Head of Library Collections Management, Technologies and Systems

Interview Date: Wednesday 04 September 2024

About the role 

The University of Southampton is seeking to appoint a new Head of Library Collections Management, Technologies and Systems within Library and Learning Services. This is a key role, leading the Collection Development and Library Technology teams. The post holder will manage the deployment and strategic development of library technologies and manage library collections. The post holder will also develop collections analytics and work across teams to support collections development aligned with disciplinary and interdisciplinary research innovation, curriculum development and initiatives in transnational education. The post holder will have budgetary oversight and be responsible for fluent, customer focussed workflows. 

There has never been a better time to join the University of Southampton Library and Learning Services. Currently the Library is running its flagship Collections, Development and Discovery Project (£2M) reviewing print book stock in our main site Library (over 0.5M items) and utilising our newly acquired off-site conservation grade store. In consultation with our user communities this is an essential pipeline project for an exciting major capital investment to transform the Hartley Library. There has been significant investment in a new Library Management System, Reading List System and Digital Viewer as well as the deployment of high speed document delivery technology. We have recently launched our new University Strategy and are about to embark upon one of the largest upgrades of our physical and digital infrastructure in our history. This includes a commitment to significantly enhance our main library. 

About you 

With management experience in a library or similar you will have an excellent understanding of the key issues in collections development and technologies facing research led libraries. With a strong customer focus you will be able to think both analytically and creatively, engaging with a broad range of library stakeholders, both internal and external.  A collaborative and effective leader, you will support and motivate staff through line management, matrix management and project management. 

What we can offer you  

As a university we aim to create an environment where everyone can thrive and are proactive in fostering a culture of inclusion, respect and equality of opportunity. We believe that we can only truly meet our objectives if we are reflective of society, so we are passionate about creating a working environment in which you are free to bring your whole self to work. With a generous holiday allowance as well as additional university closure days we are committed to supporting our staff and students and open to a flexible working approach. 

If you believe you have the skills, experience, and drive to help shape the future of the University of Southampton, then we look forward to receiving your application. 

For an informal discussion, please contact:

Jonathan Chipp, Associate Director, Collections, Technologies and Systems jc10@soton.ac.uk 

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