Assistant Dean, Library in Richmond, Virginia at Virginia Union University

Virginia Union University (VUU) is a distinguished private institution founded in 1865 that proudly upholds a legacy of academic excellence and community engagement. With a historic 86-acre campus, it offers a dynamic and nurturing environment for its 1,568 undergraduate and graduate students. Virginia Union University is recognized in the 2024 edition of U.S. News & World Report, holding a prestigious position as #39 among Historically Black Colleges and Universities.

VUU provides a robust array of academic programs, including 35 Bachelor's, 11 Master's, and one Doctoral degree. Virginia Union University remains steadfast in its commitment to offering accessible, high-quality education, instilling a sense of assurance and confidence in its students. It fosters a vibrant intellectual community dedicated to the holistic development of future leaders.

Five fundamental principles (core values) guide Virginia Union University. Each principle is essential to our ability to provide a Best-In-Class educational experience for students, faculty, and staff. These principles help our community understand the right path to fulfilling our institution's mission. The principles are Innovation, Spiritual Formation, Integrity, Diversity & Inclusion, and Excellence.

The Assistant Dean of the Library provides strategic leadership, operational management, and administrative oversight for the University's library system. Working closely with the Dean of Libraries, Provost, faculty, staff, and students, the Assistant Dean supports the development and delivery of innovative library services, information resources, research support, academic technologies, and student success initiatives. The Assistant Dean is responsible for advancing the library's mission through effective management of library operations, personnel, collections, technology resources, assessment activities, and strategic planning while ensuring alignment with institutional goals, accreditation standards, and best practices in higher education.

Responsibilities

• Support the development and implementation of the library's strategic plan and annual goals.
• Participate in institutional planning, accreditation, assessment, and academic success initiatives.
• Assist with policy development, operational procedures, and service improvement efforts.
• Represent the library at university committees, meetings, and professional organizations.
• Oversee daily library operations, including circulation, reference services, archives, special collections, and resource management.
• Ensure high-quality customer service and support for students, faculty, staff, and community users.
• Coordinate library programming, workshops, exhibits, and outreach activities.
• Collaborate with faculty to support curriculum development, research initiatives, and information literacy instruction.
• Support faculty scholarship, digital research projects, and institutional repository initiatives.
• Assist in developing library instruction programs that strengthen information literacy competencies.
• Assist in managing library collections, including print, electronic, and multimedia resources.
• Evaluate collection needs and recommend acquisitions to support academic programs and research.
• Monitor usage statistics and assess resource effectiveness.
• Collaborate with faculty and academic departments regarding collection priorities.
• Assist in developing and managing library budgets and resource allocations.
• Monitor expenditures and ensure responsible stewardship of library funds.
• Support grant development, fundraising efforts, and external funding opportunities.
• Prepare reports related to library operations, budgets, and assessment outcomes.
• Supervise librarians, support staff, student employees, and other assigned personnel.
• Assist with recruitment, onboarding, training, performance evaluations, and professional development activities.
• Support institutional accreditation processes and reporting requirements.
• Collect, analyze, and report library assessment data and performance metrics.
• Ensure compliance with copyright regulations, licensing agreements, accessibility standards, and university policies.
• Assist with program reviews and continuous improvement initiatives.

Education

• Master's degree in Library and Information Science (MLIS/MLS) from an ALA-accredited institution.
• Minimum of 5-7 years of progressively responsible library experience, including supervisory or leadership responsibilities.
• Must be able to lift 10 pounds.

Application Process

Candidates are required to submit their resume, four professional references and a cover letter. The application review will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. A background investigation and reference check will be required prior to employment. For any questions or concerns, please contact Askhr@vuu.edu.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Virginia Union University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We consider qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, disability, gender identity, protected veteran status, or other protected class.

For more information about Virginia Union University, visit VUU About Page.