Assistant University Librarian, Director, Hardin Library Health Sciences; U Iowa

The University of Iowa Libraries has exclusively retained Jack Farrell & Associates to find the successful candidate for this position. Interested candidates should provide a CV and cover letter by email to Amy Morse by January 12, 2026, for priority consideration.

Iowa City, IA

Assistant University Librarian, Director of the Hardin Library for the Health Sciences.

This is a pivotal opportunity for an experienced professional who is inspired by the challenge of strengthening access to health information and advancing education, research, and clinical excellence across the state of Iowa and beyond. The role is based in Iowa City, IA and relocation assistance is available. Iowa City was included in Livability’s “TOP 100 Best Places to Live 2025.”

• Provide strategic leadership to a team of 18 (with four direct reports) in the Hardin Library for the Health Sciences, ensuring that its programs, services, and initiatives align with institutional priorities in teaching, research, and clinical care.
• Serve as an advocate and ambassador for the Hardin Library and its user community, representing its interests in partnership with the University Librarian and the Associate University Librarian for Teaching, Learning, and Research at institutional, state, and national levels.
• Oversee all aspects of library operations, including strategic planning, resource allocation, and policy development, with a focus on innovation, accountability, and measurable impact in consultation with the Associate University Librarian for Teaching, Learning, and Research.
• Cultivate and sustain strong partnerships with the five health colleges, UI Health Care, and other campus libraries, ensuring seamless access to information resources and integrated research support.
• Champion the integration of information and data literacy across health sciences curricula and clinical environments, advancing lifelong learning and evidence-based practice.
• Use data and assessment to inform decisions, demonstrate value, and drive continuous improvement, setting clear objectives, and regularly evaluating the outcomes of library services and programs.
• Mentor, empower, and support library staff, modeling effective communication and cultivating a collaborative, welcoming, and future‑oriented workplace culture.
• Serve as Principal Investigator for the University of Iowa’s NNLM grant (contingent on continued funding), ensuring high‑quality program delivery and alignment with national priorities.
• Represent the Hardin Library in professional and scholarly communities, engaging with regional and national organizations to advance the visibility and leadership of the University of Iowa in health sciences librarianship.

• Deep understanding of current and emerging trends in health sciences librarianship, information management, and emerging scholarly practices of relevance to the health sciences.
• Proven success in leading teams and guiding organizational change within complex academic, research, or clinical environments.
• Exceptional communication, partnership‑building, and stakeholder engagement skills, with a record of fostering collaboration across disciplines and units.
• Demonstrated commitment to advancing health education, research, and evidence‑based practice through innovative library services and programs.
• Established ability to design, implement, and adapt strategic and operational plans that align with institutional priorities and evolving organizational structures; and
• A forward‑looking vision for how academic health sciences libraries can shape the next decade of health education, clinical care, and research.

This is a rare opportunity to make a lasting impact in a state where libraries and higher education play a vital role in advancing public health and community well‑being. The Assistant University Librarian, Director will join a university deeply committed to service, collaboration, and innovation even in a challenging environment. For the right leader, this is a chance to build partnerships, inspire progress, and leave a legacy of access, and excellence while having a visible impact on healthcare across the state of Iowa.