University Librarian

Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri seeks a dynamic leader to serve as University Librarian. This is a key position in the administration of the university and an exciting time to be involved in planning for the future. The University Librarian will provide strong leadership and develop and implement strategic plans that will continue to integrate the libraries into the intellectual life of the university. The University Librarian will develop strong collaborative relationships that move the libraries forward toward excellence in meeting the constantly changing needs of the academic community.

Washington University, a medium-sized, independent university, is dedicated to challenging its faculty and students alike to seek new knowledge and greater understanding of an ever-changing, multicultural world. The university is counted among the world’s leaders in teaching and research, and draws students and faculty to St. Louis from all 50 states and more than 110 nations. The university is highly regarded for its commitment to excellence in learning. Its programs, administration, libraries, facilities, resources and activities combine to further its mission of teaching, research and service to society. In the Fall of 2010, Washington University enrolled nearly 12,000 full-time students and 2,000 part-time students. The University is composed of 7 schools – Arts & Sciences; Medicine; Social Work; Law; Engineering; the John M. Olin School of Business, and the Sam Fox School of Design and Visual Arts, which includes the College of Art, the College of Architecture and the Mildred Lane Kemper Museum.

Washington University’s 12 libraries (10 on the Danforth campus, one at the School of Medicine, and one on our West Campus) bring extensive collections, comfortable facilities and expert librarians within easy reach of students, faculty and visitors. The stunning John M. Olin Library stands at the center of the Danforth Campus. Olin Library’s location, collections, diverse study areas, technology center, exhibits, helpful staff and café offering 24-hour study space make it one of the most popular destinations on campus.

A member of the Association of Research Libraries, the Libraries are a great academic partner for Washington University students and faculty, who can manage their library accounts online and gain access to thousands of databases, journals and other digital resources from nearly anywhere at any hour. The Libraries’ physical collections include millions of books, periodicals, maps, rare books, literary manuscripts and audio-visual titles.

The University Librarian manages a $25M budget and 135+ professional and support staff, with collections and service points in nine locations on the Danforth and West campuses. Candidates should bring a track record of excellence in senior academic library administration along with a proven commitment to outstanding service and a vision for the library in the 21st century. They should also possess the interpersonal and collaborative skills necessary to develop internal and external relations and partnerships, as well as a commitment to, fundraising. Candidates should possess academic credentials appropriate to the leadership of a modern research-intensive library.

We welcome nominations of candidates (including self-nominations) and we also welcome direct applications for the position. At this initial stage, we ask only for a letter of interest that states the candidate’s background and reasons for interest in the position, as well as a curriculum vita. Alan Wichlei, Vice President, and Beverly Brady, Senior Associate from Isaacson, Miller have been engaged to assist Washington University with the search.

Please direct all inquiries, nominations, and applications in confidence to Beverly Brady, Isaacson, Miller, 263 Summer Street, Boston, MA, 02210; email: WashingtonUniversityLibrarian@imsearch.com. Electronic submission of materials is strongly encouraged.

Washington University is an equal opportunity/equal access/affirmative action institution. Women and minorities are encouraged to apply.

For more information about Washington University, please visit its website at www.wustl.edu.