Written by Becky Gipson

Tulane University Libraries (TUL) invites applications for an exceptional leadership opportunity: Director of Resource and Discovery Services. This pivotal role offers the chance to shape the future of information access and discovery at a premier research university while leading a dedicated team of more than 20 librarians and staff through an exciting period of transformation and innovation. 

Leading Innovation in a Dynamic Information Landscape 

The Director of Resource and Discovery Services provides strategic leadership for the newly rebranded division encompassing acquisitions, electronic resource management, and cataloging and metadata operations. Reporting to the Vice Dean of Research and Resource Strategies, this leader will serve as a change agent, fostering a culture of innovation and collaboration while ensuring Tulane scholars have seamless access to the resources critical to their research, teaching, and learning. 

In today's rapidly evolving information environment, the Director will bring creativity and technological expertise to balance tradition with innovation. This includes analyzing and optimizing the use of TUL's Ex Libris Alma platform, implementing automated processes and machine learning where appropriate, and examining workflows to enhance efficiency and effectiveness. The role requires someone who can navigate the complex landscape of digital collections, metadata technology, and emerging trends in scholarly communication and open access. 

A Multifaceted Leadership Role 

As a member of both the Tulane University Libraries Leadership Team and the Vice Dean's Research and Resource Strategies Team, the Director represents the libraries on critical resource and discovery issues. This position directly supervises the Head of Acquisitions and Electronic Resource Management and the Head of Cataloging and Metadata, while providing strategic direction that aligns with TUL's and the university's evolving goals. 

The Director's responsibilities extend beyond operational management to include supporting distinctive collections such as the Doris Z. Stone Latin American Library and Research Center and Tulane University Special Collections. Through active engagement with internal stakeholders, external vendors, and partners, the Director ensures that physical and electronic resources are acquired, organized, and made accessible to support Tulane's global research community. 

Building and Empowering a Strong Team 

One of the most rewarding aspects of this role is working with an experienced, dedicated staff. The Director will mentor professional development, empowering team members to embrace leadership opportunities and advance their expertise in emerging technologies. Through listening, consensus-building, and transparent communication, the next Director will strengthen the division's community while valuing the contributions of all staff members. 

Ideal Candidate Profile 

The successful candidate will bring demonstrated expertise in library technical services, contemporary library services platforms like Alma, and metadata processes. They should possess strong leadership abilities, excellent communication skills, and a proven track record of inspiring organizational change. A minimum of two years' progressively responsible experience in library technical services and three years supervising librarians and staff in an academic or research library environment is required, along with a master's degree in library/information science from an ALA-accredited program. 

Join Tulane in New Orleans 

This full-time, on-site position offers competitive compensation commensurate with experience and a generous benefits package. Located in vibrant New Orleans, Louisiana, Tulane provides an inspiring environment where cultural richness meets academic excellence. 

For visionary leaders ready to make a lasting impact on research and learning at a distinguished university, this role represents an extraordinary opportunity to lead innovation while supporting a community of scholars in their pursuit of knowledge. 

Learn more about the position here: https://www.dsgco.com/search/22818-tulane-university-director-resources-and-discovery-services/, . To express interest in this transformative leadership opportunity, contact the search team at DSG Storbeck: https://talent-profile.dsgco.com/search/v2/22818, or emailing the search team directly at TulaneDirectorRDS@dsgco.com. All inquiries are handled with strict confidentiality.