Ohio Five opens search for next Director of Consortial Library Systems

Posted on June 7, 2021

The Five Colleges of Ohio (a consortium of The College of Wooster, Denison University, Kenyon College, Oberlin College, and Ohio Wesleyan University) seeks its next Director of Consortial Library Systems, a key position that provides leadership in library information technology, strengthens collaboration among our five libraries, and investigates and recommends library information technology solutions that meet the needs of library users and staff. Overseeing the multi-college integrated library system CONSORT, the Director actively supports a contemporary, user-centered information environment and evaluates, plans, and implements integrations between CONSORT and other campus systems. The Director regularly partners with the library directors to explore valuable ideas and move them forward, leads multiple consortial digital initiatives working groups, and provides training and development that is instrumental in enhancing collaboration among the five colleges.

The Director supervises a full-time Library Systems Analyst and contract employees associated with consortial library initiatives from an office that can be located on any of the five campuses, with flexibility for some remote work. Travel to the five libraries is expected, along with extensive use of web-based communications, ensuring that all constituents receive appropriate support and assistance.

The successful candidate will hold an ALA-accredited MLS/MLIS or equivalent combination of experience and/or education related to the position in an academic library. A strong technical background is essential, ideally informed by experience leading and managing an Integrated Library System, preferably Sierra (Innovative Interfaces, Inc.) and associated acquisitions, circulation, cataloging, and serials modules, with success in troubleshooting, migrating library systems and proven ability to manage print and electronic resources. The Director provides leadership and strategic thinking to plan, coordinate and implement technology projects, drawing on demonstrated knowledge of emerging trends in library technology. The candidate will have experience with Amazon Web Services (AWS) or other cloud-based infrastructure and demonstrated knowledge of programming and database query languages, e.g. SQL, HTML, CSS, XML, JavaScript, PHP/MySQL, Python. The Director should have strong interpersonal and communication skills and the ability to work both independently and in a collaborative team environment with library directors and technical and library staff with a variety of backgrounds and skills.

The Five Colleges of Ohio continue to evolve, therefore this will be an exciting opportunity for someone looking to expand their experience with shared library applications and exercise their ability to define a vision for a team and bring it to fruition. While ensuring stability and succession planning for the current library system, the person in this role will look to the future and oversee the adoption of discovery tools and next-generation library systems.

Applications received by June 30 will receive full consideration and should include a cover letter and current resume. To apply, click here.

Five College of Ohio staff members participate in a generous Kenyon College employee benefits program, described below.

Compensation and Benefits

Salaries at Kenyon are competitive and commensurate with experience. In addition to an attractive salary, Kenyon offers benefits for employees and their family members. Children of employees are eligible for 100% tuition waivers at Kenyon, and through the Great Lakes Colleges Association, children of employees are eligible for 85% tuition waivers at fifteen other of the nation's finest liberal arts colleges.

We also offer health and dental insurance, TIAA/CREF retirement, and many other benefits, including provisions for a spouse, families, and domestic partners. Details about benefits as well as conditions of employment are described more fully in our Staff Handbook.

Kenyon College is a nationally prominent, private liberal arts college where academic excellence goes hand in hand with a strong sense of community and close relationships among students and professors.

Kenyon College is an equal opportunity employer and applications from members of all underrepresented groups are encouraged. It is the College's policy to evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, national origin, ancestry, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, physical and/or mental disability, age, religion, medical condition, veteran status, marital status, or any other characteristic protected by institutional policy or state, local, or federal law. Kenyon College has a strong commitment to supporting diversity, equity and inclusion. Please visit our Diversity at Kenyon website.