College Librarian and Director of Schaffer Library

About this role

Union College seeks an innovative and collaborative leader to serve as the College Librarian and Director of Schaffer Library. Reporting to the Vice President for Academic Affairs and Dean of the Faculty, the Director leads a dedicated team of user-focused professional librarians and staff across Research & Engagement, Content & Digital Library Systems, and Special Collections and Archives and provides strategic direction and operational stewardship to ensure that Schaffer Library fully advances Union College’s educational and scholarly mission in service of our students. The ideal candidate will combine a deep appreciation for the liberal arts tradition with the ability to collaboratively develop a forward-looking vision for how technology, data, and emerging generative AI tools can enhance undergraduate teaching, interdisciplinary research, and student learning.

College Librarian and Director of Schaffer Library

Pay Status and Classification:   Exempt, Regular, Full-time. This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship.  

Work Location: This position is not eligible for a hybrid schedule. This position is eligible for relocation assistance.

Supervisor: Vice President of Academic Affairs & Dean of the Faculty

Position Purpose:

Founded in 1795 as the first chartered college in New York State, Union College is a highly selective, independent liberal arts college committed to integrating arts, humanities, social sciences, science, and engineering. Schaffer Library sits at the heart of campus, providing crucial teaching and research support, a vibrant learning commons, and a core collection enhanced by Special Collections & Archives, a Permanent Collection of works of art, and the Adirondack Research Library. 

Union College seeks an innovative and collaborative leader to serve as the College Librarian and Director of Schaffer Library. Reporting to the Vice President for Academic Affairs and Dean of the Faculty, the Director leads a dedicated team of user-focused professional librarians and staff across Research & Engagement, Content & Digital Library Systems, and Special Collections and Archives and provides strategic direction and operational stewardship to ensure that Schaffer Library fully advances Union College’s educational and scholarly mission in service of our students. The ideal candidate will combine a deep appreciation for the liberal arts tradition with the ability to collaboratively develop a forward-looking vision for how technology, data, and emerging generative AI tools can enhance undergraduate teaching, interdisciplinary research, and student learning.

Essential Responsibilities and Duties  • Define, articulate, and advocate for a compelling vision for Schaffer Library aligned with Union’s next strategic plan. Lead long-range planning and operational strategies, staying abreast of trends and innovations across small liberal arts college environments with regard to the ways in which libraries can enhance the student experience.

• Formulate, implement, and oversee the library budget. Leverage consortial and other opportunities to shepherd resources optimally, including identification of external funding opportunities.

• Recruit, supervise, mentor, and evaluate direct reports. Promote the professional growth of library faculty and oversee promotion applications, professional development leaves and other library personnel issues. Cultivate a user-focused, collaborative work environment across all library employees and promote diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging in hiring, staffing, and public-facing services.

• Monitor curricular changes to ensure robust library support for academic programs.

• Oversee core library functions to help meet the teaching and research needs of students and faculty and records management needs of the college.

• Direct physical space planning to meet student needs and the preservation of library collections. 

Qualifications • Master’s degree in Library and Information Science from an ALA-accredited program.

• 5–7 years of progressive administrative and leadership experience in an academic library setting.

• Demonstrated record of success in budget management and personnel development.

• Proven leadership in supervising and supporting staff within a diverse, multicultural environment.

• Excellent written, oral, interpersonal, analytical, and collaborative problem-solving skills.

• Demonstrated track record of innovation, including the integration of emerging library technologies, e-resources, digital curation, and scholarly publishing. Ability to guide the College’s integration of generative AI into its operations consistent with our values and goals.

• Familiarity with or proficiency in core academic library applications, systems, and technical platforms.

• Working knowledge of legal regulations and policies relevant to academic and research libraries, including copyright.

• Demonstrated commitment to fostering an inclusive, equitable working and learning community and promoting a sense of belonging across students, faculty, and staff.

  Compensation: The annual salary range for this position is $170,000 to $177,000. Except for roles with a set rate of pay, the wage/salary of the finalist selected for this role will be set based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to departmental budgets, qualifications, experience, education, licenses, specialty, and training. The stated hiring rate/range represents the College’s good faith and reasonable estimate of the rate/range of possible compensation at the time of posting.

Location: Schenectady, NY

We know some job seekers may not apply for career opportunities unless they meet every qualification in the position description including the preferred qualifications. We are most interested in hiring the best staff and faculty colleagues, and recognize that a successful candidate may come from a less traditional career path. We encourage you to apply, even if you

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