University Librarian

Purpose of Position and Scope of Responsibility:

The University Librarian serves as a steward of the institution’s intellectual, educational, and spiritual mission by supporting teaching, learning, and scholarship across the curriculum. This role involves developing and managing print and digital collections that reflect both the liberal arts tradition and the university’s faith commitments; providing research assistance and information-literacy instruction to students and faculty; and fostering an inclusive, service-oriented learning environment grounded in ethical use of information. The librarian collaborates closely with faculty, academic support services, and campus ministries to integrate library resources into coursework and co-curricular life, oversees day-to-day library operations and staff, and embraces emerging technologies and best practices while upholding the university’s values, community ethos, and commitment to holistic student formation.

Under the general direction of the Provost.

Under the administrative direction of the Provost

Responsible for 1 shift, 8 hours/day, 5 days/week. Incumbents are subject to callback as deemed necessary.

Principal Accountabilities/Responsibilities:

• Provide strategic vision and leadership for the library, working effectively with faculty and staff across campus as an advocate of the Library in accord with the University’s mission.
• Responsible for all aspects of library administration, including long-term planning, budget development and control, community and public relations, personnel selection, facilities management, effective stewardship, and on-going assessment of library resources.
• Formulate and recommend policies and programs to implement objectives; interpret goals, objectives and policies; allocate budget for personnel, bibliographic materials, and equipment.
• Foster an organizational culture of collegiality and service within the Library and on campus. Act as the Library’s liaison to University Administration. Advocate for the Library as needed. Work to build connections university-wide, integrating library resources and services with academic departments and support services.
• Provide direction for the integration of appropriate and emerging technologies into the services and operation of the library; foster forward-looking collection development; develop library initiatives that enhance student learning.
• Oversee library operations in all service areas; supervise all librarians and administrative library support staff; support excellence in library staff training and development.
• Maintain and strengthen collaborative efforts with consortia and other resource sharing groups including TennShare and the West Tennessee Academic Library Consortium (WeTALC).
• Collect and compile information, and prepare and disseminate statistical and annual reports and various accreditation reports.
• Create an environment which challenges staff, fosters meaningful teams and encourages professional development and growth. Work closely with staff to improve library services and foster a supportive and productive community of scholarly achievement.
• Performs related accountabilities/responsibilities as required or directed.

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee.

Physical Requirements:

Work requires little or no physical effort. Lifting or performing other work requiring light physical exertion (up to 30 pounds) is intermittent (not a routine part of the job) and secondary to the job.

Environmental Conditions:

Work is performed under basically normal working conditions as in a standard office environment.