Job Posting: Director of Dana Health Sciences Library, UVM

[Sarah Gordon]

The University of Vermont Libraries seeks an innovative, collaborative, and experienced librarian to serve as Director of the Dana Health Sciences Library. The library provides high quality health information and services to support the educational, research, and patient care needs of the Larner College of Medicine, the College of Nursing and Health Sciences, and the University of Vermont Medical Center. The library also provides access to essential health information for the citizens of Vermont. The director leads and supervises all phases of health sciences library operations, including strategic planning, resource management, policy development, budgeting, and outreach to constituents. The director also supervises an experienced team of librarians and staff members. Competitive candidates will be leaders who will help shape the future of health sciences librarianship in a rapidly evolving educational and healthcare environment and collaborators who can work with university leadership, librarians, and library staff to implement that vision.

This position reports to the Dean of the Libraries and collaborates seamlessly with other directors and colleagues in the Howe Library and the Silver Special Collections Library. The Dana director also provides leadership in the University Libraries’ planning and operations as a member of the Dean’s Council. Librarians at the University of Vermont hold faculty appointments without tenure. As such, librarians are expected to contribute to three areas: librarianship, scholarly and creative activity, and service. Rank at the time of initial hire and promotions are based upon performance in all three areas.

Responsibilities:

• Develop and lead the Dana Library in administration of its resources and services, based on strategic priorities, assessment of user needs, and knowledge of professional best practices.
• Assess the effectiveness of library resources and services and articulate the impact of library instruction, research support, and clinical support to diverse audiences across campus.
• Promote a positive work environment by practicing transparent management based on clear communication, openness to ideas, and mentorship of staff and faculty.
• Facilitate inclusive and participatory decision-making processes.
• Cultivate the development of effective relationships with relevant on and off campus faculty, programs, and units to support teaching, learning, research, and patient care.
• Lead library faculty and staff in developing strategic initiatives and implementing collaborative policies and programs.
• Coordinate and lead efforts with medical, health sciences, and clinical faculty to teach and promote the teaching of evidence-based medicine/practice in relevant curricula.
• Provide leadership in the University of Vermont Libraries planning and operations as a member of Dean’s Council.
• Mentor library faculty in their professional development and career progression, with attention to skills and experience that support educational mission, scholarship, and service.
• Collaborate with Collection Management Services in developing and managing print and electronic collections.
• Engage in and contribute to the library profession with scholarship, creative activity, and service through publications, presentations, and committee work at local, state, regional, and national levels.

Required Qualifications:

• Master’s degree (M.L.S., M.S., or M.A. in Library or Information Science, or other variation) from a program accredited by the American Library Association or the equivalent professional credentialing in librarianship. Those who have a Master’s degree or Ph.D. in another field and have completed a formal program providing training as a librarian, combined with at least one year of experience in a professional role as an academic librarian, may also be eligible.
• Minimum five years of experience in an academic health sciences library, preferably one that also serves an academic medical center.
• Extensive knowledge of the teaching and practice of evidence-based medicine in undergraduate and graduate medical education as well as evidence-based practice in nursing and professional health programs.
• Experience in developing and leading research support programs, such as evidence synthesis, data management, and data visualization.
• Excellent facilitation, interpersonal, and communication skills.
• Demonstrated management, leadership, and supervisory experience with increasing levels of responsibility over time.
• Demonstrated experience with planning and budgeting.
• Knowledge of curriculum design, program assessment, and accreditation processes.
• Commitment to, and experience in, mentoring staff and faculty.
• Demonstrated commitment to UVM’s Our Common Ground values , equity, inclusion, and accessibility; awareness and understanding of diverse thought, cultures, race, religion, gender, and other differences.
• A record of librarianship, scholarship, and service that warrants appointment at the rank of Library Associate Professor or Library Professor.

Application Information:

For further details about this position and to apply online, please visit our website at: http://www.uvmjobs.com and reference job posting F3328PO In addition to the online application, candidates are required to submit the following documents: cover letter, curriculum vitae, an inclusive excellence statement, and a list of three references.

The search will remain open until the position is filled. All appointments are subject to a successful background check. For best consideration, complete applications should be received no later than February 28, 2025. 

The University of Vermont is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other category legally protected by federal or state law.