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University of Detroit Mercy
Dean of Libraries
Academic Career & Executive
Search is pleased to assist University of Detroit Mercy in its search for Dean of Libraries.
For full consideration,
please apply by March 22nd.
This is a unique opportunity for a dynamic and collaborative leader to join Detroit Mercy to
advocate and advance its mission across the campus community and throughout the external community at large. The successful candidate is a
visionary leader and prominent advocate who understands and provides the strategic direction necessary to meet the evolving needs of
libraries. The Dean of Libraries supervises the McNichols Campus Library, the School of Dentistry Library, and the School of Optometry
Library, which is anticipated to open in Fall 2025. The Dean will use their strategic and visionary leadership to further position the
Libraries as a hub of collaboration, digital innovation and scholarly endeavors.
The Dean will oversee the Libraries throughout the
University which hold a combined collection of nearly 2 million items, including print and electronic books and journals, films on DVD and
streaming, government documents, databases and archival materials. The McNichols Campus Library has been designated the Dudley Randall
Literary Landmark by the American Library Association and the Archives Research Center (ARC) is home to several special collections,
including the Black Abolitionist Archive, the Padre Guadalupe Carney Latin American Solidarity Archive, and the Fr. Edward J. Dowling, S.J.,
Marine Historical Collection.
This position reports to the Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs.
DUTIES AND
RESPONSIBILITIES
Provides executive leadership and oversight of UDM libraries (McNichols Campus, Dental and Optometry)
Supports the university’s Strategic Plan and Mission
Creates and manages an infrastructure that promotes a climate of student,
faculty, and library personnel success
Ensures compliance with accreditation requirements for the university and individual academic
programs
Recruits, hires, mentors, and evaluates faculty librarians, support personnel, and administrators, supporting professional
development and engagement.
Nurtures a collegial environment within the libraries, School of Law Library and other academic and
academic support units
Engages in strategic planning with library colleagues to create the library of the future and coordinates the
plans implementation.
Vision for making the library spaces, virtual and physical, attractive, safe, and accessible for students to
study, meet, create, and experience emerging technologies.
Participates in the Academic Leadership Team and University Leadership
Council
Develops, manages, and advocates for budget allocations that support the needs of the libraries
Actively represents
UDM to local, state, and national organizations, e.g., Detroit Area Library Network and Association of Jesuit Colleges and Universities
(AJCU) library deans, American Library Association, Association of College and Research Libraries, MiALA – Michigan Academic Library
Association
Identifies and seeks opportunities for fundraising, grant writing, and building relationships with individuals, corporate
donors and alumni
Serves on university committees and task forces as requested by the President and or Provost/VPAA
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
An ALA-Accredited Master of Library Science from a program accredited by the American
Library Association or Master of Information Science or equivalent.
At least five years of demonstrated management and leadership
experience in an academic library including budget administration and personnel management
Exemplary problem-solving skills, able to
identify problems and implement solutions
Strong communication, interpersonal, and presentation skills
PREFERRED
QUALIFICATIONS
An earned doctorate relevant to leadership in an academic library, Library Science, Information Science,
Higher education leadership
Evidence of scholarly achievement
Experience integrating relevant emerging technologies into
library services
Experience working with a library consortium
Experience managing in a collective bargaining environment
Experience in strategic planning
Exemplary problem-solving skills, able to identify problems and implement solutions
Administrative experience in a shared governance environment
Experience with diverse students and faculty to promote student
success and faculty excellence in teaching, scholarship, and service
Experience in developing projects, activities or services
responsive to changing intuitional priorities
Evidence of a commitment to understanding and addressing the library needs of the
university’s undergraduate, graduate, and professional students
Demonstrated knowledge of important issues facing academic libraries,
e.g., scholarly communications, equity of information access, open access, evolving integrated library systems and a willingness to foster
innovation.
Willingness to be a change agent and model collaboration to achieve change.
Evidence of successfully leading
transformational change
About the Libraries
The Library website
includes access to the catalog for print and online materials. In addition, research guides developed by Detroit Mercy reference librarians
provide links to subject-specific resources.
The McNichols Campus and Dental collections consist of print and electronic journals,
books,electronic databases, streaming videos, and DVDs.
Reference services are provided virtually and in person. Subject specialist
librarians liaise with academic departments, providing instruction to classes on information retrieval and evaluation.
Edesk
reference service is available by email 24/7.
The McNichols Campus Library also houses the:
Center for Excellence
Teaching and Learning [CETL]
Student Success Center https://www.udmercy.edu/current-students/support-services/success-center.php
Student Accessibility
Services. htt ps://www.udmercy.edu/current-students/support-services/sas/index.php
The Bookmark is cafe on the first floor
of the McNichols campus Library.
There are a total of 21 employees including:
Three administrators:
o Associate Dean
for Public Services
o Associate Dean of Tech Services and the Archives Research Center
o Head of Circulation
Seven
faculty librarians, six with tenure and one tenure track
Ten staff:
o Library Technicians – acquisitions and interlibrary
loan
o Library Assistants – circulation, acquisitions, collection maintenance
o Administrative assistant to the Dean
About the Institution
Founded in 1877, University of Detroit Mercy is Michigan’s largest and most comprehensive
Catholic institution. Rooted in the ideals of the Society of Jesus (Jesuits) and theSisters of Mercy of the Americas, UDM’s mission is to
provide an outstanding student-centered education in an urban context at both the undergraduate and graduate levels, emphasizing
intellectual, spiritual, ethical and social development of all students.
Detroit Mercy offers 105 programs, including five-year
master’s and certificate programs. At the graduate level, the University offers 39 master’s degree programs, one specialist program and
seven doctoral/professional-level programs, including law and dentistry. Additionally, the University awards graduate certificates in 22
programs.
A distinctive feature of Detroit Mercy’s educational approach is the Cooperative Education Program, the third oldest
continuous program of its kind in the nation, which is open to all students. This program is mandatory for those pursuing degrees in
Architecture, Engineering, and the five-year Business program (BSBA/MBA).
Detroit Mercy consistently ranks high in the U.S. News
& World Report’s National Universities category as a Best Value School. The Wall Street Journal/College Pulse recognized UDM as one of
the top institutions of higher education in the United States for 2024, with a ranking of #2 in Michigan for offering excellence in
academics at an affordable price.
Living in the Area
Situated in northwest Detroit, the surrounding area
boasts a vibrant arts and cultural scene with renowned museums, theaters, art galleries and vibrant music venues. Significant investments in
the downtown and Midtown areas have led to a wealth of new businesses, shopping, restaurants and entertainment offerings. As the birthplace
of Motown, the Motor City offers a rich history in music and remains one of the top hubs for musical talent. Detroit has a passionate
fanbase of sports enthusiasts and with several professional teams, there is never a shortage of community-centered events happening
downtown.
Detroit is located near the Great Lakes, offering residents the chance to engage in a wide variety of outdoor activities
and water-related recreation. Additionally, the city and the greater metropolitan area boast numerous parks, green spaces and beaches,
including the scenic and nationally honored Detroit RiverWalk and notable areas like Palmer Park and Campus Martius.The cost of living is
very affordable in Detroit compared to other major cities. Housing costs are 78.8 percent less expensive than the national average making
homeownership easily attainablefor residents and transplants. As a hub to many major industries, such as automotive, technology, and
healthcare, job opportunities are ample in the area.
To Apply
For full consideration, please apply by March
22nd.
To be viewed by the search firm, you must apply directly at: https://acesrch.applicantstack.com/x/detail/a21esjyrtzd5
Please apply through the application link and
do not email applications.
Applications will be reviewed as they are received and should include a cover letter and curriculum vita.
Ideally cover letters should not exceed two pages. All applications are treated confidentially.
Inquiries, referrals, and nominations
are also treated confidentially.
Inquiries and questions: Please send to [email protected]
Nominations and referrals: Please send the
nominee’s name, title, and contact information if available to [email protected].
University of Detroit Mercy’s EEO Statement
Michigan’s largest, most comprehensive private University, University of Detroit Mercy, is an independent Catholic Institution of
higher education sponsored by the Sisters of Mercy and Society of Jesus. Detroit Mercy seeks qualified candidates who will contribute to the
University’s mission, diversity, and excellence of its academic community. University of Detroit Mercy is an Equal Opportunity Affirmative
Action Employer with a diverse student body and welcomes persons of all backgrounds.
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