Website University of North Carolina School of the Arts
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.
Requirements
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.
Job duties
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 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).
The University Librarian is responsible for:
Leadership and Personnel Management
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.
Operational Oversight
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.
Innovative Service Development
Directs the exploration, development, and implementation of innovative services and tools that provide high-quality, user-focused learning experiences and foster student success.
Data-driven Decision Making
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.
Campus Integration and Collaboration
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.
Long-Range Planning and Budgeting
Collaborates with library colleagues and the Provost’s Office in long‐range planning and budgeting, and resource allocation. Regularly assesses library needs to determine appropriate channels for financial and operational support.
Fundraising and External 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.
Preferred Qualifications
Arts background
Experience developing capacity for new and emerging areas of conservatory 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.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
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.