Dean, University Libraries

The University of Northern Colorado (UNC) seeks an outstanding dean of University Libraries to assume a leadership role in sustaining program excellence, fostering innovation, and advancing the Libraries to reach their full potential.

The new dean will oversee the University Libraries, comprised of the James A. Michener Library and the Howard M. Skinner Music Library. Opened in 1972, the Brutalist style James A. Michener Library, named for the Pulitzer Prize winning author, is the University of Northern Colorado's main library. The University Libraries’ collections include over 1.3 million physical items, 210 databases, 86,000 e-journals, and 473,000 e-books and hosts Digital UNC. Michener Library also houses the James A. Michener Special Collection and the Mari Michener Art Gallery. The Howard M. Skinner Music Library, a branch of the UNC Libraries, specializes in curricular support of the School of Music and the Musical Theatre program in the School of Theatre Arts and Dance and is home to more than 100,000 scores, recordings, LPs, CDs, books, and periodicals. The Music Library is a thriving and integral part of the UNC campus, regularly receiving over 125,000 visits per year.

The University Libraries are a valuable resource for the UNC community. Students find spaces for both collaborative work and quiet study in the Libraries, as well as opportunities to work with excellent faculty and staff through library instruction, research consultations, and student employment. The ideal candidate will be a creative, inspiring, and energetic leader who can advance the Libraries' mission and priorities; a skilled administrator who values collaborative governance and student-centeredness; and a visionary who is well-informed about emerging trends in academic libraries. This candidate will have experience in administration in an academic or research library setting; and demonstrated knowledge and/or experience with the full range of library and archival operations. The successful candidate must hold a master’s degree in library science from an ALA-accredited program (advanced study beyond the degree is preferred). Additional information about the position including a Leadership Profile can be found at www.wittkieffer.com.

Located in Greeley, the university is just an hour’s drive north of Denver. The greater Greeley area’s population of 100,000 enjoys a variety of activities - shopping, athletics, local festivals, nightlife, a symphony orchestra, and theater along with UNC’s NCAA Division I athletics. 

Nominations, expressions of interest and applications are invited. Interested individuals should provide a letter describing their interest in and qualifications for the position and curriculum vitae. Review of candidate materials will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. These materials should be sent electronically via e-mail to the University of Northern Colorado consultants, Mercedes Chacón Vance and Ashlee Winters at UNCLibraryDean@wittkieffer.com.

The University of Northern Colorado is an equal opportunity/affirmative action/Title IX employer that is committed to a culturally diverse staff, faculty, and student body. UNC prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, disability, creed, religion, sexual preference or veteran status. Veteran status and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply.