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Deputy Director - Department of Library Services (DLS)

Employer
Global Academy Jobs
Location
South Africa
Closing date
Sep 26, 2018

Job Details

In pursuit of the ideals of excellence and diversity, the University of Pretoria wishes to invite applications for the following vacancy.

The University of Pretoria's commitment to quality makes us one of the top research Universities in the country and gives us a competitive advantage in international science and technology development.

The University of Pretoria (UP) is a leading research university in South Africa. The Department of Library Services at UP, a major contributor to the University's standing, consistently receives  recognition for its excellent customer service, achieved through an optimal blend of skilled people and new technology in information and data management. The Department of Library Services is changing the face of what it means to be Academic Library, continuously striving to be a leader as an Academic Library for the 21st Century.

The Department of Library Services (DLS) at the University of Pretoria prides itself on being in touch with the present and future needs of our wide range of clients, from undergraduate and postgraduate students to our internationally acknowledged leading researchers. New and advanced technology is selected and modified to enable DLS to be agile in meeting the requirements of its client base. “Adding value” is a term a visitor to the DLS would hear frequently from the people working in the DLS. The forward- and pro-active-thinking style of the leaders of DLS, and the role of small focus groups to map this new Library of the 21st Century, make for a stimulating environment in which to work.

 

Responsibilities

The incumbents will be required to:

  • Collaborate with the Director of the DLS and the other members of the leadership team in considering the best approach of becoming a 21st Century Library. This would include making recommendations on current and future methods for managing and distributing research data, developing an agile and lean support department in UP, and supporting the achievement of the strategic research objectives of UP;
  • Oversee the management of the infrastructure of the DLS as designated to the particular position of Deputy Director. This may include:
    • Providing strategic leadership to faculty libraries;
    • Co-ordination of support for research activities, teaching and learning activities;
    • Upskilling DLS staff;
  • Oversee the optimal use of the budget allocated to the portfolio;
  • Develop new ideas of relevance for service improvement for UPLS by selectively attending conferences and to make contributions to the wider LS community with respect to new approaches;
  • Oversee the management of the generic services of libraries and to challenge the status quo by exploring better options;
  • Demonstrate an entrepreneurial flair by seeking opportunities for income streams to assist the DLS in its strategic plans.

 

Minimum Requirements

  • A four-year library degree (e.g. B.Bibl, PG Dip. LIS or B. Inf (Hons); AND
  • A relevant master's degree;
  • 10 years' experience in the field of LIS of which five should be in a leadership position on, at least, middle management level.

 

Required Competencies (Skills, Knowledge and Behavioural Attributes)

  • Good reading knowledge of the kind of thinking that would lead to a 21st Century Library;
  • Good reading knowledge of agile- and lean-principles of management, and its implementation in an LS environment;
  • Passion and energy to take responsibility for what is conceptually new and different;
  • A strong drive to achieve relevant objectives;
  • Show a stronger preference to be pro-active, even though consideration would also be required;
  • Be pro-active and challenge-driven;
  • Be competent with big picture thinking but willing to oversee detailed elements of strategy.

 

Added Advantages and Preferences

  • Relevant doctoral degree;
  • Management qualification;
  • Project management qualification;
  • Proven experience in identifying and applying the latest industry and technological  trends to advance digital library services;
  • Proven leadership in a multi-cultural environment;
  • Proven track record of innovation, creativity and independent judgement;
  • Demonstrated ability to initiate, plan and implement complex projects;
  • Proven experience in managing libraries in multiple physical locations.

 

All shortlisted candidates may be required to participate in relevant skills assessments as part of the selection process.

The annual remuneration package will be commensurate with the incumbent's level of appointment, as determined by UP policy guidelines. UP subscribes to the BESTMED medical aid scheme and contributes 50% of the applicable monthly premium.

No application will be considered after the closing date, or if it does not comply with at least the minimum requirements.

Enquiries: Ms Busi Khumalo, Tel: (012) 420 4134, or Ms Letticia Jooste, Tel: (012) 420 6921.

Should you not hear from the University of Pretoria by 30 November 2018, please accept that your application has been unsuccessful.

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"The globalisation of higher education continues apace, driving in turn the ongoing development of the global knowledge economy, striving for solutions to the world’s problems and educating a next generation of leaders and contributors."

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