Caltech (the California Institute of Technology), a private research university of approximately 300 faculty focused on science and engineering, seeks a talented leader and experienced administrator to serve as University Librarian. The successful candidate will continuously advance our ambitious mission in research and education and bring a sophisticated understanding of the current environment and potential future for research libraries.

The new Librarian will have extensive knowledge of academic research resources and information infrastructure, including technologies for users, access to publications, relations with publishing houses, digital collections, data repositories, and cataloging and metadata. The Librarian must also have experience managing a complex budget and be able to direct the library's financial and other resources by setting clear priorities.

At the same time, interpersonal skills and experience are vital. The Librarian holds a central place in Caltech's small and intimate community. The Librarian will motivate and organize a capable staff, providing strategic vision and ensuring that consistent, reliable services are delivered to the Caltech community from day to day. The Librarian should be prepared to expand our efforts to collaborate with other research libraries. The Librarian should communicate easily with users of the library—faculty, students, and postdoctoral scholars—about library resources, strategies, and decisions. Finally the Librarian must be able to discuss the library budget with others, including the Office of the Provost, to whom the Librarian reports.

The Caltech Library comprises six libraries, which are staffed by 20 librarians, archivists, and software developers, including three with Ph.D.’s, as well as 25 support staff and a rotating team of student employees. The Library provides an array of services to the campus community, including access to academic publications; digital repositories of articles, research data, and campus publications; training in academic skills such as data management, including Software, Data, and Author Carpentry curricula; study spaces; and a TechLab equipped with 3D printers and a virtual reality workstation. The Caltech Archives and Special Collections, a department of the Library, manages collections of faculty papers, institutional records, photographs, scientific instruments, fine art, rare books, and digital media.

Caltech is widely recognized as a dynamic and intensive research institution. Between 2011 and 2015, the Times Higher Education placed us first in the World University Ranking five times in a row. We are located in Pasadena, ten miles northeast of downtown Los Angeles. In addition to science and engineering, our research departments include the humanities and social sciences.

Job Duties:

Develops and communicates strategic direction for the library
Establishes and fosters the mission and vision of the library within the library and to the campus
Manages the library system and personnel to maximize the benefits of library services
Collaborates and communicates with the community, including administrators, divisions chairs, faculty, the faculty library committee, research groups and centers, staff, students, and postdoctoral scholars
Represents the library and its expertise and capabilities across the campus and externally
Optimizes and prioritizes the opportunities provided in the library budget based on feasibility and institutional impact
Oversees the planning, implementing, marketing, and managing of library initiatives and programs
Aligns and oversees resources, budget, space, and staff to achieve program goals
Prepares and oversees library budgets and financial administration, including gifts
Applies Institute's policies and procedures, including government regulations regarding human resources, financial management, information resources, intellectual property, and vendor negotiation and contracting

Basic Qualifications:

A master’s degree in library science, a research master’s degree, or a Ph.D.
A record of sustained scholarly and professional achievement
An understanding of the research environment
Significant administrative and managerial experience
Demonstrated ability to lead, evaluate, recruit, and supervise professional level staff
Experience with administering a complex budget with competing demands for funds
Excellent communication and writing skills
Experience in presenting and instructing in individual and group settings
Excellent understanding of changes in scholarly research and publishing practices
Demonstrated record of innovation and project management in libraries
Advanced understanding of digital technologies and trends
Skill in advancing digital initiatives and coordinating with information technology units


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