Dean of the University Library

Dean of the University Library

Position Title & Department

Dean of the University Library; Copley Library

Department Description

The Helen K. and James S. Copley Library, located on the west end of the campus, currently houses over 500,000 volumes. Collections include books, journals, reference works, databases, government documents, newspapers and electronic journals in many languages, as well as maps, videos, sound recordings, microforms and rare books.

University Description

The University of San Diego is a Catholic university grounded in the liberal arts and anchored along an international border, advancing academic excellence to create a more inclusive, sustainable and hopeful world. USD comprises the College of Arts and Sciences and the Schools of Business, Engineering, Nursing, Leadership and Education, Peace Studies, and Law, plus distinctive academic centers and institutes. Its proximity to Latin America and commitment to the Catholic intellectual traditions offer students a unique educational experience. A USD education is characterized by academic rigor in its undergraduate and graduate programs, offering transformative opportunities through student/faculty research, global experiences, community‑engaged scholarships, and internships that develop the knowledge, values, and skills needed to serve the global, civic, and faith communities. With more than 10,000 students from dozens of countries and 50 states, USD was the first campus on the West Coast to be designated as a Changemaker campus and is now one of only 42 Changemaker campuses in the world. USD is ranked as one of the best Catholic universities in America and is consistently among the top five in the nation for study abroad participation.

Detailed Description

The Helen K. and James S. Copley Library serves as a vibrant intellectual and cultural hub, anchoring the university's commitment to academic excellence. With a full renovation completed in 2021, the library hosts over 280,000 visitors annually and blends expansive collections with cutting‑edge digital access and personalized research support. Beyond its collections, Copley Library offers dynamic study spaces, meeting facilities, and co‑curricular programming that foster collaboration and community. As an active participant in regional and national consortia—including the San Diego Library Circuit Consortium, the Catholic Research Resource Alliance, and the Statewide California Electronic Library Consortium—Copley extends its impact well beyond campus. Its global engagement is further reflected in its Sister Library partnership with the Universidad de Monterrey, underscoring a shared commitment to Catholic higher education and cross‑cultural collaboration.

Key Responsibilities

• Shape and advance a bold, forward‑looking vision and strategic plan for the library.
• Build on the library's strengths as a hub for interdisciplinary collaboration, community engagement, and student success.
• Foster a culture of trust, transparency, and collaboration while ensuring organizational effectiveness by assessing and refining structures, processes, and policies.
• Deepen partnerships across academic programs and expand support for teaching, learning, and research.
• Lead innovation in digital scholarship, artificial intelligence, and research infrastructure aligned with USD's growth as an R2 institution.
• Strengthen strategic partnerships locally, nationally, and globally to enhance USD's visibility and impact.
• Elevate the library's profile through effective advocacy and fundraising.

Qualifications & Experience

• Master of Science in Library and Information Science (MLS) or equivalent from an ALA‑accredited institution.
• Scholarly record appropriate for the appointment of tenure in the Copley Library.
• Proven record of inclusive leadership, guiding organizational change, exceptional communication skills, and enhancing knowledge creation and dissemination across the university and beyond.
• Deep commitment to the mission and values of contemporary Catholic higher education.
• Background check: successful completion of a pre‑employment background check.
• Degree verification: must provide official education transcripts for degree verification purposes.

Posting Salary & Benefits

$16,666.67 to $20,833.34 per month. Benefits include medical, dental, vision, a retirement contribution, and access to on‑campus fitness centers.

Closing Date

August 28, 2026