RANK: Librarian III
REVISED: April, 1998
POSITION: Head, Science Reference Department
DEPARTMENT: Science Reference
PURPOSE AND SCOPE:
The Department Head is responsible for administering the Reference Department and for
coordinating the reference and government documents activities of the Department with
other areas. The Reference Department promotes the use of electronic and print resources,
builds client-centered relationships by actively cultivating faculty interactions and works
with faculty to develop instructional technology which will facilitate classroom instruction
and promote use of library resources and services. The Department Head is responsible for
the work of 14 librarians, 7 support staff members and several student assistants; and
reports to the Associate University Librarian for Public Services.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
Plans, organizes and implements the work of the Reference Department by formulating its
goals, objectives and priorities, and by making necessary adjustments due to staffing and
workload.
Develops and maintains a competent and productive staff by overseeing the supervision
and evaluation of the Department’s staff.
Promotes communication within the Department and the Libraries by encouraging and
actively engaging in the exchange of needed information.
Promotes communication with both the University and non-University community by
actively engaging in the exchange of information, maintaining an awareness of the needs
of user groups and interpreting departmental and Libraries’ policies and procedures.
Coordinates collection management activities for the department by overseeing and
participating in selection, collection evaluation, and the direction of collection
policies and procedures.
Participates in general Libraries administration by serving on Forum, Systems
Development Group, and other appropriate committess as assigned or elected.
(over)
Represents the Libraries through active participation in professional organizations on the
state, regional, or national level.
Maintains awareness and acts upon changes and needs in the organization by assuming
other similar duties and responsibilities.
QUALIFICATIONS:
ALA-accredited MLS; Minimum three years of relevant reference experience in a large
academic or research library; Extensive working knowledge of reference and
bibliographic sources; Demonstrated supervisory ability; Knowledge of computerized
database searching; Effective oral and written communication skills; Ability to work
effectively with colleagues, students and faculty.