library/about.html.
Contact Information: Qualified applicants should submit the following: a letter of application addressing qualifications and describing interest in the position; a statement of educational leadership philosophy; current curriculum vitae; three letters of recommendation; and the names, titles, affiliations, telephone numbers, and email addresses of two additional professional references. Individuals who wish to nominate a candidate should submit a letter of nomination, including the name, position, address, telephone number and e-mail address of the nominee. Please note search # P12-05 on all materials submitted in connection with this search. Applications must be submitted electronically to the Office of Human Resources at human_resources@newpaltz.edu.
Deadline: Review of applications will begin immediately. Priority will be given to applications received by 3/15/12.
Other important information about this vacancy: We especially encourage applications from individuals who can bring diverse cultural and ethnic perspectives and experiences to the campus.
The State University of New York at New Paltz is an AA/EOE/ADA employer
Federal law and regulations require notice to all prospective employees regarding crimes that have occurred on campus in the current three year period. Please refer to the University Police Web site for the complete Annual Security Report (“Clery Report”) at www.newpaltz.edu/police/securityact.html.
