Library Director - Preston Library

Virginia Military Institute invites applications for Library Director at Preston Library.  Reporting to the Deputy Superintendent for Academics and Dean of the Faculty, the Library Director provides leadership and strategic vision for all aspects of library operations and works with stakeholders to support the Institute’s academic mission. The successful candidate will foster a culture of innovation and collaboration to ensure the Library provides the quality services, resources, and learning environments crucial to the academic success and scholarly research of the VMI community.

VMI Library

The Library Director will work with the Library’s staff to realize the full potential of the recent multi-million-dollar renovation that provides state-of-the-art learning spaces and services. Preston Library employs 7 professional, 4 classified, and 2 hourly staff, and approximately 30 cadet assistants. The Library uses Koha ILS, WorldCat Discovery Service, CONTENTdm, ArchivesSpace, ILLiad, and SpringShare CMS. The Library partners with the VMI Center for Undergraduate Research, the Math Resource Center, the Miller Academic Center, and the Department of Information Technology on Post, and participates in regional and national associations, including the Virtual Library of Virginia.

Core Responsibilities:

• Establish and implement the strategic direction for Library operations to align with the Institute’s vision, mission, and values.
• Supervise the Library’s five internal departments: Archives & Records Management, Research & Instruction, Systems & Technology, Technical Services, and User Services.
• Establish and maintain positive working relationships throughout the Institute, community, and professional organizations.
• Lead, mentor, and encourage Library staff in collegiality, collaboration, and user-centered services.
• Manage the Library’s budget and develop budget requests.
• Develop and implement assessment programs for Library operations and services, including accreditation responsibilities.
• Advocate for Library enhancements including services, collections, emerging technologies, personnel, and facilities.
• Serve on Institute committees as assigned, including the Academic Board and Friends of Preston Library.
• Model excellence in professional development and continue to enhance professional skills and awareness of trends and best practices in academic libraries.

Required qualifications:

• A master’s degree from an American Library Association accredited program or equivalent degree.
• A minimum of seven years of administrative experience in academic libraries with demonstrated progressive leadership, management, and supervisory responsibilities.
• A strong record of effective strategic planning.
• Record of success in leading library staff effectively and fostering a positive team-based working environment.
• Demonstrated advocacy of the role of the library in meeting the evolving needs of campus constituencies.
• Proven ability to develop and maintain relationships across the academic and larger community.
• Record of innovation while appreciating traditional library services.
• Demonstrated ability to lead small- and large- scale projects.
• Significant experience in financial planning and budget administration.
• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Demonstrated record of professional achievement in scholarship and professional service.

Application instructions

Candidates must apply online at: https://virginiajobs.peopleadmin.com/postings/208522

In addition to the online application please include a letter of interest, curriculum vitae, and contact information for three professional references. 

Online applications will be accepted until 5 March 2021.

Initial interviews will be conducted in early April 2021 via Skype or Zoom.

Anticipated start date is 1 July 2021.

Virginia Military Institute is a state-supported four-year undergraduate military college of liberal arts, engineering, and the sciences. It is located in the southern Shenandoah Valley of Virginia. Lexington, Virginia (pop. 7,000), is also home to Washington & Lee University and offers a stimulating cultural atmosphere in a pleasant, rural setting. Staff wear uniforms but no prior military experience is required.

In a continuing effort to enrich its academic environment and provide equal educational and employment opportunities, VMI encourages women, minorities, disabled individuals and veterans to apply. AmeriCorps, Peace Corps and other national service alumni are also encouraged to apply.  VMI will provide reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with documented disabilities to ensure equal access and equal opportunities with regard to employment, educational opportunities, programs and services.