University Librarian

Chartered as the nation’s first public arts conservatory in 1963, UNCSA is the state’s unique professional school for the performing, visual, and moving image arts, training students at the high school, undergraduate, and master’s levels for professional careers in the arts. With programs in Dance, Design & Production, Drama, Filmmaking, and Music, as well as the Division of Liberal Arts, UNCSA provides gifted emerging artists at the high school, college, and graduate levels with the experience, knowledge, and skills needed to excel in their disciplines.

The city of Winston-Salem has a population of 250,765. Although historically associated with the textile, furniture, and tobacco industries, Winston-Salem has evolved into a leader in the nanotech, high-tech, and biotech fields. Also known as “The City of Arts and Innovation,” Winston-Salem boasts a robust visual and performing arts community. The city is home to five other colleges and universities – Salem College, Wake Forest University, Winston-Salem State University, Carolina University, and Forsyth Technical Community College – and students, faculty, and staff increasingly collaborate across these campuses.

The University Library provides materials and services which support the University of North Carolina School of the Arts’ educational, artistic, and performance objectives, and which serve the intellectual, informational, and cultural needs of the students, faculty, and staff of the school, as well as other members of the local community.

The University of North Carolina School of the Arts (UNCSA), the nation’s premier public performing arts conservatory, invites applications for the position of University Librarian (UL). A thriving community space at UNCSA, the University Library & Learning Commons serves as a dynamic academic and cultural center and supports talented emerging artists and a world-class faculty in an array of pursuits, from academic inquiry and artistic training to seminars on emerging technologies and workshops on wellness. The UL provides effective and compassionate leadership in the operation of the Library & Learning Commons while also serving as an advocate and thought leader to stakeholders on campus and beyond.

The University Librarian reports to the Vice Provost and Dean of Academic Affairs and serves on the Leadership Council for the university, as well as the UNC System University Library Advisory Council (ULAC).

Provides strategic leadership for the library, including hiring, performance management, and professional development for staff. Oversees a team of 6 professional librarians, 6 support staff, and a range of part-time employees and graduate assistants, fostering an environment that encourages both independent and collaborative work. Maintains and builds on a high-trust organizational culture based on respect, service, open communication, and teamwork.

Manages the operations of Access and Public Services, University Archives, Benjamin F. Ward Music and Media Library, and Cataloging and Metadata Services. Ensures that these areas deliver high-quality, user-centered services to meet the needs of students, faculty, and staff.

Directs the exploration, development, and implementation of innovative services and tools that provide high-quality, user-focused learning experiences and foster student success.

Promotes the use of assessment strategies and data-informed decision-making to continuously improve library services and anticipate future needs. Uses insights to adapt services to align with institutional goals and evolving student and faculty needs.

Ensures the library is integrated into the campus community, working to align with the curricula, program learning, and strategic goals of the university. Champions the library at all opportunities, advocating for its programs, community, patrons, and staff while promoting the efforts of the library as a supportive, comprehensive, accessible, and innovative conservatory library.

Collaborates with library colleagues and the Provost’s Office in longrange planning and budgeting, and resource allocation. Regularly assesses library needs to determine appropriate channels for financial and operational support.

In partnership with the Office of Advancement, seeks out grants, improves existing donor relationships, establishes new philanthropic connections, and leads resource efforts for the library.

Master’s degree in Library/Information Science from an ALA-accredited institution with a demonstrated record of at least 5 years of successful, progressively responsible library leadership at the academic/university level.

- Arts background

- Experience developing capacity for new and emerging areas of library focus – e.g. user experience, digital preservation, data collection, assessment, and digital scholarship.

- Familiarity with funding processes across a diverse array of sources, including institutional funds, grant-writing, fundraising, and state procurement procedures.

- Demonstrated willingness to take risks, embrace change, and pioneer novel approaches in library leadership.

- Proven ability and enthusiasm for working effectively and collaboratively with a diverse group of faculty, staff, and students to reach common goals.

- Experience with budgeting, fiscal management, and strategic resource allocation.

- Professional integrity, outstanding leadership qualities, and exceptional communication skills.

- Ability to articulate the role, mission, and strategic goals of the library within the artistic learning community.

- Commitment to the UNCSA campus as a place of belonging.

For priority consideration by the search committee, application materials should be submitted by November 30, 2024. The position remains open until filled.

This is an EHRA non-faculty position. PLEASE NOTE: A criminal background check will be conducted on candidate finalist prior to the offer of employment. Resumes WILL NOT be accepted in lieu of completing an electronic application. The application must be completed in full detail (including work history) for your qualifications to be considered. Failure to complete the application process as required by state regulations WILL result in your application being rejected for the vacancy and you will not be considered for the position. Other materials may be requested at a later time. Applications will be treated confidentially until the final stages of the search process. Salary will be commensurate with experience.

The University of North Carolina School of the Arts is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer and all qualified applicants are welcome to apply without regard to age, color, disability, gender, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, National Guard, or veteran status.

EEO Contact Information
Applicants needing assistance with the application process are asked to contact: [email protected]