Head Librarian, Journalism Library

Health & Specialized Libraries, University of Missouri - Columbia

The Head of the Journalism Library is responsible for planning, directing, and administering the staff and programs of the Journalism Library and reports to the Associate University Librarian for the Health and Specialized Libraries. The Head works closely with faculty, students, and staff of the Missouri School of Journalism, and Fellows and staff of the Reynolds Journalism Institute to provide integrated library service in support of the mission of the School. The Head of the Journalism Library also provides proactive outreach to train and support the research needs of doctoral students and faculty. The role provides reference service, selects materials for the library collection, develops and directs instruction programs and promotes information resources. Additionally, the Head works with the School of Journalism and colleagues across the MU Libraries to support the management of analog and digital output of the School of Journalism, its media outlets and the Reynolds Journalism Institute. They carry out MU libraries' goals and objectives; serve on library, journalism, and university committees; participate in fundraising and development activities.

Description of Duties:

• Oversee operations of the Journalism Library, including hiring, training and supervision of the Journalism Librarian and staff. Provides oversight of 1 faculty FTE and 3 staff FTE as well as student assistants with direct supervision of 1 faculty FTE and 1 staff FTE. Develop training programs and establish performance and service standards in carrying out the mission of the Journalism Library.
• Actively works with the Dean of the School of Journalism to establish strategic directions for the Journalism Library regularly keeping the Dean and other School leaders informed about progress toward strategic initiatives, as well as library operations and programs.
• Provide reference and instruction services to library users. Prepare and conduct onsite and online presentations to journalism and strategic communication classes at the request of faculty. Collaborate with and advise researchers on strategies and resources.
• Develop and deliver programs for access, instruction and training in the use of the library and electronic resources to both on campus and distance students. Design instructional materials and guides. Manage and promote use of resources available from the journalism and University of Missouri Libraries. Create ready access to online and open access journalism resources.
• Provide library services and research support to the School of Journalism's newsrooms, including The Columbia Missourian, KOMU, KBIA, and Vox Magazine.
• Partner in grant writing and fundraising to support Journalism Library initiatives.
• Manage and promote use of the Journalism Library website to provide user instruction and access to resources and services. Create ready access to internet-based national and international journalism resources.
• In consultation with the Dean of Journalism and the School of Journalism faculty, select library materials in journalism, mass communication, advertising, public relations and photojournalism to support the mission of the school. Review and revise collection development policies to manage and maintain collections through weeding and transfers to remote storage facilities.
• Promote the University mission through professional activities and service on University of Missouri Libraries, School of Journalism, and University of Missouri committees and working groups.

Minimum qualifications:

Master's degree in information and/or Library Science from an ALA-accredited program or equivalent.

Candidates will be evaluated on:

• 3-5 years of professional experience in a library, journalism enterprise, or similar environment with responsibilities including instruction, technology management, and public service
• Coursework or experience in journalism, business, or communications fields
• 3 years of increasing supervisory or leadership experience
• Demonstrated teaching experience or making formal presentations before groups of people
• Demonstrated expertise in library technology applications including website design and management
• Strong service orientation and commitment to providing a welcome environment and outstanding customer service
• Experience working on research projects, individually and collaboratively
• Experience creating online resources guides and tutorials
• Willingness to learn new skills and technologies
• Willingness to take an active role in developing and promoting new library programs and services
• Evidence of experience in partnership development, fundraising, public relations, and/or marketing

Salary and librarian rank will be commensurate with experience within an expected range of $60,000-$75,000. This position holds non-tenure track (NTT) faculty status. For information regarding title and rank, please review the MU Libraries' Librarian and Archivist Governance Document found at: https://libraryguides.missouri.edu/ld.php?content_id=79094147

This position works out of the Journalism Library at the University of Missouri, located within the Reynolds Journalism Institute. The position has the option of a hybrid work schedule with occasional days working from home.

A cover letter, contact information for three references and CV must be uploaded through the brief online application.

Application review begins March 1, 2025, but will accept applications until position is filled.

The University of Missouri (MU, Mizzou) was founded in 1839 in Columbia, MO, as the first public university west of the Mississippi River. Today, MU's 31,000+ students represent every Missouri county, all 50 states and 100 countries. As the state's largest and most comprehensive university, MU offers more than 300-degree programs, including 89 online options, through 12 colleges and schools and is one of only six public universities nationwide that has a school of medicine, veterinary medicine college, and a law school. The MU Office of Extension & Engagement extends the benefits of MU research to Missouri's citizens in all 114 counties in Missouri.

Considered one of the nation's top-tier institutions, MU is the only public institution in Missouri to be a member of the Association of American Universities (AAU). The University of Missouri Libraries belong to the Association of Research Libraries (ARL), the Greater Western Library Alliance (GWLA), the Center for Research Libraries, the HathiTrust, and the statewide MOBIUS consortium.

For more information on the University of Missouri and the Columbia area, please visit the following:

University of Missouri - Columbia

University of Missouri Libraries

Columbia Convention and Visitor's Bureau

Columbia offers small-town friendliness with big city features and a high quality of life for people of all ages and interests. Founded on education and known as an ideal college town, its location also makes it an attractive spot for businesses and travelers. Located on Interstate 70 and U.S. Highway 63, Columbia is right in the middle of the state and the nation. Just a couple hours' drive from St. Louis and Kansas City, Columbia is Boone County's largest population center offering big-city culture, activities, and resources with a low cost of living. Columbia is home to a variety of restaurants and entertainment venues and hosts more than a dozen cultural festivals each year. If you want to grow your career, continue your education, raise a family, and retire, Columbia is a good place to be!

This position is eligible for University benefits. As part of your total compensation, the University offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental and vision plans, retirement, and educational fee discounts for all four UM System campuses. For additional information on University benefits, please visit the Faculty & Staff Benefits website at https://www.umsystem.edu/totalrewards/benefits.

Values Commitment

We value the uniqueness of every individual and strive to ensure each person's success. Contributions from individuals with diverse backgrounds, experiences and perspectives promote intellectual pluralism and enable us to achieve the excellence that we seek in learning, research and engagement. This commitment makes our university a better place to work, learn and innovate.

In your application materials, please discuss your experiences and expertise that support these values and enrich our missions of teaching, research, and engagement.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The University of Missouri System is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Equal Opportunity is and shall be provided for all employees and applicants for employment on the basis of their demonstrated ability and competence without unlawful discrimination on the basis of their race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, disability, or protected veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable state or federal law. This policy applies to all employment decisions including, but not limited to, recruiting, hiring, training, promotions, pay practices, benefits, disciplinary actions and terminations. For more information, visit https://www.umsystem.edu/ums/hr/eeo or call the Director of Employee and Labor Relations at 573-882-2146.

To request ADA accommodations, please call the Director of Accessibility and ADA at 573-884-7278.