Western Carolina University
Hunter Library
Department Head
Digital, Access, and Technology Services


Western Carolina University's Hunter Library seeks an enthusiastic and highly qualified librarian to develop and lead its new Digital, Access, and Technology Services department.  The Department of Digital, Access, and Technology Services is comprised of Access Services (circulation, curriculum materials center, and interlibrary loan) with a staff of 13, Systems, with a staff of 3, and a current grant-supported digital projects staff of 3.  This new department will have responsibility for leading the design, development, and ongoing implementation of library digital, access, and technology service operations.  As part of the library-wide learning mission, the department will facilitate the discovery, delivery, and use of intellectual content.  Specific program responsibilities include: managing access services, library technology infrastructure and systems (hardware and software), digital library development (e.g., Craft Revival Project), digital repository services, library web design and architecture, digital media technology, technology services related to a notion of library as information/learning commons; and facilitating digital scholarship and publishing as it may relate to university-produced research.

The position will: supervise the 16 library faculty and staff within the Digital, Access, and Technology Services Department; develop and implement policies related to program responsibilities; provide searching support, user interface, and repository services for library digital resources; provide on-going evaluation of current systems and services; and research and recommend new digital initiatives.

This is a twelve-month, tenure-track position that reports directly to the Dean of Library Services.  The library's size and culture encourage collaboration, collegiality, broad service involvement, and engagement in library planning and policy-making.

About the University

Western Carolina University is one of the 16 senior institutions of the University of North Carolina system.  It is a dynamic, regional comprehensive university with approximately 9,700 students.  Western focuses on academic quality through its Quality Enhancement Plan (QEP) and through its commitment to integrated learning and the scholarship of engagement.  Located in Cullowhee, NC, Western is situated in a beautiful valley of the Blue Ridge Mountains, 52 miles west of Asheville and near the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, one of the nation's most spectacular and most visited national parks.  While in a small town setting, the university is only 3 hours from Atlanta and Charlotte.

About the Library

Hunter Library has a long, respected record of providing excellent service to the university and region.  The library is dedicated to the thoughtful integration of print and digital resources and to supporting and developing the general, information, digital, graphic, and visual literacy of students and the teaching and research needs of faculty and staff.  The library has 19 tenure track faculty members, 30 staff members, and an annual budget of approximately $4.5 million.  The library contains approximately 800,000 print and electronic volumes and provides access to more than 45,000 journals through print subscriptions and electronic databases.  The library is an active partner in the Western North Carolina Library Network and participates in the Carolina Consortium.

Salary and Benefits

Salary and rank are commensurate with qualifications. Minimum Salary:  $65,000. This is a twelve month, tenure-track position with a generous 24 days of vacation leave annually.  Anticipated start date is January 1, 2011.


Minimum Requirements

MLS, or equivalent, from an ALA accredited program; strong commitment to library service; five or more years of increasingly responsible, professional experience developing, planning, and successfully implementing user-centered digital, access, and technology services; demonstrated mastery of state-of-the art hardware and software related to digital, technology, and access services and operations including, Web 2.0, social media possibilities, knowledge of image and video production, capture and delivery technologies, and programming languages and infrastructures used;  successful supervisory experience;  excellent interpersonal and communication skills; ability to work collaboratively with colleagues; potential to meet the library's requirement for scholarship and service.

Preferred Qualifications

Advanced degree in an information-related discipline; experience sharing an ILS in a library consortium.

Application Procedure

To apply, access our online employment system at https://jobs.wcu.edu/applicants/Central?quickFind=52095.  You will be required to attach a letter of application, resume, and names and telephone numbers of three references.

Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled.  For more information, contact Elisabeth Leonard at eleonard@ wcu.edu.

Western Carolina University is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer.  Proper documentation of identity and employability are required at the time of employment.  Final candidates for employment are subject to a criminal background check.  All new employees are required to provide official transcripts within 30 days of employment.





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