Job Description

Position Summary

Boston University (BU), a leading global research institution and member of the Association of American Universities (AAU) and the Association for Research Libraries (ARL), seeks a strategic, collaborative, and forward-thinking leader to serve as its next University Librarian.

The University Librarian will articulate and implement a bold, future-oriented vision for BU Libraries as essential academic and research infrastructure that supports student success, faculty scholarship, and global engagement. This is a transformative moment for BU Libraries, including the fundraising and planning for the eventual renovation and reimagination of Mugar Memorial Library as a central hub for research, innovation, collaboration, and community.

Serving a vibrant and diverse academic community across the Charles River Campus—including 14 schools and colleges and our faculty in computing and data sciences—BU Libraries provides access to extensive research collections, distinctive special collections, and innovative services supporting teaching, interdisciplinary scholarship, and emerging research fields. Signature collections include the African Studies Library, the Music Library, and the Howard Gotlieb Archival Research Center.

Reporting to the Associate Provost for Academic Initiatives and Operational Excellence, the University Librarian is a member of the Provost’s Cabinet and serves as the chief administrative officer of BU Libraries. The successful candidate will bring progressively responsible leadership experience in research-intensive academic libraries, a demonstrated ability to lead complex organizations, and a compelling strategy for the evolving role of academic libraries in a digital, data-driven, and interdisciplinary research environment.

Responsibilities

Strategic & Financial Leadership

• Develop and implement a comprehensive, data-informed strategic plan aligned with BU’s academic and research priorities.
• Establish clear performance goals and accountability measures for BU Libraries.
• Ensure transparent, sustainable financial planning and resource allocation practices that support collections, staffing, technology, and facilities.
• Lead organizational assessment and continuous improvement efforts.

Organizational Leadership & Culture

• Foster a culture of collaboration, accountability, transparency, and mutual respect.
• Lead and support a high-performing leadership team.
• Strengthen internal communication, decision-making clarity, and shared governance practices.
• Recruit, develop, and retain outstanding librarians and staff and support professional growth and advancement pathways.
• Promote an inclusive and welcoming environment for staff, faculty, and students.

Academic & Research Partnership

• Position BU Libraries as a strategic partner in research, teaching, and scholarly communication across the BU community.
• Articulate and lead a unifying vision and strategy that engages faculty, staff, and students across diverse academic disciplines.
• Advance innovation in digital scholarship, open access, research data services, and emerging technologies.
• Champion the responsible and impactful use of AI to expand research capabilities, enhance discovery and improve the student and faculty experience, and modernize library services and support.
• Support interdisciplinary research communities and evolving pedagogical needs.

Facilities & Capital Planning

• Lead planning and eventual execution of the renovation and reimagining of Mugar Memorial Library.
• Collaborate with campus partners to design physical and digital environments that reflect contemporary research and student learning needs.

External Engagement & Advancement

• Serve as an advocate for BU Libraries locally, nationally, and internationally.
• Partner with Advancement to develop a compelling philanthropic vision for BU Libraries.
• Secure external funding through grants and donor engagement.
• Strengthen relationships with alumni, community partners, library consortia, and peer institutions.

University Leadership

• Collaborate closely with deans, faculty leaders, and senior administrators.
• Advise University leadership on matters related to research infrastructure, scholarly communication, information policy, and academic innovation.

Required Skills

Required Qualifications

• Significant leadership experience in academic libraries.
• Proficiency, active experience, and achievement in strategic planning, financial stewardship, and resource prioritization.
• Demonstrated track record of professional engagement and achievement.
• Deep understanding of trends in higher education and academic librarianship, such as information literacy, scholarly communication, digital scholarship, open access, and research data management.
• Experience fostering healthy organizational culture and high-performing teams.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and executive leadership skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior library leadership position within an R1 university setting
• Experience with fundraising, donor relations, or grant development.

Education

An advanced degree in library and information science or a related field is required; additional academic credentials are preferred.

Compensation

Boston University will provide a competitive compensation and benefits package appropriate for a position of this scope, stature, and level of responsibility. 

Application Process and Contact Information

A resume or CV and cover letter that describes how your experiences fit within the mission of BU Libraries must be submitted for full consideration by the committee.  While nominations and applications will be accepted until a new University Librarian is selected, interested parties are strongly encouraged to submit their materials before May 18th, 2026 to ensure full consideration. 

Application materials should be submitted to the Search Advisory Committee via email to Gina Ford, gford@bu.edu or through the Boston University Human Resources website.

We are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, natural or protective hairstyle, religion, sex, age, national origin, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, military service, pregnancy or pregnancy-related condition, or because of marital, parental, or veteran status. We are a VEVRAA Federal Contractor.

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