Dean of University Libraries

Classification

Title:

DEAN & UNIV LIBRARIAN

Classification

Minimum Requirements:

Master's degree in Library Science (MLS), Master's Degree in Library and Information Science (MLIS) from an ALA-accredited program, or earned terminal degree in an appropriate relevant field.

Job Description:

About the Opportunity

The Dean of University Libraries serves as the chief academic and administrative officer for the George

A. Smathers Libraries and reports directly to the Provost. The Dean will lead the university's library system in advancing research, teaching, and learning while ensuring the highest level of service to faculty, students, and the broader academic community.

Key responsibilities include:

* Developing and implementing a strategic vision for the future of UF's libraries to anticipate and meet the changing needs of our faculty, students, staff, and greater community.

* Managing a $47 million budget and staff of over 250 library professionals, faculty, and support personnel.

* Expanding digital and print collections to support interdisciplinary research and scholarship.

* Strengthening partnerships with campus stakeholders and external organizations to enhance UF's research enterprise.

* Advocating for library resources and services at the UF and state level and serving as a national and international leader and champion of academic libraries and their constituents.

* Leading fundraising efforts, securing grants, and cultivating donor relationships to enhance library programs and initiatives.

* Dedication to fostering practices that advance UF's core values.

The ideal candidate will be a forward-thinking leader with a deep understanding of the evolving landscape of academic libraries.

About the University of Florida

UF, the state's flagship institution, is a top-ranked public research university located in Gainesville. With 16 colleges, a major academic health center, and championship-winning athletics, UF is a leader in education, research, and innovation. Its 2,000-acre campus integrates historic charm with state-of-the-art facilities and preserved natural spaces, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration. Ranked 7th among U.S. public universities in the 2026 U.S. News Best Colleges rankings, UF continues to drive advancements across multiple fields.

With over 62,000 students, 32,000 employees, and a $10 billion annual budget, UF is among the largest and most well-funded universities in the nation. A member of the prestigious Association of American Universities (AAU), UF boasts 6,600+ faculty, including National Academy members and award-winning scholars. In 2025, UF research expenditure surpassed $1.3 billion, demonstrating a strong commitment to discovery and technological advancement.

The university leads in artificial intelligence education, incorporating AI into 230+ courses taught by 350 faculty, supported by Hi Per Gator , the most powerful university-owned supercomputer in the U.S.

UF's strength lies in its comprehensive academic offerings, robust state support, and forward-thinking vision. With continuous growth and transformation, UF is dedicated to its mission "to be a premier university that the state, nation, and world look to for leadership." For more information, visit (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)..

About the George

A. Smathers Libraries

The George

A. Smathers Libraries system is a leading academic resource, serving as members of prominent library organizations such as Association of Research Libraries (ARL), Association of Southeastern Research Libraries (ASERL), Center for Research Libraries (CRL), and Coalition for Networked Information (CNI). Within Florida, they are part of Council of State University Libraries (CSUL) and Members Council on Library Services (MCLS), representing all 40 public state universities and colleges.

The library system includes seven campus libraries and multiple off-campus facilities, making it the largest academic information resource in Florida. These libraries, including the Architecture and Fine Arts Library, Education Library, Health Science Center Libraries, Library West, Marston Science Library, and Smathers Library, report to the Dean of University Libraries, while the Lawton Chiles Legal Information Center is overseen by the Dean of the Levin College of Law.

The system is supported by a staff of over 70 tenured and tenure-track faculty, more than 180 professional and technical staff, and approximately 150 student employees. For more information, visit UF Libraries.

The Smathers Libraries system house over 5.37 million print, microform, and tangible volumes, alongside access to 4.3 million external online resources, including full-text journals, e-books, streaming media, databases, and government documents. The University of Florida Digital Collections (UFDC) provide open access to more than 1.2 million items for preservation and scholarly use. These libraries also feature nationally and internationally significant research collections, such as the Latin American & Caribbean Collection,…