University Librarian and Dean of Libraries

University Librarian and Dean of Libraries

University of Minnesota

Minneapolis–St. Paul, MN

The University of Minnesota, the public land-grant research university of the State of Minnesota, seeks a bold and strategic leader to serve as its next University Librarian and Dean of Libraries. The award-winning University of Minnesota Libraries is one of the University’s and the state’s greatest intellectual assets. It provides critical services and resources to faculty, students, staff, and residents throughout Minnesota and the surrounding region and scholars worldwide.

Consistently ranked among the top 25 academic research libraries by the ARL Investment Index, the University of Minnesota Libraries (UMN Libraries) encompasses 12 libraries on the Twin Cities campus, historically rich collections, and nationally recognized model programs in technology development, information literacy, and new models for scholarly communication. The UMN Libraries has a distinctive dual role, directly supporting University teaching, learning, and research while also serving as a vital resource, problem solver, and service provider for the state and beyond, with nearly 2 million user visits annually.

The UMN Libraries include collections spanning 7.6 million volumes, over 86,000 serial subscriptions, large and varied archives and special collections, and is home to Minitex, a publicly supported network of academic, public, state government, and special libraries working cooperatively to expand library services for users in Minnesota, North Dakota, and South Dakota. In 2017, the UMN Libraries was awarded the National Medal for Museum and Library Service from the Institute for Museum and Library Services, becoming only the third academic library in 23 years to win the award, the nation’s highest honor recognizing exemplary service by museums and libraries. In 2009 the UMN Libraries received the Excellence in Academic Libraries award from the Association of College and Research Libraries.

Reporting to the Executive Vice President and Provost, the University Librarian and Dean of Libraries will lead a critically acclaimed library system; develop a strategic vision and plan that builds on a record of excellence; steward a rich and growing collection of materials; advance diversity, equity, and inclusion as integral to mission and excellence; and position the Libraries for effective and efficient service to faculty, students, and staff amid a rapidly evolving academic and research environment. The University Librarian and Dean will astutely manage the UMN Libraries’ resources and bolster them through direct fundraising efforts. The University Librarian and Dean will lead a talented, dedicated, service-oriented staff committed to access and the success of its many diverse users.

The successful candidate will bring a demonstrated record of innovative and inspiring leadership, with proven experience managing a large and complex organization. The next University Librarian and Dean of Libraries will build on the University of Minnesota Libraries’ record of excellence and chart a course for continued success in a rapidly evolving library landscape. The search committee seeks talented candidates from a variety of backgrounds. Experience in and understanding of academic research libraries is expected. The selected individual will possess academic credentials appropriate to the leadership of a modern research-intensive library; with a doctorate, MLS, or equivalent terminal degree required, including a record of scholarly publications.

Review of candidates will begin immediately and continue until an appointment is made. All inquiries, nominations, and applications (including—as separate documents—a cover letter, resume, and list of references) should be directed in confidence to:

Gale Merseth, Partner

Beverly Brady, Principal

David Chy, Associate

Isaacson, Miller

https://www.imsearch.com/7080

The University of Minnesota shall provide equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression.