Random Comments for August

It’s the end of August as we are only one week away from the beginning of the fall semester.  There were more people on campus today as the International Students Orientation was taking place.  Today I arranged for my first lecture of the new semester.  It will be in Chemical Engineering 396 where I give a general introduction to the literature of the discipline.  My feeling is that undergraduates don’t use the primary literature as they learn mostly from textbooks and laboratory manuals.

This will likely be my last semester at NJIT as my plan right now is to retire at the end of 2017.  I have worked for 41 years since I got my masters in chemistry and 25 years at the same employer.  At least I finally established a stable employment record.  Back when I first started in the 1970s, I had a checkered job history, but eventually, things worked out.

I think it’s time to transition to the world of rest and relaxation.

Opening for Associate University Librarian at NJIT

Associate University Librarian for Digital Services at NJIT

New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT) seeks applications and nominations for the position of Associate University Librarian for Digital Services.

Position Summary:

The Associate University Librarian (AUL) for Digital Services is the chief technology officer for the university libraries. The AUL reports to the University Librarian and has overall responsibility for the management, operations, and direction of technical services, including: collection budget, acquisitions, cataloging, and metadata creation; digital initiatives including digitization projects, preservation, and scholarly communication; and library information systems.

Qualifications Summary:

The ideal candidate must possess an ALA-accredited MLS/MLIS or equivalent degree; a minimum of five years of administrative experience including responsibilities in staff management, technical services, digital and information systems in an academic library, with demonstrated ability to lead, evaluate and direct staff through organizational change. Candidates must also have a track record of demonstrated leadership, strong analytical and decision-making skills, with the capacity to anticipate and adapt to priorities and the changing needs of an academic library.

University Libraries:

The Robert W. Van Houten Library, NJIT’s university library, houses a core collection of print books, group study rooms and has an Information Commons computer lab with more than 120 computer workstations and wireless access throughout the building. The Barbara and Leonard Littman Architecture, Art and Design Library, a branch of the university library, maintains a core collection of architecture, art, and design resources. The Libraries have a staff of 24, who are committed to developing innovations in access services, information literacy, and digital initiatives. The Libraries operate with a budget of $4.4 million and spend over 90% of the materials budget to acquire electronic resources for anytime, anywhere access. The collection comprises over 390,000 volumes with 34 full-text databases, over 55,000 electronic journals, 168,000 ebooks, and 222,000 physical holdings.

Application Procedure:

Apply at https://njit.jobs, posting #0604065.  In addition to a cover letter and vitae, candidates are asked to submit a one-page summary of their vision for an evolving digital and technology strategy to provide 21^st century library resources and services in support of 2020 Vision: A Strategic Plan for NJIT.

Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until a candidate is selected. Only candidates of interest will be contacted.

To build a diverse workforce, NJIT encourages applications from individuals with disabilities, minorities, veterans, and women. EEO employer.