Head Of Library & Digital Support

This new role of Head of Library & Digital Support (LDS) is an exciting opportunity to lead University library services plus develop wider initiatives across the Library & Academic Development directorate.

The Library is a successful and well-regarded service delivered by a talented and dedicated team. As Head of LDS you will be responsible for all aspects of Library provision supporting teaching, learning and research. You will work in partnership with students, academic colleagues, professional services and stakeholders to create, promote and maximise effective use of Library services resulting in demonstrable impact on the outcomes of our end users.

Library & Academic Development consists of LDS and Academic Development (AD) which comprises Educational Development, Digital Education, Student Learning Services and the English Language Centre. The ethos of LAD is to provide a consistent and integrated academic skills service to both staff and students where practice is collaborative, shared and seamless. Extensive work has already been undertaken to map activities across the directorate and the next stage is to combine it into a programme of support, identifying and filling gaps, as appropriate.

There will also be opportunities to be involved in cross-institutional initiatives such as digital skills, the launch of the new Research Information System, learning analytics and university welcome events for students.

You will bring a proactive and innovative approach to developing services with an appreciation of the importance of demonstrating impact in everything we do. A confident networker, you will work closely with the Head of Academic Development to develop a holistic service to support the ambitions of the University.

If you are an ambitious, strategic thinking leader who wants to make a difference and is open to doing things differently, this is the role for you.

For an informal discussion about the position, please contact Lesley Castens, Director of Library & Academic Development by email lesley.castens@plymouth.ac.uk or by telephone on 01752 587021.

Please demonstrate how you meet the essential criteria outlined in the knowledge, qualifications, training and experience elements of the job description in your supporting statement.

Interviews are likely to take place on Wednesday 24th April 2024 and you will be notified if you have been shortlisted or not.

This is a full-time, permanent position, working 37 hours a week.

Flexible working options including job share will be considered.

We offer a competitive salary package and a generous pension and holiday scheme. We also offer a range of other benefits, including ongoing development opportunities. A summary of our comprehensive benefits can be viewed here.

A successful external candidate for this position would be employed by the University of Plymouth Services Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of the University of Plymouth. Employees of the University of Plymouth Services Limited work alongside the University of Plymouth colleagues in delivery of Plymouth’s strategic vision, and will adopt the University of Plymouth’s HR policies and procedures in full unless otherwise stated.

The University of Plymouth is a diverse, welcoming community where everyone makes a difference and is encouraged to bring their whole selves to work. To find out more about our inclusive community, initiatives such as Athena Swan and the Race Equality Charter and our range of benefits / support mechanisms such as flexible working, staff networks and enhanced maternity, paternity & adoption leave please visit our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion webpages

We particularly welcome applicants from under-represented groups such as BAME/BIPOC and LGBT+.