Director of the Library and Learning Commons

Alvernia University; Reading (Berks County); On-site; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Robust Health Coverage

403(b) Retirement Plan

Tuition remission benefits

Employee Meal Plan

Job summary

Alvernia University is seeking a Director of the Library and Learning Commons to lead in developing strategic initiatives and oversee all library operations. This role requires strong leadership and communication skills, alongside a commitment to engaging with diverse populations.

The ideal candidate will possess a master's degree in Library Science and significant experience in library management and educational collaboration. Benefits include robust health coverage, retirement plans, and flexible working options.

Qualifications

• Possession of an ALA accredited master’s degree.
• Five years of progressive leadership experience in a university setting.
• Advanced knowledge of library databases and technologies.

Responsibilities

• Develop and deliver a 21st-century information-sharing strategy.
• Establish the Library as a learning commons for the community.
• Provide oversight for Learning Commons and library operations.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Project Management

Customer Service

Education

Master's Degree in Library and/or Information Science

Terminal degree (PhD, EdD, etc.)

Tools

Library databases

Instructional technology

Job description

Under the direction of the Senior Vice President & Provost, the Director of the Library and Learning Commons (DLLC) is responsible for leadership in determining library policy, developing and monitoring the budget, and long‑range planning. The DLLC oversees all aspects of library operations, including personnel, purchasing, student and faculty services, collection development, resources, systems, and facilities.

Essential Functions

• Model Alvernia’s Franciscan values through compassionate service, ethical leadership, and commitment to fostering a welcoming and respectful community for all.
• Cultivate a student‑employee culture that prioritizes transparency, accessibility, and proactive communication.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the strategic leader to develop and deliver a 21st‑century information‑sharing and collaboration strategy for Alvernia University that transforms library services, particularly in relation to digital and hybrid learning.
• Establish and maintain the Library to be a learning commons for students, faculty, and staff.
• As the DLLC:
  • Develop and evaluate library and media services in support of all programs and educational modes offered by the University.
  • Select, evaluate, develop, organize, and supervise the Library staff.
  • Oversee the budgeting process for the Library.
  • Engage in the assessment of student learning outcomes relevant to the library.
  • Utilize student learning outcome assessment and other relevant library statistics to develop and implement long‑range strategic plans, user needs assessments, and service enhancements.
  • Oversee technical services and integrated library system maintenance in collaboration with systems and technical services librarian.
  • Oversee and engage, when appropriate, in information literacy, reference, and academic department liaison.
  • Participate on university committees as assigned.
• Provide oversight of Learning Commons, including:
  • Leading the academic planning and development of the library and related academic learning services and supports, Special Collections and University Archives, and the overarching Learning Commons.
  • Identify the best ways to expand the Library and Learning Commons to other Alvernia instructional sites.
• Serve as a campus leader and steward for Open Educational Resources.
• Serve as a liaison to Informational Technology Services as it relates to student learning technologies.
• Serve as a liaison to the Deans Council.
• Contribute substantively to the intellectual life of the University by planning, developing, coordinating, sharing, collaborating with, initiating, and evaluating information and Learning Commons services to fulfill and support the educational mission of the University.
• Develop outreach, engagement opportunities, key metrics, and processes to ensure and support the creative and effective use of library services and technologies to serve the needs of students and academic departments.
• Provide leadership, management, and support for the Learning Commons in such a way as to meaningfully embed the many resources of the Library into the academic infrastructure.
• Coordinate all activities of the Learning Commons to maximize student and faculty use of opportunities for engagement between people, information, and technology while supporting the goals of the Library and academic technology to meet student and faculty outcomes.
• Supervise and evaluate Library faculty and staff.
• Support Alvernia University’s commitment to diversity and strong student‑centered vision and mission.

Professional Development, Customer Service & Representation

• Lead or contribute to internal training and professional development initiatives that enhance compliance, service excellence, communication, and inclusive practices across the organization.
• Promote a high standard of customer service by modeling responsive, solutions‑oriented interactions with students, clients, colleagues, and external partners.
• Serve as a positive ambassador for the organization by communicating its mission, values, and offerings effectively to internal and external audiences.
• Represent the university at recruitment and outreach events, including open houses, orientations, and community engagement programs.

Qualifications & Education

• Possession of an American Library Association (ALA) accredited master’s degree in Library and/or Information Science (MLS, MLIS, MSLS, MI) from an accredited college or university.
• Five years of progressive demonstrated leadership experience in a university or equivalent that demonstrates accomplishments in or knowledge of a special collection library, research, or academic setting.
• Five years of progressive supervisory (or leadership equivalent) experience, communication skills, interpersonal skills, and capabilities necessary to lead a team.
• Advanced knowledge of library databases, technologies, and services.
• An understanding of emerging technologies and effective application of instructional technology to enhance learning outcomes.
• Experience in developing and managing budgets.
• Possession of a terminal degree, PhD, EdD, etc.
• Demonstrated experience working with diverse populations.
• Demonstrated excellent leadership, planning, problem‑solving, organizational, project management, and customer support skills.
• Demonstrated ability to create and maintain strong relationships within a multi‑dimensional environment.
• Demonstrated creation and/or implementation of long‑range organizational goals and/or strategic plan.
• Demonstrated experience managing and/or evaluating a budget and/or generating revenue.

Physical Requirements

• Regular and reliable attendance is essential for the performance of this role.
• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Must be able to lift 15 pounds at times.

Employee Benefits

Join a team that values your well‑being! We offer a comprehensive benefits package designed to support you and your family:

• Robust Health Coverage:Choose from three offered medical plans, plus dental and vision.
• Financial Security:Enjoy University‑paid life/AD&D insurance and long‑term disability, with options for short‑term disability and supplemental coverage for you and your family (including accident, critical illness, and hospital indemnity plans). Flexible spending accounts are also available.
• Exceptional Retirement:Start saving immediately with our 403(b) Retirement Plan. You’ll get 100% immediate vesting, a University gift contribution, and a generous match up to 5% of your deferrals.
• Time Off & Flexibility:Take advantage of 18 paid holidays each year and the possibility of flexible or hybrid work options for many roles.
• Invest in Your Future:Enjoy tuition remission benefits for yourself and your dependents.
• On‑Campus Wellness:Benefit‑eligible employees on our main campus receive free access to our Medical & Counseling Center.
• Employee Meal Plan: This plan provides convenient, flexible dining options on campus at a reduced cost.