Director of Library Experience & Services

Penn State University; Ferguson Township (PA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

75% tuition discount

Robust retirement plans

Comprehensive medical, dental, and eye

Job summary

The Penn State University Libraries seeks a collaborative Head of Library Experience and Services at Associate or Full Rank to advance service quality, collaboration, and student success at University Park Libraries.

This position will lead a newly aligned portfolio and provide strategic leadership and operational responsibility for most of the public service points across University Park Libraries spaces, including service points at Pattee & Paterno Libraries and multiple branch locations.

Qualifications

• Master of Library Science degree from an ALA-accredited institution (or equivalent).
• Substantial relevant experience with academic library public services including reference services, service integration, space partnerships, accessibility, operational planning, and organizational change.
• Demonstrated supervisory and empathetic leadership and communication skills.
• Commitment to and experience with shared governance and faculty partnership.
• Leadership promoting accountability, communication and employee engagement with supervisory experience.
• Experience fostering collaboration across diverse communities and supporting equity and accessibility.

Responsibilities

• Set strategic direction for the Library Experience and Services portfolio, establishing its vision, structure, and operational expectations.
• Directly managing service point managers, supervisors, and coordinators while fostering accountability and collaboration.
• Oversee service operations, including scheduling, staffing models, cross-training, and coverage planning.
• Develop and apply assessment tools and user feedback to evaluate quality and impact.
• Coordinate with campus stakeholders and manage relationships with operations and renovations.
• Direct departmental budget, staffing, and resource planning.
• Ensure compliance with safety, accessibility, and university policies.
• Represent the Libraries in governance and external committees.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Public service leadership

Budget management

Staff supervision

Change management

User-centered service

Education

MLS from an ALA-accredited institution

Tools

Assessment tools

Strategic planning

Job description

The Penn State University Libraries seeks a collaborative Head of Library Experience and Services at Associate or Full Rank to advance service quality, collaboration, and student success at University Park Libraries.

This position will lead a newly aligned portfolio and provide strategic leadership and operational responsibility for most of the public service points across University Park Libraries spaces, including service points at Pattee & Paterno Libraries and multiple branch locations.