Dean of Libraries and University Librarian

Description

The University of Virginia (UVA), one of the nation’s leading public institutions, seeks an experienced, visionary and mission-driven leader to be the next Dean of Libraries and University Librarian. As the Libraries are a center of university life and academic scholarship, the Dean will have a strong commitment to support the University’s goals of research and teaching for the advancement of knowledge.

Reporting to the Executive Vice President and Provost, Ian Baucom, the Dean of Libraries will direct a library system known internationally for historically significant collections in many disciplines, and including the notable Albert and Shirley Small Special Collections Library.

The Dean will supervise the deployment of digital resources, specialized laboratories and service centers that support research, scholarship, and online publications. They will oversee the strategic development and implementation of policies, programs, and services that enhance the academic and research endeavors of the University community. The Dean of Libraries sits on the Dean's Council with the deans of the University's 12 Schools. The Dean is also responsible for the success of Library Advancement and represents the Library serving as a strategic leader in state, regional, and national library leadership discussions. 

The Dean of Libraries oversees seven library locations and a staff of approximately 225, as well as collections that include more than 5 million print books, 2.9 million E-books, hundreds of thousands of journal subscriptions, and substanial holdings in many other formats. The Dean leads a senior leadership team of dedicated professionals and directs the allocation of a budget of more than $40M. The Dean works collaboratively and coordinates services with the separately appointed librarians of the Darden Business School, the Law School, and the Health Sciences Library. The Dean convenes quarterly meetings with those library directors and the director of libraries at the University of Virginia’s College at Wise.

UVA’s main library building, the Edgar Shannon Library, recently underwent major renovations and reopened in January 2024. The building consists of 100,000 square feet of renovated historic structure and 130,000 square feet of new construction. With improved comfort and accessibility, the Shannon Library is an active hub of discovery and learning. The Shannon Library is uniquely positioned to demonstrate the social impact required of 21st century libraries.

The next dean of the libraries should be highly collbaorative and people-centered. The Dean should be forward-thinking, entrepreneurial, and strategic. The Dean will join an institution deeply committed to libraries and the unique role that they play in a vibrant community.

Key Priorities

Working closely with the Executive Vice President & Provost and the University community, the following will be key priorities for the next Dean of Libraries:

• Leadership and Vision

In collaboration with senior leadership and colleagues in the Library, the Dean will develop and articulate a clear vision for the future of the University Library. The Dean will lead strategic planning efforts aligned with the University’s goals and priorities, and will foster a culture of innovation, inclusivity, and continuous improvement. Those planning efforts will recognize the changing role of the library in a data driven era of fast emerging technologies combined with a changing research landscape that further recognizes interdisciplinarity and open scholarship.

• Academic and Research Support

The Dean will enhance library services and resources to support the teaching, learning, and research needs of students, faculty, and staff. The Dean will promote the integration of library resources and services into the academic and research activities of the university, including but not limited to: Grand Challenges Research Investments, research computing, the response to artificial intelligence, accessibility, and the use of distinctive collections. The Dean will support digital scholarship that extends beyond knowledge to encompass raw data and the adoption of emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) and virtual and augmented reality (VR/AR) in library services.

• Administration and Management

The Dean will oversee the management of library operations, including budgeting, staffing, and facilities.

The Dean will ensure effective allocation and utilization of resources to meet the diverse needs of the University community and, to the extent possible, of local communities. The Dean will promote and support professional development for library staff. The Dean will implement programs and initiatives that advance recruiting and retention of excellent Library staff.

• Collaboration and Partnerships

The Dean will build and nurture strong relationships with the University’s departments, faculty, and external partners in the community. The Dean will collaborate with other administrators and stakeholders to advance the University’s strategic objectives. The Dean will represent the University Libraries in regional, national, and international forums.

• Fundraising and Development

The Dean, with support of a fundraising team, will lead efforts to secure external funding and resources for the Library. The Dean will cultivate relationships with donors, alumni, and public and private funding agencies. The Dean will develop and implement strategies to enhance the financial sustainability of the Library.

• Diversity, Equity, Accessibility and Inclusion

In keeping with the University’s commmitment to Inclusive Excellence, the Dean will promote diversity, equity, and inclusion in all aspects of library operations and services. The Dean will foster an inclusive environment that supports diverse perspectives and backgrounds, and will implement programs and initiatives that facilitate community well-being.

A PDF of the full position description is available here.

To Apply or Nominate

The University of Virginia is eager to build a diverse pool of talented individuals. The search committee is working with UVA Executive Search Group (ESG), an internal executive search firm in the Office of the President.

Confidential inquiries and nominations should be directed to AJ Davidson, Managing Director, at [email protected]. To apply, submit a letter of interest and resume to [email protected]. The search will be carried out with full confidentiality and will remain open until filled.

The University of Virginia is fundamentally committed to the diversity of our faculty and staff. We believe diversity is excellence expressing itself through every person's perspective and lived experiences. We are equal opportunity and affirmative action employers. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender identity or expression, marital status, military status, national or ethnic origin, political affiliation, race,