University Librarian

Iowa State University•Ames, IA

About The Position

UNIVERSITY LIBRARY The University Library ( www.lib.iastate.edu ) is a student-centric R1 academic library providing world-class collections, services, and technologies to advance research and instruction in every discipline at Iowa State University. The University Library consists of Parks Library, the main library on central campus, as well as the Veterinary Medical Library in the College of Veterinary Medicine, and the Remote Library Storage Facility. The library has an operating budget of approximately $24 million, as well as a $5 million endowment and private giving of more than $500,000 annually. The library also enjoys a collaborative relationship with academic partners and campus co-curricular leaders and also serves as a focal point for local community engagement. The Parks Library is the intellectual and social heart of Iowa State’s campus and a highly visible expression of its commitment to student success and research excellence. Serving nearly one million visitors annually, the library is a dynamic academic commons integrating study, technology, wellness, and community. Parks Library offers extensive seating and varied study environments; robust public computing, printing, and technology lending; specialized spaces such as Studio 2B for recording and livestreaming; and learning labs that support innovative pedagogy. The library also plays a central role in student wellbeing through initiatives such as Cyclone Support Central, developed in collaboration with the divisions of Student Affairs and Academic Affairs. THE UNIVERSITY LIBRARIAN The Colonel Gary G. Swenson Ph.D. University Librarian (an endowed position) serves as a senior academic leader, reporting to the Senior Vice President and Provost and advancing the university’s land-grant mission around three strategic leadership pillars: Student Success: Advancing learning and belonging by stewarding high impact library spaces and services that support students throughout their academic journeys. This work includes fostering flexible study environments, ensuring access to technology and learning resources, supporting affordability through course reserves and open educational resources, and curating globally informed collections and partnerships. Research Excellence: Cultivating a research environment for faculty, staff, and students where discovery thrives. This is achieved by ensuring seamless access to scholarly resources and data, strengthening interdisciplinary research support, and advancing open scholarship, data sharing, and scholarly communication practices that extend the reach and impact of Iowa State research Technology and AI Leadership: Leading the thoughtful integration of emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, to enhance research, teaching, and operational effectiveness while maintaining a strong commitment to ethics and stewardship. The University Librarian is a member of the campus administration, responsible for advancing excellence, supporting the development of strategies and action planning, and generating internal and external support. The University Librarian is expected to be a leader in attracting and advancing excellent academic librarians and library staff and building collaborative relationships both inside and outside the university. The successful candidate for the position will bring a mindset that values current success but also seeks innovation and best practices consistent with a world-class R1 institution. The University Librarian leads a team of 103 staff and 100 student employees across 12 departments: administration, access and acquisitions, access services, collections and open access, communications, digital scholarship and initiatives, library IT, metadata services, preservation, research and instruction, and special collections, and University Archives.

Requirements

An earned master’s degree or equivalent professional degree, and ten years of related experience

Nice To Haves

An MLS or graduate degree in library or information science from an American Library Association-accredited institution.
Ph.D. in an academic discipline.
Significant leadership experience in academic libraries, with a demonstrated understanding of challenges and opportunities facing academic libraries and higher education.
Strong budgeting expertise and financial acumen, with the ability to translate resources into financial strategy and organizational impact.
A record of data-driven, evidence-based decision-making in a transparent and collaborative environment.
Excellent communication skills (written, spoken, interpersonal).
Experience in personnel management with evidence mentoring and development in support of a high-functioning team.
Exposure to fundraising and creating engaging opportunities for increased visibility.

Benefits

Iowa State Employees enjoy comprehensive health and work-life benefits, including medical and dental; as well as:
Retirement benefits including defined benefit and defined contribution plans
Generous vacation, holiday and sick time and leave plans
Onsite childcare (Ames, Iowa)
Life insurance and long-term disability
Flexible Spending Accounts
Various voluntary benefits and discounts
Employee Assistance Program
Wellbeing program
Iowa State offers WorkFlex options for some positions. WorkFlex offers flexibility on when, where, and how you do your work. For more information, please speak with the Hiring Manager.