Director, Access and Instructional Services

Emory University; Atlanta (GA); On-site; USD 130,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Emory University in Atlanta seeks a dynamic Director of Access and Instructional Services to provide vision and strategic planning for access to resources and information literacy initiatives that support student learning and success.

The role oversees Access Services, Interlibrary Loan, Reserves, and Instruction and Engagement, supervising three department heads and twelve indirect reports, and collaborating with RESC leadership on major initiatives and policies.

Qualifications

• ALA-accredited master's degree in library and information science OR equivalent education and experience.
• Minimum five years of experience in a college, university, or research library, including reference and instruction, and demonstrated experience managing and leading in an academic library.
• Ability to communicate effectively (verbal, written, and graphic) through various communication channels.
• Demonstrated skills in managing a budget and balancing financial and staff priorities.

Responsibilities

• Develops, leads, and coordinates User Services, Interlibrary Loan and Reserves, and Instruction and Engagement teams with strategic priorities and best practices.
• Sets priorities and long-term planning for three teams; leads organizational change and adoption of new technologies to enhance user experience.
• Administers budgets and coordinates resources across the three teams and Emory libraries.
• Collaborates with RESC leadership to guide eleven teams and supervise three FTE librarians.
• Drives assessment of service effectiveness, student learning outcomes, and user engagement through data-driven approaches.
• Participates in professional associations and ongoing professional development.

Skills

Leadership

Budget management

Communication

Reference & Instruction

Staff supervision

Education

ALA-accredited MLS

Job description

Director, Access and Instructional Services

Description

Position Summary

Reporting to the Associate University Librarian for Research, Engagement, and Scholarly Communications, the Director, Access & Instructional Services provides leadership, vision, and strategic planning to ensure access to library resources, the effective management of information literacy and engagement programs, and support for student learning and success.

The Director oversees a portfolio of user services, including Access Services (circulation, interlibrary loan, document delivery, course reserves, and reference), in addition to Instruction and Engagement, supervising three department heads and twelve indirect reports.

As a member of the Research, Engagement, and Scholarly Communications Division leadership team, the Director contributes to strategic and annual planning, including the development and implementation of major initiatives and oversight of services, policies, programs, resource allocation, and human resource management.

Essential Responsibilities & Duties

Administration

• Develops, leads, and coordinates User Services, Interlibrary Loan and Reserves, and Instruction and Engagement teams through overall administration and continuous improvement of their respective services, based on strategic priorities, analysis of user needs, and knowledge of professional best practices. Services include coverage of key service points, reference, resource sharing, research assistance, instruction, and outreach.
• Setspriorities and long-term planning for the three teams in the department.
• Leads organizational change initiatives, including service model evolution, space transformation, and adoption of new technologies to enhance user experience.
• Identify, develop, recommend, and implement programs and policies in collaboration with appropriate partners
• Works collaboratively to develop and implement assessment strategies to measure service effectiveness, student learning outcomes, and user engagement
• Administer budget and manage resources within the three teams.
• Coordinates across the libraries at Emory to develop and manage workflows and services among units
• Keeps abreast of and participates with national and international external groups focusing on relevant areas. Analyzes and communicates trends
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Managerial Responsibilities

• Works closely with the AUL for Research, Engagement, and Scholarly Communications (RESC) and the Director of Collections and Open Strategies to lead RESC's eleven teams.
• Directly supervises 3 FTE librarians: Head of Instruction and Engagement, Head of Interlibrary Loan & Course Reserves, and Head of User Services.
• Helps coordinate recruiting, hiring, orientation, training, supervision, evaluation, and development of staff and student employees
• Coach, mentor and counsel both direct and indirect reports
• Ensure effective communication with department staff and library users about library programs and initiatives

Professional Responsibilities

• Participate in professional and scholarly associations; maintain membership and accreditation; participate in meetings, conferences, and workshops; serve in appointed or elected positions
• Maintain up-to-date professional knowledge and skills related to job responsibilities and current trends in higher education, academic libraries, and information technology
• Adhere to guidelines in the Emory Handbook Governing the Librarian series for Faculty-Equivalent Librarians regarding appointment, renewal, and promotion
• Participate in library and campus committees

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• ALA-accredited master's degree in library and information science OR equivalent education and experience.
• Minimum five years of experience in a college, university, or research library, including reference and instruction, and demonstrated experience managing and leading in an academic library
• Ability to communicate effectively (verbal, written, and graphic) through various communication channels
• Demonstrated skills in managing a budget and balancing financial and staff priorities.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience or strong interest in applying emerging technologies to enhance library services, resource accessibility, and instructional support.
• Aptitude for developing and maintaining interpersonal relationships
• Evidence of active participation, involvement, and leadership in local, state, regional, national, or international professional or scholarly associations.
• Demonstrated understanding of trends in user services, information literacy, resource sharing, course reserves and student success initiatives

Candidates applying by September 4, 2026 will receive priority consideration. Review of applications will continue until the position is successfully filled. Emory is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer and encourages applications and nominations from women, minorities, people with disabilities, and veterans.