Widener University is currently seeking a Head of Research, Instruction & Outreach in the Wolfgram Memorial Library. Reporting to the Executive Director, the Head of Research, Instruction, and Outreach (RIO) in the Wolfgram Memorial Library is a visionary leader who drives innovation and fosters a forward-thinking approach to research support, instruction, and outreach activities. This role is instrumental in leveraging AI and other emerging technologies to enhance library services and advance information literacy in a rapidly evolving academic landscape.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES (including, but not limited to):
Essential duties:
- Lead a dynamic, collaborative, and matrixed team of librarians and staff to provide research assistance, instruction, and outreach activities that anticipate and meet the evolving needs of students, faculty, and researchers.
- Provide leadership and establish goals for Research, Instruction, and Outreach (RIO) department in alignment with University, Library and Information Services (LIS) and Wolfgram Library’s mission and strategic plan.
- Establish, communicate, and manage RIO policies and procedures in consultation with RIO faculty and staff.
- Oversee the development and maintenance of accessible resources for delivery of effective research and reference services.
- Recruit, train, supervise, and evaluate RIO faculty and staff.
- Spearhead the development and implementation of innovative AI-driven initiatives to enhance research support services, instructional programs, and outreach efforts.
- Drive outreach efforts to engage with the campus community and beyond, showcasing the library as a hub of innovation and a leader in forward-thinking information practices.
- Stay at the forefront of trends and best practices in emerging technologies, and integrate them into library services and programs to enhance user experience and promote digital literacy.
- Lead an active liaison program to connect expertise with needs and opportunities; coordinate and supervise liaisons’ collection management responsibilities.
- Facilitate and partner with liaisons in outreach to departments, programs, offices, and groups on campus and in the community; lead the relationship of RIO with the Client Experience (CX) and Teaching & Learning Technologies (TLT) Team.
Secondary responsibilities:
- Serve as liaison to designated academic departments to provide instruction, research, and collection support; participate in the provision of in-person and virtual research and instructional services including during nights, weekends, and breaks.
- Engage in professional service and scholarly contributions encompassing best practices and innovation in research, reference, and liaison services; as a member of the faculty, participate in committees and faculty governance in the library and on campus.
- Participate in the Library Executive Committee to investigate, initiate and adapt library policies, procedures and strategic initiatives as necessary to ensure excellence of library services.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS (education/training and experience required):
Required:
- Master’s degree in library or information science from an ALA-accredited program.
- Minimum of five (5) years of experience in academic libraries, with a focus on research support, instruction, and outreach, particularly in the integration of AI and emerging technologies.
- Demonstrated leadership and supervisory experience, including the ability to inspire and lead a team in a culture of innovation.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with diverse stakeholders.
- Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities effectively, with a commitment to forward-thinking, future-oriented approaches.
- Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively as well as independently; ability to act with transparency and collegiality to foster an environment of mutual respect.
- Experience with collection management.
- Commitment to providing high-quality customer service.
- Knowledge of current trends and best practices in research and instructional services and knowledge of the research needs of students and faculty.
- Demonstrated experience in developing and delivering information literacy instruction.
- Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in library services and programs.
Preferred:
- Additional Master’s degree.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS AND/OR UNUSUAL HOURS:
- The position requires the ability to sit for extended periods of time. Ability to be mobile between floors and campus. Some evening and weekend hours are required.
All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, disability status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. Widener University is committed to fostering an inclusive community in which faculty, staff, and students from a variety of backgrounds, cultures, and personal experiences are welcomed and can thrive. We are an equal opportunity employer and are committed to providing equal educational and employment opportunities for all persons without regard to age, color, national origin, race, religion, disability, veteran status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, or status as a protected veteran.
Some positions may be eligible for a hybrid or remote work arrangement that may include a partially or fully remote work location, consistent with Widener’s Flexible Work policy.
Widener University, an independent, metropolitan, doctoral-intensive university, connects curricula to social issues through civic engagement. Dynamic teaching, active scholarship, personal attention and experiential learning are key components of the Widener Experience. Located in Chester, PA, Widener's main campus is nestled between Philadelphia, PA and Wilmington, DE, with Law Schools located in both Harrisburg and Wilmington. For more information about the university, please visit our website at www.widener.edu.
EOE M/F/V/D
