Library Director

The Director works collaboratively with library personnel to fulfill the college’s mission through the provision of library resources and services; facilitates the Library’s long-term and strategic planning processes; fosters cooperative relationships with external stakeholders and agencies to enhance resources and services available; develops and administers the library’s budget and resources; and oversees the development and performance of library faculty and staff.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES and RESPONSIBILITIES:
Library Mission

• Encourages library participation in student learning and curricular development,
• Encourages partnership between librarians and faculty in teaching and scholarship. “
• Fosters a strong working relationship with the ITS department.
• Fosters collaborations and connections between the library and other offices with intersecting goals in support of the curriculum.

Departmental planning and development

• Helps the department plan for future work.
• Guides and encourages continuing library development.
• Provide wise leadership in the recruitment of new librarians and staff.
• Administers the library’s budget.

Personnel management

• Sets clear expectations.
• Assesses faculty/staff fairly and professionally.
• Distributes recognition, rewards, and responsibilities fairly.
• Recognizes special needs and special gifts of individuals and encourages good use of them.

Collegial leadership

• Acts with a collegial and respectful style.
• Seeks consensus in the decision-making process.
• Offers an open administrative approach.
• Explains the basis for decisions.
• Models commitment to the college as a whole.

The Library Director, along with the librarians and College Archivist, shares responsibility for defining and delivering research-based services, including collection development, library instruction, and research assistance, to the faculty, students, and staff of Luther College.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Librarians and College Archivist
• Public Services staff

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE and SKILLS:

Education:

• Master’s degree in library or information science from an ALA-accredited program

Experience:

• Experience in library administration or a related field, with demonstrated success in managing staff and resources
• Strong knowledge of library operations and procedures, including collection development, cataloging, reference, and circulation services
• Excellent organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills
• Familiarity with current library technologies and their applications in library services and operations
• Affinity for the instructional goals and student experience found in a residential liberal arts college.
• Experience working with library materials for instruction and outreach.
• Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in library services and operations.
• Ability to cultivate and develop inclusive and equitable working relationships with students, faculty, staff, alumni, parents, and friends of the college

PHYSICAL DEMANDS and WORK ENVIRONMENT:

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand, walk, and sit. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 40 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision.
Employment is contingent upon satisfactory results from a background check and verification of professional credentials.