About University of Cincinnati Libraries

Head of the Albino Gorno Memorial Library / CCM Library University of Cincinnati Libraries

The University of Cincinnati Libraries (UCL) seeks a dynamic, strategic-thinking, and collaborative leader to serve as Head of the Albino Gorno Memorial Library/CCM Library. The position provides leadership in delivering responsive, innovative, and high-quality services and collections to faculty, staff, researchers, and students at the College-Conservatory of Music (CCM), as well as others in the disciplines related to music, musical theatre, dance, and drama.

This 12-month tenure track position directs the work of the CCM Library and staff; cultivates and maintains strong working relationships with students, faculty, staff, and library administration, as well as outside partners; works collaboratively with faculty, librarians, and others to develop and coordinate both print and digital collections and services; serves as an advocate for library users; assists with the development of policies and procedures; actively participates in and supports UCL digital humanities and digital scholarship initiatives, and participates in the successful development of other University of Cincinnati Libraries’ strategic initiatives; and serves as a member of the Management Council of the UC Libraries.

Relationship and Authority

The Head reports to and receives directions from the Associate Dean of Collections. They cultivate a strong, positive working relationship with the College-Conservatory of Music to ensure the needs of the faculty, staff, students, and researchers are being met.

Albino Gorno Memorial Library / CCM Library

The CCM Library was founded in 1949, with the bequest of the personal collection of Prof. Albino Gorno, Dean of the Cincinnati College of Music for over 40 years. The collection has grown through the merging of institutions and, in the process, has moved through different spaces before reaching its current location: UC’s historic Blegen Library building. Today, the CCM Library collects materials that support CCM-related areas of study: music, musical theatre, and dance, as well as components of theatre, drama, music technologies, and media production. The library currently comprises some 46,700 print volumes (books and serials), 92,500 scores, 65,500 sound recordings (CDs and LPs), 4,100 video recordings, and 2,600 microforms - for a total of nearly 211,400 items.

Job Overview

University of Cincinnati Libraries

The mission of the University of Cincinnati Libraries is to empower discovery, stimulate learning, and inspire the creation of knowledge by connecting students, faculty, researchers, and scholars to dynamic data, information, and resources. The libraries strive to be a progressive, creative, and dynamic organization recognized as a model provider of access to premier library collections and high-quality service.

With the launch of the University of Cincinnati Libraries Strategic Plan, 2024-2027, we are increasing our impact by focusing on four Strategic Directions: Enrich Our Collections, Expand Our Impact, Strengthen Our Organization and Support Our Students. The Strategic Plan builds upon the success of UC Libraries and responds to the rapidly changing landscape of higher education and the increasingly diverse needs of our students, faculty, and researchers. It positions UC Libraries for the future, as we build a stronger foundation and achieve our shared vision to be the intellectual center of campus life, a partner within the expanding research and innovation agendas, and a catalyst for engaging the greater community.

Duties and Responsibilities

1. This role includes administrative responsibilities to support the effective operation of the unit and contribute to the success of UC Libraries’ strategic initiatives. Administrative responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the following:
   • Maintain accurate employee records related to work schedules in accordance with UC policies and procedures.
   • Update and maintain position descriptions and related documentation for all employees in the unit.
   • Connect employees with appropriate UC resources as directed and when necessary.
   • Support recruitment activities for vacancies within the unit, which may include chairing search committees, drafting postings, coordinating interviews, communicating with candidates, and onboarding new hires.
   • Develop and support the performance of employees in the unit through:
     • Ensuring goals, objectives, and professional development plans are documented.
     • When career goals align, building employee skills to support succession planning.
     • Coordinating regular check-ins and formal review meetings.
     • Provide administrative support for compensation, disciplinary, and employee relations-related actions.
   • Develop unit-level goals that are aligned with and in support of the UC Libraries' strategic plan.
   • Promote and model behaviors and practices that contribute to a respectful and collegial work environment.
   • Serve on the Management Council and participate in development programs and work sessions (i.e., problem solving, planning) organized for the Council members.
   • Fulfill all legal and institutional obligations in accordance with UC policy and training.

Duties and Responsibilities (cont.)

1. Submits an annual operating budget request for the approval of UC Libraries leadership.
2. Leads staff in the development of a shared vision for the CCM Library. Oversees the implementation and assessment of initiatives that support the vision. Analyzes and reshapes library services.  Creates service policies and collections in response to evolving and rapidly changing user needs.
3. Provides strategic leadership and accepts and executes responsibility and accountability for collections, services, physical facilities, security, technology, departmental budgets, and personnel.
4. Responsible for the development, preservation, and maintenance of the CCM Library collections. Develops this research collection in all formats, both currently and retrospectively. Works closely with other librarians to enhance information services for interdisciplinary research. Manages fund expenditures in assigned subject areas. Collaborates with selectors from other OhioLINK institutions on statewide collection development matters.
5. Leads organizational change, working closely with the Associate Dean of Collections. Fosters a respectful, creative, team-based, and entrepreneurial working environment in the CCM Library. Maintains an atmosphere conducive to learning, productivity, and job satisfaction for all.
6. Provides reference, consultation, research, and instructional services in-person and remotely.
7. Actively learns, promotes, and participates in new UC and UCL strategic endeavors, including digital content-focused platforms and services, such as the library’s digital repository
8. Demonstrates ability or willingness to develop expertise in responsible use of artificial intelligence, including implications for use in research and teaching.
9. Develops innovative services that transform library learning and research. Delivers a broad array of instructional services, including web content and resource guides. Promotes information literacy, including the research skills needed in the discipline, through library instruction tailored to the curricular needs of library users, working collaboratively with teaching faculty and library colleagues.

11. Participates in assessment and evaluation of services as appropriate. Maintains appropriate statistics and records and prepares reports as needed.
12. Actively participates in library committees, meetings, and workshops as appropriate.
13. Up to 20% remote work is possible at the discretion of the managing associate dean within the ability to fulfill the operational needs of UCL and the CCM Library

Required Qualifications

1. An ALA-accredited master’s degree in library or information science.
2. An undergraduate degree in a music-related discipline or equivalent.

3. Demonstrated understanding of information needs of music scholars and the application of digital technologies to serve these populations.
4. At least 5 years’ library experience (research, instruction, or other relevant experience) in an academic, special, or research library environment. Collection development experience.

3. Demonstrated ability for strategic thinking, embracing change and new organizational structures, risk-taking, and working collaboratively. Strong commitment to innovative and responsive public service.
4. Record of successful supervisory experience with commitment to mentoring, training, and staff development. Demonstrated ability to provide leadership, manage change, and to view issues from a library-wide perspective.
5. Outstanding interpersonal and communication skills. Demonstrated ability to work independently and to contribute positively to a collegial team environment.

8. Ability and interest in fulfilling the university’s requirements for tenure and promotion. Commitment to professional growth and development.

Additional Qualifications Considered

1. Graduate degree in music or related discipline.   

2. Fundraising and/or grant writing experience.
3. Demonstrated experience with the application of digital technologies to serve the needs of faculty and students in broad humanities fields.

2. Knowledge, understanding, and experience in digital humanities trends and applications, including digitization.
3. Experience in long-term space management and planning.

Physical Requirements/Work Environment