Head of Library Experience

Nelib; Boston (MA); On-site; USD 110,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

The Boston University Libraries seek a highly collaborative leader to join the libraries as the Head of Library Experience leading all facets of the library experience program including information literacy, student engagement and reference services.

A member of the Academic Engagement Leadership Team and BU Libraries’ Leadership Team, this role reports to the Associate University Librarian for Academic Engagement and Special Collections and provides strategic and operational leadership of our

Qualifications

• Master's degree in library and/or Information Science from an ALA-accredited program, or equivalent professional experience, plus advanced degree in subject specialty.
• 5–8 years of experience in academic libraries or related fields.
• Demonstrated leadership in instruction, reference services, or student engagement.
• Experience in library leadership, management, and mentoring.
• Strong record of program development, assessment, and cross-campus partnerships.
• Experience with in-person and online instruction.
• Ability to translate institutional priorities into achievable goals.

Responsibilities

• Lead the Library Experience program including information literacy, student engagement, and reference services.
• Supervise the Library Experience Manager and Coordinator.
• Liaise with the College of General Studies and Kilachand Honors College.
• Foster partnerships with academic departments and student services to integrate library resources into student success pathways.
• Drive scalable online learning objects, tutorials, course guides, and modular teaching materials.
• Oversee program assessment and data-informed improvements to ensure equitable access and measurable outcomes.

Skills

Leadership experience

Information literacy

Student engagement

Instruction management

Program development

Cross-campus partnerships

Data-informed assessment

Collaboration

Verbal and written communication

Analytical and organizational skills

Education

MLS/MLIS from an ALA-accredited program

Advanced degree in subject specialty

Tools

LibGuides

Course Management System (LMS)

Job description

The Boston University Libraries seek a highly collaborative and effective leader to join the libraries as the Head of Library Experience leading all facets of the library experience program including information literacy, student engagement and reference services. A member of the Academic Engagement Leadership Team and BU Libraries’ Leadership Team, this role reports to the Associate University Librarian for Academic Engagement and Special Collections and provides strategic and operational leadership of our scaffolded information literacy program, learning-object development, campus partnerships across academic and student services informing library orientation programs, student engagement, inclusion initiatives, and community‑building. The incumbent leads program assessment and data‑informed continuous improvement to ensure equitable access to library experience programming, and measurable student success, demonstrably connecting library resources to student life and curricular goals.

The Head supervises and mentors the Library Experience Manager and the Library Experience Coordinator and serves as the liaison to the College of General Studies and Kilachand Honors College.

Strong candidates will bring expertise in information literacy that spans published sources, data and archives as appropriate for course contexts, an ability to translate institutional priorities into concrete and achievable goals and outcomes. The incumbent will be a highly collaborative leader who will deepen partnerships with academic departments, faculty, student success programs, and student services (e.g., Newbury Center, Howard Thurman Center for Common Ground, First‑Year Success, Wellbeing, tutoring centers) to co-create programming that integrates library resources into student success pathways. Preference will be given to candidates equipped to lead the creation, curation, and maintenance of scalable online learning objects, tutorials, course guides, videos, and modular teaching materials for integration into the Course Management System, LibGuides, and Teaching Objects repositories.

Preference will also be given to candidates demonstrating commitment to the profession through sustained and progressive scholarship, creative expression, and service at the state, regional, national, or international level.

Required Skills:

• Master's degree in library and/or Information Science from an ALA-accredited program, or equivalent professional experience, plus advanced degree in subject specialty.
• 5-8 years of experience.
• Demonstrated leadership experience in academic library instruction, reference services, or student engagement.
• Must have sufficient experience and expertise in library leadership, management, and the work of a team/unit/department to serve as a supervisor, advisor and mentor.
• Strong record of program development, assessment, and cross-campus partnership building.
• Experience with in-person and online instruction.
• Competence with information technologies and demonstrated effectiveness in integrating technology with traditional services and resources, particularly instruction.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, strong presentation, and customer service skills.
• Excellent analytical and organizational skills.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively as part of a team within a culturally diverse user community of faculty, students, staff, administrators, and the general public.
• Capacity to thrive in a dynamic environment, respond effectively to shifting needs and priorities of library constituents, and afford a willingness to be flexible with liaison and selector assignments as appointed.
• Flexible and forward-thinking approach to challenges and opportunities.
• Demonstrable collaborative management style and commitment to exceptional user services.
• Ability to cultivate an environment of trust, empathy, collaboration, and respect.

Preferred:

• Advanced degree in a related field, or in curricular design.
• Experience supervising librarians or professional staff.
• Experience providing instructional services and outreach in an academic or research library environment.
• Experience with curricular mapping and aligning instruction to general education competencies.
• Familiarity with learning management systems and LibGuides.
• Background in data literacy, digital literacies or pedagogy related to emerging technologies.
• Grant‑writing or budget management experience.
• Experience in a large research university environment.