University Librarian, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, RI

Posted January 13, 2025

Description

URI is seeking a new University Librarian who will develop and achieve a vision of a flagship public university library of the future, with innovative library spaces and services and in furtherance of URI’s ten-year strategic plan. Reporting to the Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs, the University Librarian is responsible for the strategy, leadership, and administration of the libraries at URI. We welcome applications from dynamic, innovative, and experienced library leaders capable of working collaboratively with staff, faculty, students, administrators, community partners, and external organizations.

Reporting to the Provost, the University Librarian is responsible for the leadership and administration of the libraries at the University of Rhode Island. They oversee all aspects of the libraries, including:

providing vision and strategic direction for the University Libraries in the furtherance of URI’s strategic plan;
managing the libraries’ budget, resources, services, and facilities;
supervising library faculty and staff;
continuously modernizing library operations, including the adoption of new technologies to best serve faculty, students, and staff in the pursuit of academic and research excellence;
overseeing innovation and development in library services; and
cultivating external relations and engaging in development opportunities to support the libraries.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Provide the leadership to develop and achieve a vision of a flagship public university library of the future, with innovative library spaces and services and in furtherance of URI’s ten-year strategic plan;
Stay on top of technological advancements in library operations and resources, with the goal of continuously modernizing URI’s libraries to best serve faculty, students, and staff;
Commensurate with the university library of an R1 institution, collaborate with academic leaders across URI as a key partner in continually developing research and teaching excellence;
Provide overarching leadership for the development, management, and maintenance of the physical facilities within the libraries with a focus on creating user-friendly spaces for student learning, research, and knowledge production;
Provide overall management of library personnel and operations, and guide professional growth and development of personnel;
Champion a customer service-centric approach to library operations and services, including in the use of library facilities;
Develop collaborative relationships with deans, faculty, administrators, and staff, and foster a sense of community and belonging for people who utilize the libraries;
Serve as an advocate for the libraries by facilitating collaboration with academic units and building campus awareness of library resources, services, and capacity;
Champion professionalism, community, equity, and diversity, and a positive working/learning environment in the libraries;
Oversee the budget for the libraries, providing responsible and transparent fiscal management;
Work with the URI Foundation & Alumni Engagement to cultivate external relationships with prospective donors, identify development opportunities, and market the libraries’ opportunities to serve the broader community.

Required Qualifications

A master’s degree in library science from an ALA-accredited program and a history of relevant teaching, academic and/or research accomplishments;
Minimum five years of leadership experience in an academic research library along with demonstrated knowledge of key trends in library science;
Demonstrated knowledge of operations, systems, user-experience, and online services in academic research libraries, along with a well-founded grasp of research management, tools, and processes;
A track record of accomplishment in enhancing and diversifying library collections, research assets, teaching contributions, and services;
Dynamic leadership in strategic planning with a people-centered approach;
Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with staff, faculty, students, administrators, community partners, and external organizations;
Demonstrated supervisory experience;
Demonstrated experience with budgeting, financial management, and resource allocation;
Demonstrated commitment to advancing community, equity, and diversity.

Desired Qualifications

Additional advanced degree;
Demonstrated success in fundraising and/or securing private support.

How to Apply:

To apply, please submit a CV and cover letter, detailing how you fulfill the role description and personal specification to Perrett Laver’s Vacancies page https://candidates.perrettlaver.com/vacancies/4499/university_librarian/ quoting reference 7616. The deadline for applications is Sunday, January 19, 2025.