Assoc. Director​/Head of Kenneth Spencer Research Library Public Servcs

Position Overview

This faculty position plays a lead role in bringing the outstanding collections of Kenneth Spencer Research Library (KSRL) to the world, and in bringing KU, Kansas, and the world to our library, virtually and in person. The Associate Director/Kenneth Spencer Research Library Head directs public services, instruction, and educational outreach, coordinating and collaborating with a group of dedicated colleagues. They share best practices in primary source literacy, building a culture of assessment for instruction.

They maintain public facing communications, oversee KSRL's exhibit program, and work in partnership to promote the library on social media and through events and activities. Reporting to the Director, Kenneth Spencer Research Library / Executive Associate Dean for Distinctive Collections, this position supervises three staff members.

KU Libraries advance research, teaching, and learning at the intersection of people and ideas. KSRL serves a wide range of users from K-12 students to visiting international researchers, welcoming over 5400 people in person in 2025, including over 700 researchers and 2100 KU student visits. The Stokstad Reading Room is open to the public and does not require appointments, and undertakes significant remote reference and digitization year round.

KU's excellence is a result of the rich tapestry of experiences, perspectives, and backgrounds of our faculty, staff, students, and colleagues from across our nation and the globe. At KU, we invest in continuous learning and growth by creating a climate where people engage in respectful dialogue and debate and support each other’s success. We foster a culture of care where each person is seen, heard and valued.

When people feel a true sense of belonging, we believe they are better able to reach their full potential and achieve remarkable things.

This position is subject to a collective bargaining unit between The University of Kansas and United Academics, that UAKU is the exclusive representative for the bargaining unit, and that it is their right to be a member or not be a member of a union without fear of personal or professional repercussions.

The successful candidate must be eligible to work in the U.S. by the effective date of the appointment.

This is a full-time, 12-month, tenure-track faculty position. Rank considerations are based on professional performance, research, and service experience sufficient to qualify for appointment at the rank of Assistant Librarian or Associate Librarian.

• Develops and implement policies and procedures for reference and access that balance security and preservation with a strong desire to remove barriers
• Manages a suite of tools to assist students and researchers in using our collections, including the library’s website, tutorials, and guides
• Serves on appropriate teams, task forces, and groups within the KU Libraries and KU.
• Participates in a variety of outreach events, special visits, and other relevant occasions, including occasional night and weekend commitments
• Works collaboratively as a member of project teams and other groups to advance the libraries’ strategic priorities
• Serves as public contact point for overall KSRL operations, and may work with media and donors to promote our collections, services, and programming

• Provides administrative oversight for reference, access, instruction, outreach, exhibits, public-facing communications, and related public services functions at Kenneth Spencer Research Library.
• Directs three staff members and a sizeable cohort of student assistants, supporting effective coordination, accountability, communication, and…