Dean of Libraries & Archives

Dean of Libraries & Archives

Job ID: 297675
Location: Columbus State University
Full/Part Time: Full Time
Regular/Temporary: Regular

About Us

Great universities inspire the very best in us. They nurture new ideas, fresh perspectives, and creative problem-solving. They challenge students to discover their passions - and to turn those passions into thriving careers that improve our world.

Columbus State University is exactly that kind of place. With exceptional facilities, ideal class sizes, and unique field experiences, our students have room to create. Here, every faculty and staff member is part of the educational process, actively mentoring students and championing each new step in their journey.

Located just 100 miles southwest of Atlanta, CSU is part of the University System of Georgia and offers a variety of benefits to full-time benefits-eligible employees and some of our half-time (or more) employees. Benefits that may be elected could include health insurance, dental insurance, life insurance, Teachers Retirement System (or Optional Retirement Plan), as well as earned vacation time, sick leave, and 13 paid holidays (if applicable). Also, our full-time employees who have been employed with us successfully for more than 6 months can be considered for the Tuition Assistance Program. Consider applying with us today!

Department Information

Library

Job Summary

Columbus State University seeks an innovative and strategic leader to serve as the Dean of Libraries & Archives, overseeing a system that supports the academic and creative work of our two unique campuses. The Dean will guide the Simon Schwob Memorial Library on the Main Campus, an essential resource for interdisciplinary research, teaching, and student success, as well as the RiverPark Music & Art Libraries, which provides specialized resources for the fine and performing arts. This position requires a transformative leader who can ensure that both physical and digital collections remain responsive to contemporary scholarship and instruction.

The Dean of the Columbus State University (CSU) Libraries & Archives is the central administrator and reports directly to the Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs. The Dean provides vision, academic leadership, direction and expert administration, and fosters excellence in scholarly activity, community engagement and service. The Dean positively represents the Libraries & Archives and University to all constituents and is active in advancement activities.

In addition to these core library functions, the Dean oversees the CSU Archives & Special Collections, home to the notable J. Kyle Spencer Map Collection and our growing military history archive featuring the personal collection of the longest-serving Secretary of the Army in U.S. history, John O. Marsh. With stewardship of more than 500 distinct collections, the Dean will play a key role in advancing preservation, digitization, and community engagement efforts that expand access to these primary sources.

After reviewing the position description, interested candidates should submit a cover letter, curriculum vitae, and a 500-word leadership statement. For full consideration, please submit all application materials by 15 May 2026, when the search committee will begin reviewing files and continue until the position is filled.

Responsibilities

Significant Duties & Responsibilities include: Participate in all official CSU functions as determined by the president or provost.; Develop and maintain a systematic evaluation plan for Library engagement, utilization, and collection maintenance to ensure congruence with national standards, professional guidelines and expected competencies.; Ensure compliance with regulatory and accrediting bodies for academic programs (e.g., SACSCOC, DOE or ALA).; Provide support for local, public recruitment and retention activities.; Attend and participate in professional conferences and meetings on and off campus.; Ensure effective management of financial resources (state funding, foundation accounts, etc.) including strategic budget planning which aligns financial needs with the mission and vision of the University.; Direct Library & Archives advancement and fundraising in collaboration with University Development.; Interact with alumni and community partners to raise funds for the Library & Archives and University to enhance the reputation of CSU.; Remain current on University, College and Department policies and procedures and state and federal regulations affecting higher education.; Perform other duties as assigned.

Leadership -

Provide strategic leadership in establishing and achieving CSU's vision, mission, goals and expected academic program outcomes.; Responsible for administrative functions including but not limited to staffing, budgets and facility management.; Ability to inspire confidence and motivate others for engagement and innovation.; Serve as an advocate and mediator for faculty, staff and students.; Direct problem-solving involving students, faculty, staff and others.; Is visible on campus and in the community.; Represent the University positively in interactions to build and sustain effective relationships with a broad range of constituents.

Faculty and Staff Oversight -

Overall innovation and excellence in the Simon Schwob Memorial Library, the RiverPark Music Library, and University Archives.; Provide leadership in transformational, user-centered services; information literacy programs; collections and information resources; assessment; and archival development.; Provide oversight for the recruitment, hiring, orientation, motivation and retention of faculty and staff to effectively manage the human capital within the Libaries & Archives.; Ability to inspire faculty and staff to work together to build and sustain outstanding academic programs with the capacity for growth.; Facilitate the accomplishments of faculty and staff related to student success and professional expectations.; Oversee an effective evaluation system for faculty and staff.

Required Qualifications

Required Qualifications include: A terminal degree in a discipline within the University or closely related field.; Experience administering Library and Archival programs.; Three to five years of experience as an academic administrator (e.g., dean, associate dean, department head or director).; Accomplishments and credentials sufficient to meet the requirements of the rank of Professor at CSU in teaching, service and scholarly publications which includes a minimum of five years of experience in higher education.; Demonstrated experience in grant-writing and fundraising.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities include: Knowledge of University mission, goals and expectations as well as University and College policies, procedures, rules, etc.; Understanding of University and College technology requirements and Industry best practices.; Familiarity with expectations for teaching, scholarly activity, community engagement and service and collegiality.; Organized and attentive to detail.; Effective oral and written communication skills to advocate for the Library & Archives and University.; Strong active listening, analytical and problem-solving skills.; Ability to work cooperatively with faculty, staff, colleagues at all levels, students and external constituents.; Ability to use diplomacy and discretion when providing information to others.; Experience with or potential to fund raise with alumni and external partners.