Search for a New Dean of the Libraries
I am pleased to announce that I have appointed a search committee and launched a national search to find an outstanding individual to fill the position of Dean of the Libraries. Stephanie Shonekan, Dean of the College of Arts and Humanities, will chair the committee, which will be assisted by the international executive search firm Isaacson, Miller. The complete list of committee members is provided below.
The new dean of the University Libraries must be committed to providing strong and visionary leadership; supporting an environment of diversity and inclusive excellence in teaching and learning; and promoting a culture of impactful research, scholarship, and creative activities. The new dean should have the ability to encourage interdisciplinary collaboration and partnerships; foster mission-driven engagement among university students, faculty, staff, alumni, and potential funders; and manage resources to effectively advance the mission of the Libraries. The dean must be committed to continuing to build a great university library that is a recognized leader on the regional, national, and international stage.
We seek excellent and diverse candidates who can leverage our considerable academic strengths as a major research university, the unique advantages offered by our location, and our overriding commitment to inclusive excellence in all that we do. The new dean should be prepared to serve on the university’s academic leadership team, support the advancement of our university’s Fearlessly Forward strategic plan, and engage with diverse stakeholder groups to build support for the University Libraries.
The successful candidate will be qualified to be awarded the rank of Librarian IV with Permanent Status or that of Professor in an academic unit.
To identify a dean who can build on the strengths and forward momentum of the Libraries, we need a concerted effort that engages the entire community, working with members of the search committee. You can assist in the search process by using your personal contacts and networks to identify outstanding candidates for this position and to make the opportunity widely known.
The University of Maryland has retained Isaacson, Miller, a national executive search firm, to assist in this recruitment. Review of candidates will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.
Nominations, inquiries, and applications, including a CV and letter of interest, should be submitted via the https://www.imsearch.com/open-searches/university-maryland/dean-libraries or by emailing our search consultants Sean Farrell sfarrell@imsearch.com and Robin Dougherty rdougherty@imsearch.com
Dean of Libraries Search Committee 2023 - 2024
Stephanie Shonekan, Chair Dean of the College of Arts and Humanities
Tahirah Akbar-Williams Librarian III, Education and Information Studies, University Libraries
Jason Baron Professor of the Practice, College of Information Studies
Kenna Barrett Chief Development Officer, University Libraries
Holly Brewer Associate Professor, College of Arts and Humanities
Philip Cohen Professor, College of Behavioral and Social Sciences
John Fisher Professor and Chair, A. James Clark School of Engineering
Victor Galitski Professor, Chair of Theoretical Physics, College of Computer, Mathematical and Natural Sciences
Alison Harding Graduate Student
Lae’l Hughes Watkins Associate Director for Engagement, Inclusion and Reparative Archiving, University Libraries
Kate Maloney Director, Strategic Communications and Outreach, University Libraries
Irene Munster Director, Librarian IV, Shady Grove Libraries
Marcio Oliveira Assistant Vice President, Division of Information Technology, Director, Teaching and Learning Center
Caroline McKeldin Wayner Library Advancement Council
Aiden Wechsler Undergraduate Student
Lynn Mullineaux Office of the Provost, Staff to the committee
The University of Maryland, College Park, an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer, complies with all applicable federal and state laws and regulations regarding nondiscrimination and affirmative action; all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment. The University is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all persons and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, physical or mental disability, protected veteran status, age, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, creed, marital status, political affiliation, personal appearance, or on the basis of rights secured by the First Amendment, in all aspects of employment, educational programs and activities, and admissions.