Job Posting: Director of Hamon Arts Library, SMU

Director of Hamon Arts Library – January 2012

Position open until filled

Central University Libraries of Southern Methodist University seeks an exceptional person to serve as Director of the Hamon Arts Library. The successful candidate will possess a vision for the Hamon as a 21^st-century library of the fine and performing arts, and the qualities necessary to make that vision a reality.

The Hamon Arts Library is part of Central University Libraries (CUL) and reports to the Assistant Dean for Scholarly Resources and Research Services.  Located in the Owen Arts Center of the Meadows School of the Arts, Hamon has extensive online and print holdings relevant to the visual and performing arts, as well as the Jerry Bywaters Special Collections Wing and the G. William Jones Film and Video Collection.  The Hamon Arts Library primarily serves faculty, staff and students of the Meadows School of the Arts. Meadows majors and programs prepare students to excel as professionals in the arts, media and communications, and the Hamon staff works to align the library’s services and collections with the Meadows curricula.   Central University Libraries is committed to supporting SMU’s aspiration to become a leading research institution within a dynamic, engaged learning environment.

The Director of the Hamon Arts Library provides vision, energy and leadership for three subject librarians who offer collection development, reference and instructional services for Meadows departments, two curators of special collections, one curatorial assistant, and three library specialists in circulation.  Other responsibilities are administering the budget of the Hamon Arts Library, including university-allocated and restricted funds; creating and maintaining records, reports and statistics; and supervision of direct reports.  The Director also serves on committees, including service on CUL’s Leadership Team, which sets policies and provides strategic vision for the libraries, and is expected to take an active role within SMU libraries, the Meadows School, and the University. The successful candidate will be a collaborative leader who sets priorities and promotes positive change in support of the teaching, research and creative needs of Meadows students, faculty and staff.  The director will also work with staff in other areas of the library and university to advance technology and digital initiatives relevant to library services; cultivate faculty relationships; and make Hamon a visible and dynamic presence within Meadows, the University, and the greater Dallas arts community.

Requirements of the position include a Master’s degree in library science from an ALA-accredited institution; a graduate degree in the fine or performing arts; at least five years’ progressively responsible post-MLS experience in an arts library, preferably in an academic setting; supervisory experience; demonstrated experience with the use of technology in an arts setting; strong knowledge of and experience with reference, information literacy, instruction and collection development; evidence of scholarly engagement and participation in professional organizations; and excellent interpersonal, leadership and communication skills, including the ability to work collegially with faculty, staff and students. Preference will be given to candidates who have demonstrated project management skills, experience in grant writing, and experience in overseeing the physical operations of a library facility.

Please visit our website http://www.smu.jobs to apply.

Southern Methodist University will not discriminate in any employment practice, education program, or educational activity on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, or veteran status. SMU’s commitment to equal opportunity includes non-discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation.

Carolyn Keenon

CUL Human Resources Office / Facilities

Central University Libraries

Southern Methodist University

Office: 214-768-1850

Fax: 214-768-1502

ckeenon@smu.edu