Assistant Director, Science Library & Engineering Library

Stanford Libraries is seeking a full-time Assistant Director, Science Library & Engineering Library.  The Libraries values are rooted in a commitment of mutual respect, the idea that every member of the staff has something to contribute, and that learning is constant.  We seek a team member who is ready to share their skills and perspectives.

About Stanford Libraries:

Stanford Libraries is a network of over 15 libraries with over 400 employees. We are committed to fueling the teaching, learning and research across Stanford by acquiring, stewarding, and making available a robust collection, currently in excess of 12 million items. Everyone in the organization plays a vital role in fulfilling that objective. Our dedication to discoverability and information management also has us engaged in dynamic global partnerships. We are constantly building and strengthening our organization, and we recognize striving for excellence is a marathon and not a sprint. We are constantly trying to strike the right pace, and admit there are times when we find ourselves at a fast jog. While we hope to always find candidates who fit within our organization, what we truly seek is someone who will add to our culture, our profession as well as the greater academic arena. We are invested in the success of our teams and the individuals who represent Stanford Libraries.

Stanford's Science and Engineering Libraries are active innovators in library services. Serving a world-class university with a digital-preferred collection strategy, our science and engineering libraries are redefining the nature of library services to meet research needs. We are looking for a highly innovative individual with a strong academic background in engineering or the sciences who has a proven track record of developing services and programs in support of research, data services, and learning.

About the Position:

The Assistant Director for Stanford's Science Library & Engineering Library supervises the Terman Engineering Library, serving Stanford’s School of Engineering, and the Robin Li & Melissa Ma Science Library, serving the departments of mathematics, statistics, chemistry, chemical engineering, physics, applied physics, biology, and associated programs and groups.  These branches are part of the overall Science and Engineering Resource Group (SERG) and contribute to service and support across the unit.  The services of these libraries emphasize the support of research and instruction in a highly interdisciplinary academic environment. The Assistant Director is expected to develop a deep understanding of the needs of faculty and to work in concert with colleagues in SERG and in other Stanford Libraries’ units including Research Data Services and the Digital Library Systems and Services Group to develop and implement services that address their needs.

The Assistant Director oversees a staff of 6.0 FTE librarian and 5.75 FTE library support staff in developing collections and providing library services to the faculty, staff, and students in a variety of science and engineering disciplines.  This role is a member of the management team for Stanford's Science & Engineering Resource Group and actively participates in administration and planning. 

Core Duties:

• Reporting to the AUL for the Science & Engineering Resource Group, this position manages the Terman Engineering Library and Robin Li and Melissa Ma Science Library; manages the staff of the two branches (6 FTE librarians, 5.75 FTE library specialists); supervises the librarians and operations managers; works in both branches; and oversees the operating budgets for those branches.  
  • Works with the AUL for the SERG libraries as part of a senior management team to plan and implement STEM library services and collections.
  • Develops and implements new research and educational support programs for the clientele of the Terman Engineering and Li & Ma Science Libraries.
  • Works to assess new and existing programs to ensure maximum effectiveness in allocation of fiscal and staffing resources.
• Through supervision and management of librarians, coordinates liaison activities with the School of Engineering and the Departments of Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, Statistics, Physics and Applied Physics.
• Develops and drives strategy decisions for SERG in conjunction with the Associate University Librarian.
• Is the thought leader and primary implementer of the efforts in SERG to support programs and outreach related to data services across all of the science and engineering disciplines, working closely with the teams in Research Data Services and the Digital Library Systems and Services group. 
• Develops and manages collections in assigned areas.
• Provides reference and research support for the sciences and engineering across the entire Stanford community.
• Represents the Terman Engineering Library and Li & Ma Science Library within SERG, on various library-­wide committees, and with the faculty and administration of Stanford University.

* - Other duties may also be assigned. The job duties listed are typical examples of work performed by positions in this job classification and are not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, tasks, and responsibilities. Specific duties and responsibilities may vary depending on department or program needs without changing the general nature and scope of the job or level of responsibility. Employees may also perform other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

Education and Experience:

• Significant experience in a library, data center, or research environment focused on science, mathematics, statistics, or engineering with a strong understanding of the needs of a STEM research clientele.
• A successful candidate would have a PhD or multiple master’s degrees or research-level work experience in or involving the disciplines of science, mathematics, statistics, or engineering.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Demonstrated record of innovation in conceiving, developing, implementing, and assessing new services, especially services focused on a research clientele. Evidence of creativity in developing novel solutions to complex problems. Demonstrated work with faculty in creating information-related solutions in support of research.
• Ability to demonstrate a high level of diplomacy in persuading and influencing a wide variety of people at various levels to achieve results.
• Strong managerial experience with increasing job responsibilities. Demonstrated experience with managing staff, budgets, and projects. Evidence of strategic leadership, planning, and change management skills.
• Evidence of a strong understanding of the role of technology in library services; demonstrated record of involvement in the planning and implementation of innovative library service projects through the use of technology.
• A well-documented history of collaboration with people inside and outside of their home organization; evidence of the ability to forge partnerships with diverse players.
• Ability to perform effectively in and contribute successfully to a diverse, multicultural workplace environment is required.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills and demonstrated ability to work effectively with users and colleagues.

Physical Requirements*:

• Constantly sit, perform desk-based computer tasks.
• Frequently twist/bend/stoop/squat, grasps lightly/fine manipulation, grasp forcefully, sort/file paperwork or parts, lift/carry/push/pull objects that weigh up to 10 pounds.
• Occasionally stand/walk, reach/work above shoulders, writing by hand, kneel/crawl, climb (ladders, scaffolds, or other).
• Rarely use a telephone, operate hand controls.
• Must be able to push and maneuver a fully loaded cart weighing up to 650 pounds that requires an initial push force up to 50 pounds.

* - Consistent with its obligations under the law, the University will provide reasonable accommodation to any employee with a disability who requires accommodation to perform the essential functions of his or her job.

Working Conditions:

• May work in confined spaces and at heights 4-10 feet; be exposed to dust and mold; work extended hours, evenings, and weekends.

Work Standards:

• Interpersonal Skills: Demonstrates the ability to work well with Stanford colleagues and clients and with external organizations.
• Promote Culture of Safety: Demonstrates commitment to personal responsibility and value for safety; communicates safety concerns; uses and promotes safe behaviors based on training and lessons learned.
• Subject to and expected to comply with all applicable University policies and procedures, including but not limited to the personnel policies and other policies found in the University’s Administrative Guide, http://adminguide.stanford.edu .

The Stanford Libraries connects the Stanford community with academic information resources and services. The Libraries are home to a world-class collection of more than 9 million items, including books, e-books, journals, films, maps, data sets, special collections, archives, and more. The Libraries also employ more than 400 full-time staff across its director groups. These staff provide research counseling, data management services, discovery tools, training, digitization, and a host of other services to ensure that the collection is both effectively used by current researchers and well preserved for the future. Much more information about the Libraries is available on the website https://library.stanford.edu/ .

The Science and Engineering Resource Group is part of the Collections and Services Program and reports to the Assistant University Librarian for Science and Engineering Libraries. SERG’s focus is on fostering responsive, dynamic, and flexible services inside modern libraries geared toward up-to-date support services. Innovative ideas and an ability to adapt to and create change are highly valued skills for the person in this position. In short, the Assistant Director should be a strategic, energetic, and flexible colleague who is looking towards the future and wants to be an integral part of managing libraries designed to meet the needs of the engineering and science libraries.

Stanford is an equal employment opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. Stanford welcomes applications from all who would bring additional dimensions to the University’s research, teaching and clinical missions.

We believe Stanford’s future success will be shaped by the diverse perspectives, unique experiences, and inclusive culture of its community.

Why Stanford is for You:

Imagine a world without search engines or social platforms. Consider lives saved through first-ever organ transplants and research to cure illnesses. Stanford University has revolutionized the way we live and enrich the world. Supporting this mission is our diverse and dedicated 17,000 staff. We seek talent driven to impact the future of our legacy. Our culture and unique perks empower you with:

• Freedom to grow. We offer career development programs, tuition reimbursement, and course auditing. Join a TedTalk, watch a film screening, or listen to a renowned author or global leader speak.
• A caring culture. We provide superb retirement plans, generous time-off, and family care resources.
• A healthier you. Choose from hundreds of health or fitness classes at our world-class exercise facilities. We provide excellent health care benefits.
• Discovery and fun. Stroll through historic sculptures, trails, and museums.
• Enviable resources. Enjoy free commuter programs, ridesharing incentives, discounts and more.