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LIBRARY - Dean Library

Job Classification

  Executive Admin FT (75-100%)

Position summary

The Dean of Libraries reports to the provost and shall consult with the provost regularly. The dean is responsible for the James White Library, the Architecture Resource Center, the Music Materials Center, and the Center for Adventist Research as well as all personnel and activities within those facilities. With the assistance of the directors, the professional librarians and the staff, the dean shall perform the essential functions.

Qualifications summary

The successful individual shall (i) perform the essential responsibilities satisfactorily; (ii) have excellent leadership and communication skills, planning and organizational skills, be detail oriented, and (iii) foster intercultural dialogue and understanding.


Must be a Seventh-day Adventist in good and regular standing.

Duties and responsibilities

Essential Responsibilities


  1. Develop and implement the libraries’ strategic plan and provide oversight of the professional development of the faculty and staff;

  2. Provide visionary leadership to the library employees to effectively achieve the library’s strategic goals and ensure professional development of employees.

  3. Develop and further new initiatives, services, and apply emerging technologies to foster learning and research

  4. Develop policies, in consultation with directors, professional librarians, administration, and faculty concerning the development and provision of library resources and services;

  5. Develop short- and long-range plans for the libraries, consistent with the vision, mission, and goals of the university;

  6. Maintain well-organized procedures for the selection, acquisition and cataloging of books, periodicals and other library materials to support the university curricula;

  7. Oversee the various special services of the libraries, but not limited to: the Mary Jane Mitchell Media Center, seminary library, music materials center, Center for Adventist Research, the Architecture Resource Center house, and specialized collections;

  8. Prepare the annual library budget for the president via the usual channels, and authorize the expenditure of budgeted library funds;

  9. Recommend to administration the appointment of directors and professional librarians. In consultation with directors, deans, and department heads, the dean shall appoint staff members. Directors and department heads shall select student workers and notify the dean;

  10. Regularly update job descriptions and evaluate directors, professional librarians, and staff members;

  11. Serve as secretary of the university Library Council (see policy #1:610:9);

  12. Maintain close contact with the deans of the schools by attending school faculty meetings as needed, and assessing future needs.

  13. Consult in planning processes to add new academic programs and courses in order to plan for, and provide necessary support;

  14. Have a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing the academic library in the prevailing higher education environment

  15. Implement the budget under the supervision of the vice president for finance and the controller;

  16. Serve as an advisory member of the graduate and undergraduate councils;

  17. Serve as chair of the library faculty and the library Administrative Committee. 

  18. Demonstrate ability to work effectively in a culturally-diverse environment.

  19. Exercise sound, unbiased judgment in solving problems and managing conflict in a Christ-like manner



Supervisory responsibilities

Supervise the deans, department chairs, faculty and staff within the library.

Qualifications

The successful individual shall (i) perform the essential responsibilities satisfactorily; (ii) have excellent leadership and communication skills, planning and organizational skills, be detail oriented, and (iii) foster intercultural dialogue and understanding.

The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required:

Exemplifies a Seventh-day Adventist Christian lifestyle.

Demonstrates a genuine love for and commitment to Andrews University.

Manifests leadership and people skills including conflict management.

Demonstrates excellent communication skills.

Displays exceptional time management and organizational qualities.

Is a consummate example of servant leadership.

Exercise sound judgment in interpreting library policies and procedures.

Has the capacity to mentor library faculty and staff.

Possesses excellent presentation skills.

Has the ability to conduct meetings according to acceptable parliamentary procedures.

Education and Experience

Master of Library Science Required.

Minimum of five years library leadership experience on a university campus.

Qualified to hold library faculty rank at Andrews University

Experience managing complex budgets

Experience supervising library faculty, staff and student employees

Experience working with campus and academic leadership, and persons from diverse backgrounds


Must be a Seventh-day Adventist in good and regular standing.

Technical competencies

N/A

Interpersonal interactions


  1. Demonstrate ability to work effectively in a culturally-diverse environment.

  2. Exercise sound, unbiased judgment in solving problems and managing conflict in a Christ-like manner



Physical demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is regularly required to sit. The employee is frequently required to stand; walk; use hands to feel; talk and hear. The employee is occasionally required to reach with hands and arms; climb or balance and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.

Work environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Work is primarily performed in an office setting with appropriate climate controls. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.