The University of Illinois at Chicago invites expressions of interest and nominations for the position of University Librarian and Dean of Libraries. The University seeks an experienced and strategic leader who will create a vision and a plan to advance the mission of the University by building on the Library's momentum to provide innovative services to diverse users and communities. The Dean reports to the Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, is the executive officer for the University Library and is a permanent member of the University Deans Council.

Through its 16 colleges, UIC produces nationally and internationally recognized multidisciplinary academic programs in concert with civic, corporate and community partners worldwide. As a Carnegie RU/VH research institution, and the largest university in Chicago, it currently enjoys the strongest enrollment growth in Illinois. In 2018, UIC’s enrollment reached 31,683 students, constituting the fourth year of increased enrollment. UIC is on target to continue this trend in Fall 2019. By emphasizing cutting-edge and transformational research along with a commitment to the success of all students, UIC embodies the dynamic, vibrant and engaged urban university. Recent “Best Colleges” rankings published by U.S. News & World Report, found UIC climbed in its ranking among all national universities. In addition, UIC also ranked top 10 on Wall Street Journal’s and Times Higher Education rankings.

To provide for the teaching, learning, research, and practice needs of this community, the University Library, one of the 16 colleges, employs approximately 50 faculty and 85 staff. Librarians hold faculty status, are active researchers and are engaged in significant campus and professional service. The UIC Library faculty ranks 6th among U.S. academic library faculties in the number of articles published in peer-reviewed journals. The Library is proud of its focus on access, inclusion, and integration of collections and services as articulated in its strategic plan. The Library faculty is actively embedded in the curricula across disciplines through its liaison relationships with each college and departments across colleges. The Library holds 2.2 million print volumes and provides access to more than 60,000 journals online, over 625 databases, and 800,000 eBooks. Its 28,000 linear feet of special collections includes significant resources on the history and culture of Chicago, including the papers of Mayor Richard J. Daley, Mayor Richard M. Daley, the Chicago Urban League and the personal libraries of Mies van der Rohe, Jane Addams and Ernst Cassirer. Manuscript and book collections are particularly strong in the areas of social justice and social welfare and include the records of the Hull-House settlement, the Immigrant’s Protective League and the Industrial Areas Foundation. The UIC University Library is a leader in collaborative efforts among libraries, archives, and museums in the region and is a member of the Association of Research Libraries.

The UIC University Library has five physical locations: the Richard J. Daley Library that serves the humanities, social sciences, physical sciences, engineering and social work; and the Library of the Health Sciences-Chicago and its regional libraries in Peoria and Rockford. These libraries serve the Colleges of Medicine, Nursing, Dentistry, Pharmacy, Applied Health, and Public Health. Core collections that support the regional programs of the Colleges of Medicine and Nursing and a Library liaison are located on-site in Urbana. The librarian of the recently acquired UIC John Marshall Law School has an indirect reporting line to the Dean of Libraries. Several UIC library buildings have been renovated to increase the service functions offered to students and faculty.

Candidates for University Librarian and Dean of Libraries at UIC should possess the following qualifications:
• Significant and progressive library administrative experience, management skills and an understanding of the operations, disciplines and goals of a major public research university including the health sciences and law.
• Proven capacity to lead faculty and staff effectively and initiate innovative projects in an academic or research library.
• An understanding of major challenges facing academic research libraries today, particularly in a public university. Evidence of engagement in working toward meeting these challenges.
• Steadfast commitment to diversity and to continuing programs to achieve inclusion among Library faculty and staff and to provide services that meet the needs of a diverse population of students and scholars.
• Ability to be an advocate for the Library and Library faculty and staff.
• A strong record of scholarship and publication.
• A history of building, enhancing and sustaining partnerships across the university, region and nation.
• A record of securing external funds through grants and private fundraising.
• An MLIS or equivalent degree from an ALA-accredited program is strongly preferred as well as a second advanced degree.

For fullest consideration, please complete an electronic application, including a letter of interest, curriculum vitae, and the names and contact information for a minimum of three references by Wednesday, October 9th, addressed to the search committee co-chairs, Dr. Astrida Orle Tantillo, Dean, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences and Dr. Clark Stanford, Dean, College of Dentistry.

Please direct nominations and questions or concerns regarding the search and/or application process to the search coordinator, Faizan Abid, fabid2@uic.edu. Confidentiality will be observed in the academic search process.

The University of Illinois at Chicago is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer. Women, minorities, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.

The University of Illinois conducts background checks on all job candidates upon acceptance of contingent offer of employment. Background checks will be performed in compliance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act.