Vice Provost for University Libraries and University Librarian

Vice Provost for University Libraries and University Librarian

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC) seeks a creative, innovative, and strategic leader to serve as the next Vice Provost for University Libraries and University Librarian (Vice Provost).

Reporting to the Executive Vice Chancellor and Provost, the Vice Provost directs an organization that is a critical partner, facilitator, and leader for the intellectual, artistic, and civic engagement of students and faculty. The University is known internationally for its innovative teaching, campus-wide spirit of inquiry, and dedication to public service. The next Vice Provost will have a tremendous opportunity to work across the entire institution, building upon the University Libraries’ impressive foundation of collections, and exceptional service-oriented culture, in order to further the research, learning and public service goals of the University.

Collaborating with a talented and dedicated team, the next Vice Provost will lead the process of developing and implementing a comprehensive strategic vision for the future of the University Libraries, within the University ecosystem and in relationship to the fast-changing world of information management. The next Vice Provost will lead an organization committed to applying principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion to all aspects of its operations. The Vice Provost will be a tireless champion for the University Libraries and its potential to add transformative value to the University’s mission.

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, the nation’s first public university, opened its doors to students in 1795 and is at the heart of what’s next, preparing a diverse student body to become creators, explorers, innovators, and leaders in North Carolina and throughout the world. In Chapel Hill, students develop a voice for critical thought and the courage to guide change. They connect to the future they’re already shaping. UNC is committed to access for all, providing life-changing opportunities such as the Carolina Covenant, which promises a debt-free education to low-income students. In its third century – an era of groundbreaking study and research – UNC-Chapel Hill is harnessing the very best of our fast-changing world. The institution is proud to advance knowledge for this and each generation to come.

The library system at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is consistently ranked among the top university libraries in North America and one of the premier libraries in the southern United States. The Libraries hold 9.7 million volumes, including 2 million e-books and extensive collections of manuscripts, audio visual, microforms, graphics, government documents and rare books. Its five distinguished special collections  are the North Carolina Collection, Southern Folklife Collection, Southern Historical Collection, Rare Books Collection, and University Archives and Records Management Services.

The next Vice Provost will be a strong, effective advocate for the University Libraries, as well as a collaborative, communicative, and inclusive community builder, responsible for the leadership and overall administration of the Libraries’ user services, collections programs, scholarly communications, cooperative activities, and outreach. The Vice Provost also oversees, facilities and infrastructure, information technology, the Carolina Digital Repository and extensive digital library holdings. The Vice Provost is deeply engaged with all aspects of fundraising and donor stewardship and will provide the vision and motivation for donors to remain engaged with the University Libraries following the Dec. 31, 2022 conclusion of the current University capital campaign, including fundraising and programming leading up to the Libraries' centennial in 2029.

The Vice Provost reports to the Executive Vice Chancellor and Provost and serves on the Deans' Council; an appointed administrative board representing all faculty divisions that provides advice on budget and policy matters. The Vice Provost oversees 290 staff and librarians as well as approximately 300 part-time student employees. The annual expenditures of the UNC Libraries are approximately $44 million, of which $14.5 million are allocated to collections. The Libraries also benefits from robust endowments to enhance its annual budget.

Candidates for the Vice Provost role must hold an ALA-accredited degree or an international equivalent, or an advanced degree in a relevant field, as well as demonstrate effective leadership and management experience.

To view the full position profile, please visit our website.

For best consideration, please send all nominations and applications to:

Matthew Bunting, Managing Associate

Storbeck Search

UNCLibrarian@storbecksearch.com

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment with regard to age, color, disability, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or status as a protected veteran