Dean University Librarian

Dean & University Librarian

You belong at a university thats leading the way!

The University of Florida (UF) seeks a dynamic and visionary Dean of University Libraries to lead the George A. Smathers Libraries in advancing research learning and innovation. Reporting to the Provost and serving as a member of the Council of Academic Deans the Dean will oversee evolving library technologies maintain excellence in collections and services and collaborate with campus and library leaders to meet the needs of UFs academic community. The Dean plays a pivotal role in supporting faculty and student research while ensuring UFs libraries remain a worldclass resource.

About the University of Florida

The University of Florida the states flagship institution is a topranked public research university located in Gainesville. With 16 colleges a major academic health center and championshipwinning athletics UF is a leader in education research and innovation. Its 2000acre campus integrates historic charm with stateoftheart facilities and preserved natural spaces fostering interdisciplinary collaboration. Ranked 7th among U.S. public universities in the 2025 U.S. News Best Colleges rankings UF continues to drive advancements across multiple fields.

With over 60000 students 32000 employees and a $10 billion annual budget UF is among the largest and most wellfunded universities in the nation. A member of the prestigious Association of American Universities (AAU) UF boasts 6600 faculty including National Academy members and awardwinning scholars. In 2024 UF research expenditures surpassed $1.26 billion demonstrating a strong commitment to discovery and technological advancement. The university leads in artificial intelligence education incorporating AI into 200 courses taught by 350 faculty supported by HiPerGator the most powerful universityowned supercomputer in the U.S.

UFs strength lies in its comprehensive academic offerings robust state support and forwardthinking vision. With continuous growth and transformation UF is dedicated to its mission to be a premier university that the state nation and world look to for leadership. For more information visit www.ufl.

About the George A. Smathers Libraries

The George A. Smathers Libraries are a leading academic resource serving as members of prominent library organizations such as Association of Research Libraries (ARL) Association of Southeastern Research Libraries (ASERL) Center for Research Libraries (CRL) and Coalition for Networked Information (CNI). Within Florida they are part of Council of State University Libraries (CSUL) and Members Council on Library Services (MCLS) representing all 40 public state universities and colleges. The library system includes seven campus libraries and multiple offcampus facilities making it the largest academic information resource in Florida. These libraries including the Architecture and Fine Arts Library Education Library Health Science Center Libraries Library West Marston Science Library and Smathers Library report to the Dean of University Libraries while the Lawton Chiles Legal Information Center is overseen by the Dean of the Levin College of Law. The system is supported by a staff of over 70 tenured and tenuretrack faculty more than 180 professional and technical staff and approximately 150 student employees. For more information visit UF Libraries.

The Smathers Libraries house over 5.37 million print microform and tangible volumes alongside access to 4.3 million external online resources including fulltext journals ebooks streaming media databases and government documents. The University of Florida Digital Collections (UFDC) provide open access to more than 1.2 million items for preservation and scholarly use. These libraries also feature nationally and internationally significant research collections such as the Latin American & Caribbean Collection the Price Library of Judaica the Baldwin Library of Historical Childrens Literature the Map & Imagery Library and the P.K. Yonge Library of Florida History. In theacademic year the Smathers Libraries welcomed over 3.12 million a students faculty staff and members of the greater community reinforcing their role as a hub for research and learning at UF.

About the Opportunity

The Dean of University Libraries serves as the chief academic and administrative officer for the George A. Smathers Libraries and reports directly to the Provost. The Dean will lead the universitys library system in advancing research teaching and learning while ensuring the highest level of service to faculty students and the broader academic community.

Key responsibilities include:

• Developing and implementing a strategic vision for the future of UFs libraries in order to anticipate and meet the changing needs of our faculty students staff and greater community.
• Managing a $47 million budget and a staff of over 250 library professionals faculty and support personnel.
• Expanding digital and print collections to support interdisciplinary research and scholarship.
• Strengthening partnerships with campus stakeholders and external organizations to enhance UFs research enterprise.
• Advocating for library resources and services at the university state and national levels.
• Leading fundraising efforts securing grants and cultivating donor relationships to enhance library programs and initiatives.
• Dedication to fostering practices that advance UFs core values.

The ideal candidate will be a forwardthinking leader with a deep understanding of the evolving landscape of academic libraries. The anticipated start date for the new Dean will be August 2025.

Commensurate with Education and Experience

The University of Florida offers a competitive salary commensurate with similar positions and includes a full benefits package. Click here to view the universitys Total Rewards Benefits plans.

• Masters degree in Library Science (MLS) Masters Degree in Library and Information Science (MLIS) from an ALAaccredited program or earned terminal degree in an appropriate relevant field.
• A strong record of leadership and administrative experience in a research library academic institution or similar enterprise.
• Demonstrated success in budget management fundraising and strategic planning.
• Experience with digital scholarship openaccess initiatives and innovative library technologies.
• Be qualified for an appointment at the rank of Assoc/University Librarian

• A Ph.D. in Library Science MBA or other advanced degree in a relevant field.
• National or international recognition in academic library leadership and scholarship.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.

Why Gainesville

Gainesville is home to Floridas largest and oldest university as well as a vibrant hub of education healthcare culture and sports in the state. The University of Florida and UF Health Shands Hospital are major employers providing jobs for many residents of surrounding counties. The Greater Gainesville area serves as the cultural educational and commercial heart of the north central Florida region. Gainesville offers a full range of municipal services including cultural and administrative support. Renowned for its preservation of historic landmarks and natural beauty the city boasts numerous parks museums and lakes that attract thousands of visitors. With its lush urban forest and Tree City USA designation Gainesville stands out as one of Floridas most picturesque cities. Its central location provides convenient access to both the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean offering easy exploration of Floridas famed beaches springs and nature reserves. Explore Gainesville in 60 Seconds.

Nomination and Application Instructions

Join us at UF and help shape the future of academic libraries! We welcome nominations of and applications for individuals who would bring unique perspectives and experiences to support UFs mission of excellence in education research and student life. Inquiries can be sent toStrategic Talent Group and nominations submitted via our nominations form.

Candidates must apply online at Careers at UF. For full consideration applications must be submitted by Sunday April 6^th 2025 at 11:55 p.m. with the following required documents:

• Cover Letter summarizing experience qualifications and interest in this role
• A complete CV
• List of references for at least three 3 professional contacts that includes:
  • Full name
  • Current position
  • Email address
  • Telephone number

Applications received after Sunday April 6^th 2025 at 11:55 p.m. will be reviewed at the discretion of the search committee. The position posting will remain open and accept applications until a competitive pool of applicants is established. Anticipated start date of August 2025.

Our Commitment

The University of Florida is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.

Hiring is contingent on eligibility to work in the U.S. The University of Florida is a public institution and is subject to all requirements under Florida Sunshine and Public Record laws. If an accommodation due to a disability is needed to apply for this position please callor the Florida Relay System at(TDD) or visit Accessibility at UF.