Dean of University Libraries

Dean of University Libraries

Job No: 540689
Work Type: Full Time
Location: Main Campus (Gainesville, FL)
Categories: Executive/Director/Management
Department:  - LB-DIRECTOR'S OFFICE-ADMIN

Job Description
Classification

Title:

DEAN & UNIV LIBRARIAN

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.

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.

UF,thestate sflagshipinstitution, is a top-ranked public research universitylocatedin 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 withstate-of-the-art facilities and preserved natural spaces, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration. Ranked 7th among U.S. public universities inthe
2026U.S. News Best Colleges rankings, UF continues to drive advancements across multiple fields.

With over 62,000students,32,000 employees, and a $10 billionannual budget, UF is amongthelargest and most well-funded universities inthenation. A member oftheprestigious Association of American Universities (AAU), UF boasts 6,600+ faculty, including National Academy members and award-winning  2025, UF research expenditure surpassed $1.3 billion,demonstratinga strong commitment to discovery and technological advancement.

The university leads in artificial intelligence education, incorporatingAI into 230+courses taught by 350 faculty, supported byHi Per Gator ,themost powerful university-owned supercomputer intheU.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 www.ufl.edu
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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…