F/T - Head of Public Svcs, Pratt (NY)

Head of Public Services - Pratt Libraries, Brooklyn Campus

Position Title: Head of Public Services - Pratt Libraries Position Summary: Reporting to the Libraries’ Director, the Head of Public Services is responsible for assuring the quality and effectiveness of the public services provided by the Institute’s Libraries on both the Brooklyn and Manhattan Campuses. Leading a dedicated staff comprised of two administrators, four support staff and a team of student employees, the Head of Public Services works with the Libraries’ faculty and department heads to craft a wide range of services to meet the evolving research and resource needs of the Institute’s community. Having successfully engaged the campus in a yearlong strategic planning effort, the Libraries now have an updated plan and a guiding vision for how they will best serve the community over the next three years. In fulfilling the Libraries’ responsibility as the intellectual and informational hub for the Institute, the Head of Public Services will seek to partner the Libraries with Pratt’s diverse community to connect information seekers with the most relevant resources and services available. This leader will actively engage and seek input from the campus community in order to develop inspiring spaces for study while promoting innovative research, practice and discourse. The successful candidate for this position will be an energetic leader who can apply their skills, ability, depth of experience, and vision, to elevate the visibility of the Libraries on the Institute’s campuses while capably managing, supporting and developing staff to meet this goal. JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:   Lead and manage the ongoing effort to contemporize access services for the Public Services Department of the Pratt Institute Libraries' Brooklyn and Manhattan campuses. Initiate inter-departmental and campus-wide efforts to address the evolving needs of a diverse community of users. Develop staffing solutions to support initiatives such as extended hours for final exams and Alumni Day, occasionally necessitating late or weekend hours. Oversee the Libraries’ internal calendar, coordinate a team of reference librarians, and supervise full-time staff and student workers to ensure adequate staffing for maintaining reference and circulation services, regular hours of operation and extended hours for special events. Work with the Libraries’ Management Team to set policies, procedures, and services that enhance the quality of library use for all patrons. Recommend departmental budget allocations and oversee expenditures for materials, services, staff, and student employees. Collaborate with other library department heads to allocate student employment funds. Coordinate reference services, including virtual reference and consortial arrangements such as Connect New York, and provide periodic desk coverage as needed. Participate in the development of information literacy objectives and the coordination of library instruction, in addition to providing instruction sessions as needed. Spearhead initiatives promoting library events and services using publications, posters, orientations, tours, and social media. Initiate surveys; compile statistics; and prepare reports for the Institute, and state and regional organizations. Oversee the Friends of the Library and Visiting Researcher programs. Participate in Library and Institute-wide committees to cultivate relationships supporting the Libraries' mission to enrich the academic experience. Stay current with library trends through literature, social media, conferences, and professional development. Execute special projects and perform all other related duties as assigned. SALARY: through low 70k’s commensurate with experience and qualifications.   QUALIFICATIONS:   Education: MLS from an ALA-accredited program or equivalent required. A graduate degree in art, design, architecture or humanities, and a demonstrated knowledge of the arts, is preferred.   Experience: Must have a minimum of 2 - 3 years’ professional experience in academic library management, preferably in a public services department. Experience managing schedules, budgets and personnel a must. Experience mentoring professional staff is preferred. Demonstrated knowledge of contemporary reference practice is essential as is thorough knowledge of information literacy standards and practices. Experience with online circulation and discovery platforms (Innovative Interfaces, Inc.) and demonstrated effectiveness integrating technology with traditional services and resources is required. Experience developing and executing effective outreach efforts is highly desirable. Experience working in a consortial lending environment is a plus.   Skills: Must have demonstrated skills in planning and implementing services and resources; and a strong public services approach, outlook, and commitment. Competence with information technologies and excellent analytical and organizational skills are essential. Must demonstrate excellent written and verbal communication skills.   TO APPLY: Please submit a letter of intent, curriculum vitae, and the names and contact information for three professional references.   To view full posting and apply, visit: https://pratt-edu.silkroad.com/epostings