Associate University Librarian for Academic Engagement

The Boston University Libraries seek an Associate University Librarian for Academic Engagement to direct the priorities of librarians and library departments to deliver excellence in library resources and services (i.e. public services) through outreach and engagement with BU’s academic communities. Aligning research support with strategies for effective in-person and online engagement, this position ensures library branches, virtual service points, specialized and advanced information consultation, and information resources across BU’s Charles River Campus meet the community’s information needs. The AUL for Academic Engagement oversees a portfolio of four departments comprising the library’s liaison and user services programs in six library branch locations. Through broad engagement with BU’s academic communities, the AUL identifies and delivers excellence in collections, instructional support, reference and consultative services, as well as partnership in research initiatives. The AUL in this role further oversees and maintains the libraries’ commitment to excellence in the experience of library users at all service points.

Reporting to the University Librarian, the AUL for Academic Engagement is a member of the Libraries leadership team and a critical strategic partner for the university in the development and resources of new initiatives that meet and anticipate the information needs of BU’s learning communities. The AUL for Academic Engagement oversees priorities and direction across the library’s Arts & Humanities; Science & Engineering; Professional Studies; and Access Services & Library Experience departments, assumes a leadership role in engagement with peers at the regional, national, and international levels, and participates and contributes to leadership and governance across the University. This position works in partnership with the Chief Collections Strategist as well as with colleagues in Special Collections to identify, acquire, and coordinate the use of resources that support the teaching and research missions of the university. 

The AUL for Academic Engagement joins the Boston University Libraries at a unique moment, with the opportunity to design and direct the library programs spaces that will excite and engage the next generation of BU scholars. As a mentor and leader within the organization and profession, the AUL will foster an environment of engagement, collegiality, and communication that supports rich professional development opportunities for the library staff in the Academic Engagement division.

Major responsibilities include:

Engagement with Research and Learning Centers at BU

• Coordinates the priorities, activities, and initiatives of the library heads in Academic Engagement to advance effective liaison librarianship in consultation with and in alignment with the needs of the University’s schools, colleges, and research centers. The AUL directs and enables department heads to provide innovative and scalable instructional support, strengthening outcomes for library users through partnership with the faculty at BU.
• Partners with other library departments and campus units to apply library practice and expertise to the identification and development of an expanding digital library services portfolio, bringing new capabilities and capacity for access to and partnership in the analysis, production, management, and sharing of data and new scholarship at BU. 
  
  

User-Centered Experience in Library Spaces

• Promotes consistent and timely access to library resources and services across multiple branch locations and advancement of a model of user services attendant to and inclusive of the needs of BU faculty and student communities.
• Identifies and addresses needs of library users and seeks partnership with units across the university focused on the student experience through wellness and academic support initiatives to incorporate these in library programming and spaces.
• Conducts outreach and engagement with the academic leadership and the faculty associated by discipline and location with BU Libraries branches and develops new service approaches identified through campus engagement.
   

Strategic Leadership

• Serves on the BU Libraries leadership team and contributes to strategic planning and implementation activities that advance strategic initiatives aligned with university direction.
• Contributes to leadership and governance activities at BU by representing the Libraries in academic and administrative councils and committees. 
   

Professional Development and Engagement

• Pursues professional engagement with peers through projects, publications, and attendance and participation in national conferences and meetings to connect the BU Libraries with best practices and emergent issues in librarianship.
• Mentors and supports the continuous professional development of their direct reports as well as indirect support for the staff comprising those departments. 

Required Skills

• Master’s degree in library and information science or a related field.
• Minimum of eight years of experience in research libraries or other cultural heritage and higher education institutions.
• Minimum of five years of management experience.
• The ability to prepare and implement strategic plans.
• The ability to manage and oversee complex projects.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.