Dean of Libraries

Loyola University New Orleans seeks an innovative individual committed to promoting and fostering excellence in teaching, research, professional practice and service as its next Dean of Libraries. Specifically, the Monroe Library of Loyola University New Orleans seeks a visionary and collaborative Dean to lead in the realization of our Jesuit values as expressed through our commitments to (1) social justice, diversity, equity, and inclusion; (2) discovery and reflection; (3) engagement and collaboration; and (4) care and respect.

The J. Edgar & Louise S. Monroe Library is the main university library, serving both undergraduate and graduate programs, and there are no branch libraries. The Library’s primary focus is the University’s undergraduate population, but new resources and services  are under continual development to serve the University’s graduate and professional programs. The Monroe Library is a team-based organization  that engages in a continuous process of organizational renewal. As a learning organization, the Library regularly reexamines its structure and work patterns to ensure that it remains flexible and is able to respond effectively to the needs of the University community. The Monroe Library’s reputation has been built upon its high standards of excellence, its beautiful, comfortable, and inviting facility, and the culture of outstanding service that has been developed by the Library faculty and staff.

Loyola University New Orleans is a Jesuit, Catholic University that educates diverse leaders    dedicated to academic excellence, social justice, compassion and service. Consistent with the University’s mission, Loyola University New Orleans welcomes candidates who demonstrate strong commitments to fostering inclusion and equity in a culturally diverse environment. Loyola University New Orleans is enjoying a revitalized sense of forward momentum through academic partnerships and community impact.

As the academic and administrative leader of the College, the Dean will foster a strong sense of community that is closely tied to, and extends the commitment to, Ignatian values. This is an exciting opportunity to grow innovative networks, enhance interactions with other Colleges and schools at Loyola University New Orleans, and to propel the Library and Loyola to national recognition as an entrepreneurial and visionary university.

The Dean will be charged with implementing the Library’s recent strategic plan. The Dean will have the appropriate background and experience to ensure full and robust adherence to   all aspects of the state and national accreditation standards to which the Library and the University are committed. The Dean sets the standard of intellectual engagement and accomplishment for the Library. The Dean provides strategic vision and operational leadership, creating an environment and community that supports the Library’s faculty, students and staff and its partners in the community while promoting excellence in teaching and learning. The Dean has responsibility for the fiscal integrity of the Library, providing leadership and setting an ambitious agenda for fundraising.

Qualified candidates will possess a Master’s degree in Information and/or Library Science from an ALA-accredited program. Additional advanced degree(s) preferred; a record of professional and academic accomplishment commensurate with the rank of a tenured library faculty member; and a background that is commensurate to that of a Full Professor with tenure is highly desired.

Additional desired experience includes: demonstrated commitment to the values and vision of Loyola University as an educational institution operating in a context of Jesuit and Catholic mission; demonstrated experience of at least seven years in academic libraries, including significant success in the administration of an academic library; a minimum of five years of experience as a Dean, Associate Dean, or other senior leadership position gained within an academic institution; demonstrated commitment to diversity and programming to achieve inclusion among Library faculty and staff, and to provide services that meet the needs of a diverse population of students and scholars; knowledge of issues, trends, and models relevant to the contemporary academic library; successful track record of recruitment and development of faculty; demonstrated success as a leader with a record of solid performance as a skilled manager with the ability to meet budgets, develop people, work collaboratively and take risks to achieve goals; experience in the development and successful implementation of new library programs and initiatives; proven track record of working collaboratively across disciplines; active involvement in relevant professional associations; a national reputation as a leader within the field of library sciences; experience with and knowledge of accreditation standards for academic libraries; demonstrated record of designing, initiating, and implementing a suite of mission- driven library programs; evidence of a participatory leadership style and ability to manage conflict effectively and to take decisive action in a fair and equitable manner, when necessary; and successful experience with community engagement at institutional, local, regional, and national scales.

The leadership profile can be found here: https://www.agbsearch.com/searches/dean-of-libraries-loyola-university-new-orleans.

AGB Search is pleased to assist Loyola University New Orleans with this important search. To apply for the Dean of the Monroe Library position, candidates are requested to submit the following: a Letter of Interest that responds to the Position Profile and the specific  qualifications for the Dean of the Monroe Library; a current resume or CV; and contact information for five professional references (to be contacted with candidate’s permission later). Materials (in Word or PDF) should be sent to LoyolaNOLibrary@agbsearch.com by April 24, 2022, for best consideration.

Nominations and expressions of interest in the dean of the library opportunity are encouraged. Please direct them to LoyolaNOLibrary@agbsearch.com or to the AGB search team listed below:

Dr. Gwendolyn Boyd, Executive Search Consultant, Gwendolyn.boyd@agbsearch.com, C: 301-538-1019

Dr. Wayne Wormley, Executive Search Consultant, wayne.wormley@agbsearch.com, C: 215-432-7913

Anne Hoffman, Executive Search Associate, anne.hoffman@agbsearch.com

Loyola University New Orleans does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, sexual orientation, age, religion, disability, veteran’s status or national origin in its educational programs or activities, including employment and admissions. At the same time, Loyola cherishes its right to seek and retain personnel who will make a positive contribution to its religious character, goals, and mission in order to enhance the Jesuit, Catholic tradition.