Director of Collection Discovery and Access

Texas A&M University System • College Station, TX

1d • Onsite

About The Position

Texas A&M University Libraries invites applications for an exciting leadership opportunity as the Director of Collection Discovery and Access within our Special Collections and Archives Division. This role offers the chance to shape and elevate how rare and distinctive materials are cataloged, processed, and made digitally accessible, transforming the way our collections are discovered and used. The Director will guide strategic priorities across collection registration, cataloging, archival and manuscript processing, and digital access, while leading a talented team of librarians and staff across multiple locations in College Station. This position requires a confident, collaborative leader who brings both hands-on knowledge and strategic insight into cataloging and archival practices, standards, and workflows. The ideal candidate will have progressively responsible supervisory experience and a passion for building cohesive, high-performing teams. With support from the Associate University Librarian and division Directors, the Librarian Director will play a central role in division-wide planning, resource allocation, technology implementation, fundraising, and academic engagement. This is more than a leadership role, it’s a chance to help shape the future of discovery and access at Texas A&M University Libraries, turning a growing division into a unified, innovative access point for scholars, students, and the broader community. If you’re ready to lead a multifaceted team, drive strategic innovation, and make a lasting impact in academic librarianship, we encourage you to apply and be part of our vision for the future.

Requirements

• Master’s degree in library science or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Ten years of related experience in a public, academic library, archive, museum, or public history setting including experience with progressive leadership and supervisory duties.
• Ability to communicate with all levels of customers and employees.
• Knowledge of email, word processing and complex library online resource searches and/or processing.

Nice To Haves

• Ten years of related experience in a public, academic, or specialized library, archive, museum, or public history setting.
• Three years of experience working with archival and special collection materials.
• Experience working in an academic research library, archival repository, museum, or public history setting.
• Experience with collection accessioning functions in libraries, archives, or museums.
• Supervisory experience, including experience managing operations and staffing across multiple campus locations.
• Experience with archival content, structure, and metadata standards (e.g. EAD, DACS).
• Experience with cataloging practices and standards.
• Experience with digital archives, digital initiatives, or institutional repositories.
• Experience with library information technology applications and collection management systems (e.g. AtoM, ArchivesSpace, etc.)
• Knowledge of handling, preservation, and security of rare books and archival collection materials.
• Project management experience.
• Demonstrated record of progressively responsible experience with projects and/or services, such as taking on new challenges, developing programs related to access, and project management.
• Proven ability to navigate shifting priorities while collaborating effectively across teams, managing multiple tasks, and resolving conflicts.
• Knowledge of academic library functions at an experienced level.

Responsibilities

• Oversee essential functions that make collection materials discoverable and accessible, including experience with collection accessioning functions, inventory control, and risk assessment
• Establish and maintain standards aligned with best practices, updating procedures to reflect evolving workflows and technologies
• Collaborate across the division to analyze usage patterns of physical and digital collections, informing strategy and priorities
• Set departmental goals, initiate projects, and develop workflow procedures in coordination with division staff
• Partner in division-wide planning, resource allocation, personnel actions, technology implementation, fundraising, and academic engagement
• Lead and mentor librarians and staff, directing meetings, activities, and professional development initiatives
• Expand services to meet evolving needs of the division and Libraries, while evaluating departmental performance metrics
• Represent the division in interdepartmental meetings, campus collaborations, and external partnerships
• Support donor relations and respond to facilities and security matters, including after-hours and holiday participation as needed
• Engage in scholarly activities and professional service to integrate new ideas and technologies into library programs
• Serve on campus and library committees, advocating for the Libraries and building meaningful campus connections

Benefits

• Health, dental, vision, life and long-term disability insurance with Texas A&M contributing to employee health and basic life premiums
• 12-15 days of annual paid holidays
• Up to eight hours of paid sick leave and at least eight hours of paid vacation each month
• Automatic enrollment in the Teacher Retirement System of Texas
• Health and Wellness: Free exercise programs and release time
• Professional Development: All employees have access to free LinkedIn Learning training, webinars, and limited financial support to attend conferences, workshops, and more
• Educational release time and tuition assistance for completing a degree while a Texas A&M employee

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director