Assistant Dean for Information Services, Director of the Tarlton Law Library, University of Texas School of Law

General Notes

The University of Texas School of Law seeks an experienced and innovative law librarian to serve as Assistant Dean for Information Services and Director of the Tarlton Law Library. We are looking for a leader to provide strategic vision, fiscal stewardship, operational management, and outstanding service to faculty and students in the Law School.

The Tarlton Law Library at the University of Texas School of Law is recognized worldwide for its innovative programs and services and for its distinguished resource collections. Tarlton occupies a spacious and comfortable facility that features the outstanding Hyder Art Collection. More information about Tarlton can be found at https://tarlton.law.utexas.edu/, and more information about the University of Texas at Austin and the University of Texas School of Law can be found at https://law.utexas.edu/about/.

Purpose

The Assistant Dean is responsible for library policy, leadership, strategic planning, and selection of research resources. The Assistant Dean oversees all aspects of planning and administration of the Law Library, including: budgeting; hiring, management and development of library staff; collection management; library services; and space planning. The Assistant Dean ensures that the Law Library's collection and resources meet the teaching and research needs of the law-school community. The Assistant Dean is responsible for managing all library services, including research and reference services, technical services, access services, collection development, student-technology services, and the library's instructional program. Within the Law Library, the Assistant Dean leads a highly skilled and collegial team of librarians and support staff. The position reports directly to the Dean of the law school.

The Assistant Dean will also have a faculty appointment and oversee the team of librarians who serve important roles as instructors in the school. The nature of the faculty appointment and compensation will depend on the Assistant Dean's background and experience.

Responsibilities

The Assistant Dean is responsible for:

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  Setting the strategic vision and direction of the Law Library;

  
  
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  Providing for the organization, administration and supervision of the Law Library in compliance with ABA and AALS library standards;

  
  
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  Overseeing a staff of around 30 full-time employees, the Law Library, and an extensive collection of print and digital materials, including special collections;

  
  
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  Developing library services, collections, and technology enterprises consistent with evolving faculty, student, and administrative needs;

  
  
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  Managing a robust instructional program, including advanced legal research courses, and student technology services;

  
  
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  Supporting the Library's relations with the law school, the University, library consortia, professional organizations, and the public; and

  
  
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  Providing leadership and working collaboratively to identify and cultivate relationships with donors and alumni of the Law School.

  
  

• At least five years of increasingly responsible management and leadership experience in a law library, preferably an academic law library.
• Demonstrated ability to lead, motivate, and build a team successfully within a complex and diverse law-school setting.
• Substantial administrative and management experience in law library collection management, budgeting, student and faculty services, staff development, and interlibrary collaboration.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, compelling vision, and the ability to foster effective working relationships with faculty, students, staff, and donors.
• A proven track record of active engagement in teaching, scholarship, and professional service.
• An understanding of trends related to a rapidly evolving information environment.
• A J.D. or equivalent degree from an accredited institution and an M.L.S. degree or its equivalent.

Required Materials

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  Resume/CV

  
  
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  3 work references with their contact information; at least one reference should be from a supervisor

  
  
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  Letter of interest

  
  

Applications will be considered on a rolling basis beginning in August, 2024

The University of Texas at Austin, as an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer, complies with all applicable federal and state laws regarding nondiscrimination and affirmative action. The University is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all persons and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, disability, religion, or veteran status in employment, educational programs and activities, and admissions.