Job Description
The University of California (UC), Merced invites nominations and
applications for the position of University Librarian (UL). A
campus with high ambitions and increasing impact, ""> UC Merced has earned R1, Student
Access and Opportunity, and Community Engagement designations by
the Carnegie Classification of Higher Education Institutions. The
university was recently ranked 26th nationally among public
universities by US News and World Report, 1st in the nation for
social mobility and 18th overall by the Wall Street Journal, and
1st in the nation among young universities by the Times Higher
Education World University Rankings.
Situated in California's Central Valley, and part of the world's
leading public research university system, the ""> UC Merced Library empowers
researchers, celebrates the region's diversity, expands access to
information, and fosters student belonging. Since welcoming UC
Merced's first students in 2005, the UC Merced Library has served
as a vibrant academic and social hub at the heart of campus. From
the lively Lantern cafe on the first floor to the serene
McFadden-Willis reading room above, the Library offers a range of
spaces designed to support study, collaboration, and reflection.
Housed in the Kolligian Library Buildingnamed in honor of Leo and
Dottie Kolligianthe Library is also home to the California
Agricultural Resources Archive and actively preserves the cultural
and environmental history of the San Joaquin Valley and Sierra
Nevada regions. It continues to evolve as a center for innovation,
scholarship, and community engagement.
As chief executive officer for the UC Merced Library, the UL
provides forward-thinking, strategic vision and operational
leadership for the Library, with overall responsibility for
collections; library services; budget and planning; application of
emerging information technologies; personnel; fundraising, public
relations; and state and national cooperative efforts. Reporting to
the executive vice chancellor and provost (EVCP), the UL is a
member of the Academic Senate and the EVCP's leadership team,
serving on the Deans' Council and collaborating with campus
leadership at UC Merced and across the University of California
system. The UL also serves on the University of California Council
of University Librarians. The UL plays a major role in coordinating
policy for one of the most research-intensive university systems in
the United States and UC policies significantly influence higher
education on a global scale.
The UL will be a visionary, people-centered leader who collaborates
with faculty, staff, and students on campus, across the UC System,
the state of California, and the nation. The ideal candidate will
possess administrative, budgetary, communicative, and collaborative
leadership skills, including successful experience in a shared
governance environment, and a track record of fostering and
supporting a climate of community, inclusive excellence, and mutual
respect. A record of distinguished professional accomplishment and
demonstrated administrative experience in research librarianship is
required. A Master of Library Science (MLS/MLIS) degree from an
American Library Association accredited program is preferred.
The annual salary the university reasonably expects to pay for this
position is $240,000 to $290,000. Compensation will be commensurate
with a final candidate's qualifications and experience.
WittKieffer is assisting UC Merced in this search. For full
consideration, candidate materials should be received by
November 17, 2025 . All applications, nominations and
inquiries are invited. Applications should include, as separate
documents, a CV or resume and a letter of interest addressing the
themes in the leadership
profile.
Applications materials, nominations, and inquiries can be directed
to: Jessica Herrington and Cathryn Davis at "mailto:UCMercedUL@wittkieffer.com"> UCMercedUL@wittkieffer.com.
The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment
without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation,
gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected
veteran status, or other protected status under state or federal
law. "" />
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