Assistant Librarian and Visual Resources Curator, VCU School of the Arts in Qatar

The VCU School of the Arts in Qatar (VCU-Q) is seeking a librarian or visual resources professional who is inventive, technologically literate, and interested in exploring new options for providing proactive services, for the position of Assistant Librarian and Visual Resources Curator. This is a nontenured professional faculty position, which reports to the Director of the Library, VCU-Q. It will have responsibility for developing, managing and delivering services for visual resources and media center, and for management and oversight of technical services operations for the Library. This is an unusual opportunity to participate in the development of a new library service and a ground-breaking educational endeavor.

VCU School of the Arts in Qatar is a new and pioneering project bringing the best of American design education to the Middle East. The School is a branch campus of Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond, Virginia. It was established in 1998 in co-operation with the Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development, with the mission of creating opportunities that encourage intellectual and professional growth for the young women of Qatar and the region. It offers a complete educational program leading to a Virginia Commonwealth University BFA degree in three areas: Communication Arts and Design, Fashion Design and Merchandising, and Interior Design. The first graduating class received their degrees in June 2001. The library is still in development, with some 12,000 volumes, 850 videos and DVDs, and 20,000 slides. A new, larger library facility is being planned.

VCU-Q is the first college to be part of a growing campus being created on the outskirts of Doha. This Education City will include a broad spectrum of educational institutions from pre-school to graduate. At the level of higher education, its mission is the preparation of world-class graduates who are capable of assuming responsible professional and leadership positions within Qatar and the region. Our neighbor institutions include Weill Cornell Medical College and Texas A&M University (Engineering).

Qatar is a peninsula jutting into the Arabian Gulf between Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates. The State of Qatar has developed from one of the poorest Gulf states to one of the richest, thanks to the exploitation of large oil and gas fields since the 1960s. Today its people have one of the highest per capita incomes in the world. It is one of the most liberal and progressive of the Gulf countries with a very low crime rate, and has offered a very hospitable environment for our male and female personnel. Doha is a modern, rapidly-growing city with many western influences and a population of around 400,000. With its large expatriate population, the city has a very multi-cultural feel. English is the standard second language. Qatar offers the expatriate all the amenities of modern living, as well as the excitement of experiencing a country coming into its own.

Qualifications:

Required: Masters degree in Art History, or Masters degree in Library/Information Science with additional degree or substantial knowledge of the field of Art History, or equivalent. Substantial experience working with visual resources collections including both analog and digital formats, with knowledge of the issues around the creation, maintenance, and access of a visual resources collection and familiarity with standards for visual materials. Experience working with digital imaging technologies. Strong commitment to proactive library service and enthusiasm for work with students and faculty. Strong interpersonal and communication skills, and ability to work in a collaborative setting. The ability to successfully initiate, track, and manage projects; and strong organizational and management skills. Fluency in written and spoken English. Ability to work in a culturally diverse environment. Preferred: Knowledge of library cataloging principles, procedures and standards. Knowledge of library serials management. Experience managing digital and analog visual resources collections including: cataloging and processing of images; copy stand and photography skills; collection automation and data management software; conservation issues and strategies; current digital resources and technologies; legal and ethical issues related to visual resources management. Knowledge of standards and technologies for the creation, storage, archiving, dissemination and use of digital images in the classroom. Familiarity with automated library systems, as well as OCLC or RLIN online bibliographic utilities. Knowledge of web page creation and design. Knowledge of Arabic.

Salary and Benefits:

This position offers a competitive international salary and benefits, including housing, travel, and other support.

Additional information about VCU School of the Arts in Qatar is available at http://www.vcu.edu/artweb/vcu_qatar/index.html. A full job description is available under School of the Arts at: http://www.pubinfo.vcu.edu/facjobs/. For more information about Qatar, see http://www.qatar-info.com/general/.

Send letter of interest, resume, and the names of three references to: Mary McLaughlin, Search Committee, VCU School of the Arts in Qatar, PO Box 8095, Doha, Qatar, by January 10 2004 for full consideration. Electronic submissions are encouraged: [log in to unmask]  Search remains open until filled. VCU is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. Women, minorities, and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply.