Director of Library Experience & Public Services

The Pennsylvania State University; State College (Centre County); On-site; USD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

The Pennsylvania State University Libraries seeks a collaborative and strategic leader for the role of Head of Library Experience and Services, located on the University Park campus in State College, PA. This Associate or Full Rank position will unify public service points across Penn State Libraries, shaping a user-centered, values-driven service culture for students, faculty, staff, and the community.

The Head will set vision, supervise service point managers, collaborate with campus partners,

Qualifications

• Master of Library Science from an ALA-accredited program or equivalent.
• Substantial experience in academic library public services and reference.
• Proven supervisory leadership with mentoring and development.
• Commitment to shared governance and faculty partnership.
• Experience fostering collaboration across diverse communities.
• Strong record of service and professional engagement for tenure considerations.

Responsibilities

• Set strategic direction for Library Experience and Services portfolio and unify service cultures.
• Supervise service point managers, supervisors, and coordinators and foster professional growth.
• Oversee scheduling, staffing models, cross-training, and coverage planning.
• Drive evidence-based improvement using assessment tools and user feedback.
• Coordinate with campus stakeholders and partners on building operations and service integration.
• Manage departmental budget, staffing, and resource planning.
• Ensure safety and compliance with university policies in library spaces.
• Represent the Libraries in governance and external committees.

Skills

Public services leadership

Governance & faculty collaboration

Strategic leadership

Diversity & inclusion

Supervisory leadership

Communication & empathy

Stakeholder collaboration

Scholarly reputation

Education

MLS degree

Job description

The Pennsylvania State University Libraries seeks a collaborative and strategic leader for the role of Head of Library Experience and Services, located on the University Park campus in State College, PA. This Associate or Full Rank position will unify public service points across Penn State Libraries, shaping a user-centered, values-driven service culture for students, faculty, staff, and the community.

The Head will set vision, supervise service point managers, collaborate with campus partners,