Congratulations to Pete Maggs who joins Western from Lancaster University, where he was Director of Library Services. Lancaster University Library came first in the Times Higher Education Student Experience Survey 2017. Pete brings to Australia extensive higher education library experience from the United Kingdom, including roles as Deputy Librarian at Durham (2011-2015), Academic Development Librarian at UWE (2010-2011), Faculty Librarian at Newcastle U (2001-2009), Subject Librarian at Exeter (1995-2001) and Assistant Librarian at University of Southhampton.
About the role
As the library for Western Sydney University (WSU), Western Library has a worldwide reputation for leadership in information, spaces, collections and people. With a busy and expanding footprint across Greater Western Sydney – one of Australia’s fastest growing economic regions – Western Library is an exciting place to be. Ranked amongst the top two per cent of universities in the world, WSU values academic excellence, integrity and the pursuit of knowledge. Western Library is key to the University’s creating unlimited opportunities for students and staff to reach their potential. Western Library succeeds with Western Sydney.
The University Librarian is responsible for University-wide copyright and The Whitlam Prime Ministerial Collection as well as core collection services operating at scale. Its broad support extends to all academic staff and students, including research performance and activities, joint venture operations and The College. Covering seven campuses, Western Library services eight million item downloads and 2 million visits per annum. The University Librarian leads an enthusiastic team of 7 direct reports and a total staff of 130+. Reporting to the Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Vice President (Academic) the University Librarian leads mutually beneficial relationships across the university, with the executive, Deans of Schools and IT services and the Research and Innovation portfolio. Stand out features of Western Library include:
- New world-class university campus being designed for Bankstown CBD;
- Study Smart online assignment and literacies help, cited in the NMC Horizon Report 2017 Higher Education Edition;
- John Phillips Library headquarters on Penrith campus placed first in the academic category of the 2017 Australian Library Design Awards;
- Leadership of the digital text initiative which provides free access for commencing first year students; and
- The library is ISO 9001:2015 certified to ensure quality of its operations.
For other opportunities see our postings here.
