Boston University (BU) is seeking its next University Librarian to lead and implement a strategic vision for BU Libraries as part of our vibrant academic experience and thriving research community, with a major focus on the renovation of its central campus library, Mugar Memorial Library, a critical component of the BU2030 Strategic Plan. BU Libraries serve departments and schools on the Charles River Campus: the College of Arts and Sciences, the College of Communication, the College of Engineering, the College of Fine Arts, the College of General Studies, College of Health & Rehabilitation Sciences: Sargent College, the Faculty of Computing & Data Sciences, the Pardee School of Global Studies, the Graduate School of Arts & Sciences, Metropolitan College, Questrom School of Business, the School of Hospitality Administration, the School of Social Work, and Wheelock College of Education & Human Development. BU Libraries believe that the cultural and social diversity of our faculty, staff, and students is vitally important to the distinction and excellence of our libraries. To that, we are especially eager to have join our ranks a colleague who supports our institutional commitments to ensuring BU is inclusive, equitable, diverse, and a place where all constituents can thrive.

Mugar Memorial Library, located at the heart of BU’s Charles River Campus, opened in 1966 with the explicit intent of creating a central hub with the capacity to support student development and the faculty’s ability to generate new knowledge. It was also the home for the Martin Luther King, Jr., archival collection as part of its overall mission as the main campus library. While much has changed since then as BU has grown into a major R1 institution with membership in the Association of American Universities (AAU) and the Association for Research Libraries (ARL), the role of the library in the academic of mission of the campus remains crucial. BU is an AAU institution with a rich tradition dedicated to inclusion and social justice. We are proud that we were the first American university to award a PhD to a woman and of our record of inclusiveness. Currently, the BU Libraries, with its Charles River branches, provides access to research collections supporting its departments and programs including several special and distinctive collections, including: the African Studies Library, one of the premier collections of Africana materials in the country, the Music Library, serving the oldest School of Music in the United States with a broad range of materials, including an historic vinyl collection, and the Howard Gotlieb Archival Research Center, holding the Boston University Libraries special collections and University Archives. The next University Librarian will guide BU Libraries in the development of a collection that supports the research and teaching needs of the BU community while continuing to provide access to unique collections for the benefit of the global research community.

The successful candidate will have a distinguished record of professional achievement, a compelling vision for the role of BU Libraries in the future of BU, especially as envisioned in the BU2030 Strategic Plan, and a demonstrated commitment to the BU Libraries’ integral role in the academic vitality of the university. Additionally, the chosen candidate will demonstrate a vision for inclusion, value information access, and will have the ability to foster the community-building potential of a contemporary library to serve diverse research and residential student needs. BU Libraries actively seek to diversify our staff ranks, recognizing that diversity of experience deepens the intellectual endeavor. We seem to embed - within all our activities - the principle that pluralism within a learning community is a source of insight and effectiveness. The successful candidate must also have administrative experience in a complex organization, including the management of financial planning and budget operations.

Responsibilities

The following describe the primary duties and responsibilities of the University Librarian:

• Develop, articulate and implement a vision, mission and plan for BU Libraries in line with the needs and strategic priorities of BU (e.g., BU2030) that is responsive to the resources and expertise of the BU Libraries staff and other University stakeholders in the research and learning community; advocate for and drives strategies aimed at achieving the Libraries’ mission and vision; establish the BU Libraries as a leader in best practices in research library services.
• Lead the renovation of Mugar Library. Work with University leadership, BU Libraries staff, and other stakeholders to articulate, develop, and execute a plan for renovation of the physical space of Mugar Library as part of a reinvigoration and reimagination of BU Libraries’ services and programming. Collaborate with campus partners to create a central campus library experience that supports and furthers the strategic goals and operational priorities of the University.
• Establish specific, measurable goals and other performance expectations; employ a systematic review of progress toward goals and objectives through strategic planning. Determine, implement, maintain, and lead an effective management structure and team. Oversee development and effective utilization of financial resources, human resources, and physical infrastructure.
• Effectively provide vision and leadership to manage the various services and functions of the University Libraries, including collection development, circulation and course reserves, digital collections and open access, interlibrary loan, metadata services, and reference and instructional services.
• Establish appropriate mechanisms to select, support and retain highly qualified, diverse librarians and staff.
• Create a positive, diverse, and inclusive work environment; ensure all librarians and staff are treated with dignity and respect. Empower and support librarians and staff to achieve performance goals and objectives toward an established mission, overall excellence, and individual pathways to promotion; model professional excellence.
• Establish the BU Libraries as an inclusive space and community oriented to supporting diverse students and faculty, including fostering connections across cultural, ethnic, racial and gender boundaries, as well as interdisciplinary and inter-organizational collaboration.
• Demonstrate a high level of personal and professional commitment, enthusiasm, integrity, and pride in the University and promotes BU’s values in both daily leadership the longer-term vision for the BU Libraries.
• Engage in fundraising as part of the University’s ongoing comprehensive campaign. Develop funding for BU Libraries through strategic planning, grants, and other extramural sponsorship. Participate in donor relations and manage stewardship relationships with current and prospective BU Libraries donors. Ensure the management of designated funds in line with donor mandates.
• Effectively engage and communicate with a wide audience of students, faculty, BU Libraries staff, University administrators, alumni, community members and potential benefactors.
• Establish and maintain effective relationships with other leaders within the University.

Boston University: An Overview

Boston University, a member of the Association of American Universities (AAU), is one of the leading private research and teaching institutions in the world, with two primary campuses in the heart of Boston and programs around the globe. Chartered in 1869, BU emerged in the twentieth century as a Boston-area institution. Until the early 1970s, the University was mainly nonresidential, with a modest research profile and limited on-campus housing. the University today enrolls more than 36,000 students, including over 17,000 undergraduates, and employs more than 4,000 faculty members across 17 schools and colleges offering more than 300 programs of study. Its current annual operating budget is approximately $2.5 billion. Moody’s Investors Service recently affirmed BU’s ranking of Aa3, reflective of the University’s increasing financial strength, growing donor support, and effective governance and leadership.

BU is one of the largest private research universities in the United States and one of the Boston area’s largest employers. BU’s students come from all 50 states and more than 180 countries. Students pursue studies on the Charles River and Medical Campuses as well as more than 75 study abroad and internship programs in over 25 cities around the world.

Today, guided by BU 2020-30 Strategic Plan, BU is committed to a vibrant academic experience and research that matters. We place a strong emphasis on collaborative research efforts of both faculty and students, with major initiatives in emerging areas such as neuroscience, systems biology, photonics, engineering biology, data science, urban health, global health and development, and emerging infectious diseases.

BU is also committed to being a more diverse, equitable, and inclusive institution and to cultivating diverse communities where individuals can learn, grow, and engage across a large, urban campus and around the world. From its earliest days, BU has opened its doors to women and scholars from under-represented communities. Today BU is home to the Center for Antiracist Research and community centers such as the Howard Thurman Center for Common Ground, the Newbury Center for First-Generation Students, and the LGBTQIA+ Center for Faculty and Staff.

In the early 1970s, BU leaders made a conscious decision to raise the University’s standing and quality by marshaling resources to build an infrastructure for basic and applied research and to improve the campus by adding residential facilities. These facilities now include: the Faculty of Computing & Data Sciences building, BU and Boston’s greenest building to-date with a geothermal energy system and striking views of the city skyline from its public spaces, and state-of-the-art laboratories; CFA’s Booth Theatre; the preservation award-winning renovation of BU LAW; residential high-rises that anchor the John Hancock Student Village; and a Fenway Campus based at the site of the former Wheelock College.

BU is young as a major research university, having fundamentally transformed itself within a roughly 40-year span. This transformation makes possible still more ambitious aspirations. The University’s basic economic model has proved robust, and prudent management decisions have protected the University’s financial soundness even during periods of uncertainty.

BU’s transformation is perhaps most evident in the national and international recognition achieved by faculty in diverse fields on both campuses and in prestigious grants to distinguished programs or departments. U.S. News & World Report ranked BU #41 in their 2022-23 rating of Best National Universities in the United States.

Education

Graduate-level degree in a field relevant to libraries and/or information sciences. Relevant experience may substitute for field of study.

The ideal candidate will have:

• A demonstrated track record of professional engagement and achievement commensurate with senior leadership positions of major research university libraries.
• Strong understanding of evolving issues/trends in higher education, libraries, open access, and scholarly communication.
• Strong and proven capabilities in empathic complex organizational management including strategic planning, financial stewardship, human resource management, risk management, and related decision-making.
• Demonstrated knowledge and application of best practices in inclusive pedagogy, interdisciplinary research and teaching, and the creation of diverse communities of practice.
• Demonstrated accomplishment in fostering diversity and inclusion
• Proven experience or potential for success in development, fund-raising, and public relations
• The proven ability to work collaboratively with leaders across organizations.
• Exemplary interpersonal and communication skills.
• Impeccable integrity, sense of professionalism, and sound judgment.

Compensation

Boston University will provide a competitive compensation and benefits package appropriate for a position of this scope, stature, and level of responsibility.

Application Process and Contact Information

A resume or CV and cover letter that describes how your experiences fit within the mission of BU Libraries and how you – through your professional experience – will contribute to your goals to engender a more inclusive and diverse community must be submitted for full consideration by the committee. While nominations and applications will be accepted until a new University Librarian is selected, interested parties are strongly encouraged to submit their materials before March 13, 2023, to ensure full consideration.

Application materials should be submitted to the Search Advisory Committee at librariansearch@bu.edu or through the Boston University Human Resources website.

Please note all newly hired staff and faculty will need to be in compliance with Boston University’s COVID-19 Vaccination and Booster Requirement within 30 days of date of hire. You must upload your vaccine documentation or request a medical or religious exemption (instructions). For further information on the University’s response to COVID-19, please visit the COVID-19 Resources site.

We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, military service, pregnancy or pregnancy-related condition, or because of marital, parental, or veteran status. We are a VEVRAA Federal Contractor.