College Librarian and Director of Schaffer Library

Union College; City of Schenectady (NY); On-site; USD 170,000 - 177,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous vacation

Winter recess

Healthcare: Medical, Dental, Vision

On-campus fitness facility access

403(b) Retirement Plan

Job summary

Union College seeks a College Librarian and Director of Schaffer Library to lead a dedicated team and advance teaching, research, and learning in a liberal arts framework. The role emphasizes strategic direction, collaboration, and the integration of new AI tools to enhance undergraduate education and interdisciplinary work.

The Director will oversee budgets, personnel development, and space planning while fostering an inclusive, student-centered environment across Research & Engagement, Content

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Library and Information Science from an ALA-accredited program.
• 5–7 years of progressive administrative and leadership experience in an academic library.
• Demonstrated budget management and personnel development.
• Commitment to inclusive, equitable working environment and belonging.

Responsibilities

• Define, articulate, and advocate for a compelling vision for Schaffer Library aligned with Union’s next strategic plan.
• Oversee the library budget and pursue external funding opportunities.
• Recruit, supervise, mentor, and evaluate staff; promote DEI in hiring and services.
• Monitor curricular changes to ensure robust library support for academic programs.
• Oversee core library functions for teaching and research needs and records management.
• Direct physical space planning and preservation of library collections.

Skills

Leadership

Budget management

Staff development

Diversity leadership

Analytical skills

Collaboration

AI integration

Copyright knowledge

Library systems knowledge

Education

MLS / MSLS (ALA-accredited)

Tools

ILS (Integrated Library System)

Digital curation platforms

Scholarly publishing platforms

Job description

College Librarian and Director of Schaffer Library

Union College seeks an innovative and collaborative leader to serve as the College Librarian and Director of Schaffer Library. Reporting to the Vice President for Academic Affairs and Dean of the Faculty, the Director leads a dedicated team of user-focused professional librarians and staff across Research & Engagement, Content & Digital Library Systems, and Special Collections and Archives and provides strategic direction and operational stewardship to ensure that Schaffer Library fully advances Union College’s educational and scholarly mission in service of our students. The ideal candidate will combine a deep appreciation for the liberal arts tradition with the ability to collaboratively develop a forward-looking vision for how technology, data, and emerging generative AI tools can enhance undergraduate teaching, interdisciplinary research, and student learning.

Pay Status and Classification

Exempt, Regular, Full-time. This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship.

Work Location

This position is not eligible for a hybrid schedule. This position is eligible for relocation assistance.

Supervisor

Vice President of Academic Affairs & Dean of the Faculty

Position Purpose

Founded in 1795 as the first chartered college in New York State, Union College is a highly selective, independent liberal arts college committed to integrating arts, humanities, social sciences, science, and engineering. Schaffer Library sits at the heart of campus, providing crucial teaching and research support, a vibrant learning commons, and a core collection enhanced by Special Collections & Archives, a Permanent Collection of works of art, and the Adirondack Research Library. Union College seeks an innovative and collaborative leader to serve as the College Librarian and Director of Schaffer Library. Reporting to the Vice President for Academic Affairs and Dean of the Faculty, the Director leads a dedicated team of user-focused professional librarians and staff across research & engagement, content & digital library systems, and special collections and archives and provides strategic direction and operational stewardship to ensure that Schaffer Library fully advances Union College’s educational and scholarly mission in service of our students. The ideal candidate will combine a deep appreciation for the liberal arts tradition with the ability to collaboratively develop a forward-looking vision for how technology, data, and emerging generative AI tools can enhance undergraduate teaching, interdisciplinary research, and student learning.

Essential Responsibilities And Duties

• Define, articulate, and advocate for a compelling vision for Schaffer Library aligned with Union’s next strategic plan. Lead long-range planning and operational strategies, staying abreast of trends and innovations across small liberal arts college environments with regard to the ways in which libraries can enhance the student experience.
• Formulate, implement, and oversee the library budget. Leverage consortial and other opportunities to shepherd resources optimally, including identification of external funding opportunities.
• Recruit, supervise, mentor, and evaluate direct reports. Promote the professional growth of library faculty and oversee promotion applications, professional development leaves and other library personnel issues. Cultivate a user-focused, collaborative work environment across all library employees and promote diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging in hiring, staffing, and public-facing services.
• Monitor curricular changes to ensure robust library support for academic programs.
• Oversee core library functions to help meet the teaching and research needs of students and faculty and records management needs of the college.
• Direct physical space planning to meet student needs and the preservation of library collections.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Library and Information Science from an ALA-accredited program.
• 5–7 years of progressive administrative and leadership experience in an academic library setting.
• Demonstrated record of success in budget management and personnel development.
• Proven leadership in supervising and supporting staff within a diverse, multicultural environment.
• Excellent written, oral, interpersonal, analytical, and collaborative problem-solving skills.
• Demonstrated track record of innovation, including the integration of emerging library technologies, e-resources, digital curation, and scholarly publishing. Ability to guide the College’s integration of generative AI into its operations consistent with our values and goals.
• Familiarity with or proficiency in core academic library applications, systems, and technical platforms.
• Working knowledge of legal regulations and policies relevant to academic and research libraries, including copyright.
• Demonstrated commitment to fostering an inclusive, equitable working and learning community and promoting a sense of belonging across students, faculty, and staff.

Compensation

The annual salary range for this position is $170,000 to $177,000. Except for roles with a set rate of pay, the wage/salary of the finalist selected for this role will be set based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to departmental budgets, qualifications, experience, education, licenses, specialty, and training. The stated hiring rate/range represents the College’s good faith and reasonable estimate of the rate/range of possible compensation at the time of posting.

Location

Schenectady, NY

Benefits

• Generous Vacation, Sick, and Personal Time
• Winter Recess Break in Addition to Paid Holidays (in accordance with policy)
• Healthcare: Medical (PPO & HDHP), Dental, and Vision Insurance (Flexible Spending and Dependent Care Accounts)
• Free On-Campus Fitness Facility Access and Discounts for On-Campus Wellness Programs
• Pre and Post Tax participation in a 403(b) Retirement Plan
• Salary Continuation Program in the event of Disability
• Tuition Exchange

Background Checks

In accordance with our background check policy, finalists for hire will undergo a background check that includes education, employment, and criminal convictions.

E-Verify Participation

Union College participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the United States. Learn more about E-Verify and your Right to Work (Derecho a Trabajar).