Department
Library IT & DS - Dissertation Office Administration
About the Department
Widely known as guardian of one of the largest academic library collections in North America, the University of Chicago Library is redefining its role as a provider of services within an increasingly open global knowledge ecosystem. We value open and equitable access to knowledge, freedom of speech, thought, and inquiry, and working in partnership within and beyond the UChicago community. We are creating a working environment that embraces innovation and respect and that celebrates and develops staff.
As part of the University of Chicago, we offer a wide variety of strong benefits and programs to academics and staff. From a choice of comprehensive health plan options and wellness programs, short and long-term disability insurance, continuing education opportunities including educational assistance plans, competitive retirement plans and paid time off (vacation, personal and university holidays), we’re committed to providing benefits and a work environment that matters!
Job Information
Job Summary:
The Dissertation Specialist is responsible for planning and supervising the daily activities of the University of Chicago Dissertation Office, a service point within the Center for Digital Scholarship where staff members assist doctoral candidates with University-wide dissertation requirements. The Dissertation Specialist ensures that dissertation requirements are met, provides quality control, and assesses workflows. The Dissertation Specialist works closely with students, with University staff, and with staff at ProQuest.
Responsibilities:
Helps dissertation writers and graduate program administrators understand and follow University dissertation requirements and submission procedures. Provides advice regarding bibliography and citation styles and formatting manuscripts.
Audits draft and final copies of dissertations. Manages and assesses workflow and provides quality control for these audits. Documents and updates procedures. Recommends changes in procedures and guidelines.
Staffs Dissertation Office during set hours, responding to telephone, e-mail, and in-person queries.
Designs and publicizes sessions to teach doctoral candidates about format requirements, copyright compliance, and the dissertation submission and review process via the Library’s institutional repository and optional ProQuest. Provides instruction in both library training room and online settings. Works with university partners to provide additional related training for graduate students.
Hires, supervises, and trains student assistants. Introduces new employees to Dissertation Office policies, procedures, programs, and guidelines.
Manages a database of Ph.D. candidate and dissertation information. Tracks processing of dissertations.
Contributes to Dissertation Office web pages. Creates and updates informational materials.
Coordinates with Ph.D.-granting divisions and schools to obtain and update the quarterly convocation lists. Contributes to and helps proofread the annual convocation programs.
Participates in departmental meetings, planning, and activities of the Center for Digital Scholarship.
Participates in Library and University meetings and activities.
Performs other duties as assigned.
Competencies:
Excellent interpersonal and solid public service orientation.
Demonstrated ability to interact and communicate with clarity, tact, discretion, and courtesy with patrons, library staff, and others required.
Effective oral and written communication skills.
Work effectively and successfully with colleagues in a team setting.
Ability to maintain confidentiality.
Analyze and solve problems, judgment and decision-making skills, and planning and organizational skills.
Ability to take initiative, work independently and manage multiple priorities in a complex and changing environment.
Accuracy and attention to detail required.
Additional Responsibilities
Education, Experience, or…