Head of Research and Teaching Services

Ball State University - Muncie, IN

Full-time - Mid Level

Muncie, IN

10,001+ employees

Educational Services

About the position

The Ball State University Libraries is seeking a dynamic and experienced leader to fill the role of Head of Research and Teaching Services. This full-time position is pivotal in providing strategic leadership to a dedicated team of seven professionals who deliver innovative in-person and virtual research and teaching services. The successful candidate will have the unique opportunity to collaboratively shape the future of the unit, working closely with faculty and students to develop responsive models for reference and instruction that not only achieve learning outcomes but also support faculty excellence in teaching and research. The Ball State University Libraries is renowned for its friendly expertise and commitment to creating an inclusive, welcoming environment, with Bracken Library serving as a vibrant hub for the campus community. In this role, the Head of Research and Teaching Services will be responsible for planning, developing, promoting, and assessing innovative pedagogical and research practices. This includes cultivating an inclusive, diverse, and collaborative work environment that aligns with the strategic direction of the University Libraries. The position requires a commitment to inclusiveness, equity, and diversity, which are core values at Ball State University. The ideal candidate will be passionate about creating transformative experiences for diverse communities of learners and will actively engage in outreach and community engagement initiatives that integrate research and instruction services across campus. The position also involves overseeing the operations of the Research and Teaching Services unit, establishing unit goals, and ensuring effective communication and collaboration with other library units and academic faculty. The Head of Research and Teaching Services will play a crucial role in the professional development of staff, contributing to a high-quality team of librarians and support personnel. This position is not only about leadership but also about fostering a culture of continuous improvement and responsiveness to the evolving needs of the university community.

Responsibilities

• Supervise and manage implementation of information literacy programs and reference services within the unit.
• Provide leadership and coordination of research and teaching efforts across verticals within University Libraries that advance strategic initiatives.
• Provide training and assessment of information literacy programs and services, incorporating best practices for in-person, online, and hybrid instructional services using contemporary frameworks for information and digital literacies and pedagogical models.
• Lead coordinated outreach and community engagement in collaboration with campus partners to fully integrate research and instruction services responsive to evolving library and campus priorities, including information literacy support for Muncie and area K-12 schools.
• Oversee operations for the Research & Teaching Services unit; establish unit goals; ensure communication and collaboration with other library units and individuals, as well as academic faculty and other campus units.
• Participate in librarian liaison program and promote library services to the university community, establish cooperative efforts, collaborative projects, and responsive service.
• Collaborate with other leaders in the Research and Branch Services vertical to coordinate activities and make service recommendations.
• Assign and review work, orient and train staff, and make recommendations in all areas related to supervision, including but not limited to interviewing and selection, compensation, discipline, performance appraisal, and training and career development of personnel; contribute to the professional growth, development, and retention of a high-quality team of librarians and staff.
• Oversee collection development and maintenance for print and online Reference and Government Publications collections; serve as depository coordinator for state and federal government publications activity, ensuring program meets legal requirements.
• Oversee the development and maintenance of online research guides and digital instructional assets; collaboratively engage with other library units to improve discovery and use of scholarly collections and information resources.
• Manage Research and Teaching Services budgets for student wages and supplies.
• Share in providing reference and research services and library instruction, including evenings and weekends.
• Actively participate in and positively contribute to the activities of the Libraries, university, and profession through such opportunities as related professional organizations, presentations, committee service, publication, etc.; keep abreast of professional literature and scholarly developments in areas of specialization and pursue opportunities for relevant professional development.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Requirements

• MLS/MLIS/MIS degree from an ALA accredited program by date of appointment.
• At least 3 years post-degree reference experience.
• Supervisory experience.
• Instructional experience.
• Proficiency with basic Microsoft Office applications.
• Experience with building relationships to further the library mission through liaison activities, reference, and library instruction.
• Effective oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to work evenings and/or weekends.

Nice-to-haves

• Additional advanced degrees.
• Evidence of increasingly responsible professional experience in an academic or public library.
• Supervisor experience of professional or classified staff.

Benefits

• Affordable Healthcare
• Retirement
• Tuition Remission (For eligible employees, their dependents, and spouse)
• Paid Parental Leave
• Professional Development
• Live Near Your Work - Relocation assistance for those considering living near the Ball State area.