Director of University Library

Palo Alto University (PAU) is a private, nonprofit university located in the heart of Silicon Valley with a singular focus on mental and behavioral health education. For five decades, PAU has been dedicated to addressing pressing and emerging challenges affecting individuals, organizations, and communities, preparing practitioners and scholars to meet the evolving needs of contemporary society. With an enrollment of approximately 1,200 graduate students and a small cohort of undergraduate students, the University offers a comprehensive portfolio of bachelor’s, master’s, doctoral, and professional programs delivered through innovative online, hybrid, and residential modalities.

PAU is distinguished by faculty who are nationally and internationally recognized for their contributions to research, teaching, and clinical practice. Through rigorous academic preparation, applied research, and extensive hands-on clinical training, PAU equips students with the knowledge, skills, and professional judgment required for meaningful impact in the behavioral health fields. Together, these elements define PAU’s mission-driven approach to education and its legacy of preparing confident, competent, and compassionate professionals who make a difference in the communities they serve.

Job Title: Director of University Library

Department: Library, Academic Affairs

Supervisor: Christie Chung, Provost

JOB DESCRIPTION

The Director of University Library serves as a change agent and collegial leader with a strong service orientation and demonstrates a culture of transparency. Under stewardship of the University Librarian, the incumbent is responsible for overall strategy, administration, human resource management, and budget for Palo Alto University’s Omar Seddiqui Research Library. As University Librarian, the incumbent will serve as the primary driver of the Library’s mission and values, working in tandem with academic stakeholders to ensure its strategic direction actively supports and enhances PAU’s mission.

Integral to this role is the leadership and development of a team of professional librarians to uphold the academic ecosystem of Palo Alto University. Through coordination and deep-rooted partnerships, the incumbent translates the needs of the scholastic community into effective policy that supports collection development, research, teaching, and outreach.

Strategic Leadership

• Facilitate the continuing transformation of the University into a knowledge commons that integrates diverse resources, seek new opportunities, engage with the community, collaborate with other University units and with faculty across all programs, and help to develop and sustain a vibrant research and learning community that uses technology wisely and effectively. 

• Create an environment that facilitates teaching and learning, research, and scholarly activity with an understanding and use of innovative and traditional methods of information dissemination, teaching and learning, and research.

• Participate in a shared vision and shared governance throughout the University to promote the University’s and the University Library’s missions.

• Maintain awareness of advances in digital learning and library best practices.

• Implement a clear and concise strategic plan to advance that vision and those missions. 

• Support a culture of collegial shared governance.

• Foster an organizational and educational climate that promotes and celebrates diversity.

• Communicate internally and externally regarding the University Library. 

• Serve on the Provost’s Council and on various committees, councils, and task forces as needed.

• Develop strong relationships with Department Chairs, Directors, and Managers of other units, as well as with the Provost, President, and other University Administrators. 

• Develop and maintain relationships of service to and collaboration with students, faculty, staff, and community.

• Promote and advocate for library programs and resources that address the needs of students, staff, faculty, and the community.