Senior Library Manager (UAE National)

Ajman University; United Arab Emirates; On-site; AED 240,000 - 420,000; Full time

Job summary

Ajman University is seeking a Library Senior Manager to provide strategic leadership and administration of the University Library. The role focuses on development of services in alignment with the academic mission, research priorities, and digital transformation initiatives, including RIMS and Elsevier tools.

The candidate will oversee operations, budget, staff development, and partnerships with publishers and academic libraries to support teaching, learning, research, and community engagement.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Library and Information Science or related field.
• Extensive experience in academic libraries and leadership roles.
• Familiarity with library technologies and research support systems.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement the library’s strategic plans and goals.
• Oversee operations: circulation, reference, cataloging, and digital resources.
• Manage ILS, databases, repositories, and OPAC systems.
• Lead budget management and vendor agreements.
• Supervise library staff and foster a service-oriented environment.

Skills

Library leadership

Strategic planning

Budgeting

Staff supervision

Information literacy

Education

Master’s degree in Library and Information Science

Tools

Integrated Library Systems (ILS)

RIMS (Elsevier PURE)

Discovery platforms

Digital resources management

Job description

Library Senior Manager (UAE Nationals)

Position Summary

The Senior Library Manager is responsible for the strategic leadership, administration, planning, development, and continuous enhancement of the University Library in alignment with Ajman University’s academic mission, research priorities, accreditation standards, and digital transformation initiatives. library operations, digital resources, information literacy, library technologies, research support services, library technologies, budgeting, staff development and Elsevier’s PURE Research Information Management System (RIMS).

The Senior Library Manager ensures the delivery of innovative, user-centered, and high-quality library and information services that support teaching, learning, research, scholarly communication, and community engagement across the University.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement the University Library’s strategic plans, operational goals, and long-term development initiatives in alignment with the University’s strategic priorities.
• Oversee library operations, including circulation, reference services, acquisitions, cataloging, archives, technical services, and digital resources.
• Manage integrated library systems (ILS), databases, repositories, discovery platforms, and OPAC systems.
• Oversee Elsevier’s PURE Research Information Management System (RIMS), including publications management, research profiles, analytics, and reporting.
• Support faculty and researchers in scholarly publishing, citation management, research visibility, academic integrity, and access to scholarly resources.
• Develop and deliver information literacy programs, workshops, and user training sessions.
• Prepare and manage the Library budget and evaluate resource utilization, subscriptions, and vendor agreements.
• Lead, supervise, and develop library staff and foster a collaborative and service-oriented environment.
• Develop workforce plans and identify staffing, training, and professional development needs.
• Support accreditation, quality assurance, institutional effectiveness, and compliance with copyright, licensing, and information management standards.
• Establish partnerships with academic libraries, publishers, and professional organizations, and represent the University in relevant forums.
• Serve on University committees and perform other duties assigned by the Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs.
• Foster a collaborative, innovative, and service-oriented working environment that encourages staff participation in library operations and initiatives.
• Prepare, recommend, and manage the Library’s annual budget and monitor expenditures in accordance with University policies and financial regulations.
• Evaluate subscriptions, databases, vendor agreements, and resource allocations to ensure cost-effectiveness and institutional value.
• Recommend infrastructure improvements, technology enhancements, and future library development initiatives.
• Assess and recommend library space requirements, facilities utilization, and long-term building and infrastructure needs.
• Communicate and collaborate effectively with academic and administrative units regarding library initiatives, services, and institutional requirements.
• Encourage community engagement and outreach initiatives related to library services and educational resources.

Other Duties

Perform other duties assigned by the Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs to support the effective operation and advancement of the University Library.

Qualifications & Experience

• Master’s degree in Library and Information Science, Library Science, Information Management, or a related field from an accredited institution.
• Minimum of 8–10 years of progressively responsible experience in academic libraries, including at least 5 years in a managerial or leadership role.
• Experience in higher education and familiarity with library technologies, digital resources, academic databases, and research support systems are required
• Demonstrated experience in library technologies, digital resource management, budgeting, strategic planning, collection development, and staff supervision.
• Experience supporting accreditation and quality assurance processes is highly desirable.
• Experience with Research Information Management Systems is preferred.

Knowledge & Skills

• Strong knowledge of academic library operations, systems, standards, and best practices.
• Knowledge of integrated library systems, institutional repositories, discovery platforms, and electronic resource management systems.
• Strong leadership, organizational, project management, and strategic planning skills.
• Excellent analytical, decision-making, and problem-solving abilities.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills in English and Arabic.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with faculty, students, administrators, staff, and external stakeholders.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and operate effectively in a dynamic academic environment.
• Commitment to innovation, service excellence, collaboration, and continuous improvement.

Supervision

Reports To: Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs

Supervises: Library professional staff and support personnel