86 · Representative Documents: Position Descriptions
Northwestern University
Head, Digital Collections and Scholarly Communications Services
NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY LIBRARY
LIBRARIAN POSITION DESCRIPTION
POSITION: Head, Digital Collections and Scholarly Communications Services
REPORTS TO: Dean of Libraries and Charles Deering McCormick University Librarian
Associate University Librarian for Special Libraries
SUPERVISES: Assistant Head, Digital Collections and Services
Visual Resources Librarian
Outreach and Training Specialist
SUMMARY: Under the general direction of the AUL for Special Libraries, the Head of Digital Collections and
Scholarly Communications Services has primary responsibility for the conceptual development and execution of digital
library projects and digitization and repository services at Northwestern University Library and under the general
direction of the Dean of Libraries/University Librarian, he/she provides leadership, direction and coordination of the
activities and services of scholarly communications programs at Northwestern University Library. The two dimensions
of the position are expected to overlap in programmatic, physical and technological ways and thus the two supervisors
are expected to be in close communication with the incumbent and each other.
RESPONSIBILITIES: Acts as administrative director of the Center for Scholarly Communication (or the equivalent
entity in the Library), coordinates the work of affiliates on specific projects and initiatives, and works closely with
Library liaisons, specialists, Digital Collections and Services, and the Scholarly Communications Committee to
develop Center programs and referral services. Articulates a vision for the development of all aspects of an effective
Scholarly Communications program, including outreach programs and events, internal training and awareness
programs for library staff, advising faculty on policy issues including copyright and funder mandates, and promoting
relevant open access publishing initiatives. Plays a key leadership role in developing and sustaining services for
retention and curation of important digital content from the Northwestern community, including research data,
publications, visual and media resources, technical reports, field notes, presentations, and gray literature and other
born-digital ephemera of enduring value. Participates in digital publishing, e-science, and digital humanities initiatives
and plays a leadership role in development of digital content curation services. Fosters effective relationships with key
Library and University partners including but not limited to faculty, academic units, information technologists, the
University Press and the Office of Research.
As head of the Digital Collections and Services department, is responsible for management of all aspects of the
department, including planning, prioritizing and implementing policy and direction, budget management, and
communication with appropriate University faculty, Library staff, vendors, and relevant colleagues in partner research
libraries. Is responsible for the conceptual development and execution of special digital library and faculty projects,
digitization services for library departments and faculty, the Digital Image Library, and development and support of
repository services and affiliated faculty digital projects. Supervises the staff of the Digital Collections Department,
including an assistant department head, and directly or indirectly supervises the staff engaged in project management,
production, consulting, training and media delivery services to library staff and university faculty scanning of printed
materials using specialized scanners conversion of analog slide, image, film and other media items to digital formats
and enhancing the content and usability of the Digital Image Library and the digital library repository.
Previous Page Next Page