Associate University Librarian for Academic Engagement

University of Richmond

About The Position

The Associate University Librarian (AUL) for Academic Engagement provides senior leadership for the libraries’ teaching, research, and user engagement programs. Reporting to the University Librarian, the AUL supervises four department heads (Research & Instruction, Book Arts/Archives/Rare Books, Parsons Music Library, and Access, Communications & Outreach Services) and ensures that each unit’s programs are strategically aligned, visible, and well-integrated across the University. In this role, the AUL advances academic engagement by strengthening partnerships with faculty, departments, academic centers, and student success initiatives. The position emphasizes strategic direction, coordinated planning, and support for department heads as they lead programs, spaces, collections, and staff in their respective areas. As a member of the senior leadership team, the AUL contributes to strategic planning, policy development, and organizational decision-making across the libraries. The position also serves as a key coordinator with the Weinstein Learning Center and the Faculty Hub, strengthening connections between library programs and broader institutional initiatives that support teaching innovation, student learning, and faculty development.

Requirements

Thorough knowledge of academic library instruction, research services, and user experience practices.
Demonstrated ability to support, collaborate with, and advocate for distinctive collections, archives, rare books, creative practice programs, or disciplinary branch libraries.
Experience leading through unit heads and fostering cross-unit alignment.
Skill in supervising and mentoring department heads and managing complex teams.
Ability to analyze trends in higher education and apply them to library service models.
Ability to assess services, interpret data, and implement improvements.
Ability to communicate effectively with diverse stakeholders and represent the library in academic and professional settings.
Ability to cultivate a respectful, inclusive environment where belonging is actively supported.
Master’s degree in library and information science from an ALA-accredited program.
Graduate degree in a humanities discipline or comparable graduate-level training or professional experience supporting humanities research, teaching, or creative practice.
Minimum 7 years of progressively responsible experience in an academic or research library.
5 years of supervisory experience managing multiple units, complex teams, or cross-unit initiatives.
Experience in information literacy and research support required, with additional experience in user services preferred.

Nice To Haves

Experience with assessment and evidence-based service improvement.

Responsibilities

Provides strategic leadership for academic engagement programs, aligning services with library and university priorities.
Coordinates strategies across Boatwright Memorial Library, Parsons Music Library, and with campus partners such as the Weinstein Learning Center and Faculty Hub to create an integrated model of student and faculty support.
Supervises and mentors four department heads, fostering collaboration, accountability, and professional development.
Oversees resolution of service overlaps to ensure well-coordinated, complementary, and user-centered support.
Sets strategic direction for information literacy, digital literacy, and AI literacy across library programs.
Works with Research & Instruction to design and deliver initiatives aligned with institutional priorities.
Strengthens partnerships with academic departments, schools, and research centers in close collaboration with department heads.
Supports and highlights the scholarly, creative, instructional, and public engagement work led by Research & Instruction, Parsons Music Library, and Book Arts/Archives/Rare Books.
Works with the Head of Book Arts/Archives/Rare Books to promote meaningful integration of distinctive collections and creative practice into teaching, research, exhibitions, community partnerships, and undergraduate research.
Guides Access Services in shaping user-centered service models.
Supports the department head in planning staffing models, referral structures, and service point evaluation to ensure consistency and equitable user experience across library spaces.
Champions assessment of services, spaces, and programs, using evidence to inform planning and improvement.
Incorporates student success, wellness, and belonging into assessment, and aligns findings with financial, operational, and digital planning in partnership with other AULs.
Represents the Libraries in committees, councils, and professional organizations as appropriate.