Associate University Librarian: Public Services

American University of Sharjah; Sharjah; Hybrid; AED 350,000 - 520,000; Full time

Job summary

American University of Sharjah seeks an experienced Associate University Librarian for Public Services (AUL:PS) to lead public services, information literacy, and outreach efforts in support of the AUS mission.

You will oversee instruction, access services, and scholarly communication while collaborating with the University Librarian and other units to advance library initiatives. Strong leadership and communication are essential.

Qualifications

• Master degree in library science from an ALA-accredited school or equivalent.
• Significant academic library experience and leadership capabilities.

Responsibilities

• Leads a team of public services librarians and staff and develops new tools supporting the library's strategic vision.
• Provides administrative oversight of information literacy, instruction, collection development, circulation, learning assessment, outreach, and liaison services.
• Plans and implements continuous improvement of essential public services.
• Coordinates hiring, training and supervision of Public Services librarians and staff.
• Participates in space planning and facilities management to keep spaces welcoming and accessible.
• Serves on library and campus committees and acts for the University Librarian when required.
• Fosters links with regional and international partners and disseminates best practice.

Skills

Team leadership

Policy development

Staff training

Communication skills

Customer service

Independent initiative

Deadline orientation

Data visualization

Education

Master degree in library science (ALA accredited)

Tools

MS Word

Excel

Indexing & abstracts databases

CRIS (Current Research Information Systems)

Presentation software

Data visualization software

Job description

The Associate University Librarian for Public Services (AUL:PS) administers library services and operations to meet the mission and goals of the Library. Under the direction of the University Librarian, the AUL:PS develops, delivers, and evaluates library services and participates in library-wide planning, decision-making, and policy development. The AUL:PS is responsible for a wide range of services and programs including information literacy program development, reference and instruction, access services, library promotion and outreach, and scholarly communication. This role works with the AUL for Technology and Technical Services to provide coherent, exemplary library and information services to the AUS community.

Job Responsibilities

• Leads a team of public services librarians and staff and explores and develops new tools and resources in support of the library’s strategic vision.
• Provides administrative oversight of information literacy & instruction, collection development, circulation & reserves, learning assessment, outreach and liaison services.
• Responsible for planning, implementation, and continuous improvement of essential public services.
• Coordinates the hiring, training and supervision of Public Services librarians and library staff.
• Participates in library space planning and facilities management. Ensures the library’s spaces are welcoming and accessible.
• Serves on library and campus committees. Acts for the University Librarian when required.
• Fosters and maintains strong links and networks with regional and international partners and within the sector, showcasing and disseminating best practice.

Qualifications Required

• Master degree in library science from an ALA accredited school or equivalent.

Skills and Experience Required

• A minimum of five years of progressively responsible, recent related experience in an academic library.
• Demonstrated management skills, including policy development and implementation, personnel administration, and staff training and development.
• Excellent oral and written communication and presentation skills.
• Demonstrated familiarity with developments in higher education and the issues facing academic libraries.
• Strong commitment to customer service.
• Ability to take initiative, work independently and meet deadlines.
• A committed approach to library and information provision with a proactive approach to continued personal professional development and that of others.
• Proficiency in MS Word, Excel, indexing and abstracting databases, Current Research Information Systems, and presentation or data visualization software.

AUS is an equal opportunity employer. We adhere to a policy of making employment decisions without regard to race, color, age, gender, religion, national origin, disabilityor marital status. Opportunities for employment are based solely upon one’s qualifications.