Dean of Libraries and Information Resources

The Lebanese American University (LAU) seeks a transformational leader to serve as the Dean of Libraries and Information Resources, effective September 1, 2025. The Lebanese American University (LAU) is a leading higher education institution in the Middle East operating on two campuses, Beirut and Byblos, and enrolling more than 9,000 students. The University is chartered by the Regents of the State University of New York and is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE). The Dean shall provide strategic direction and innovative leadership to ensure that the libraries support the university’s mission of excellence in teaching, research, and community engagement. This position oversees all aspects of library operations at the Riyad Nassar Library, Joseph G Jabbra Library, and Health Sciences Library, including digital libraries. It fosters a culture of collaboration and innovation and ensures the alignment of library services with LAU’s academic and research goals.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Strategic Leadership:
   • Coordinate the development and execution of a forward-thinking strategic plan for LAU Libraries in alignment with the university’s academic and research priorities.
   • Ensure that library programs, services and resources, both physical and digital, support interdisciplinary teaching, learning, and research.
   • Advocate for the libraries’ role in promoting academic excellence, innovation, and lifelong learning.

2. Resource Management and Development:
   • Manage the libraries’ budgets to ensure efficient allocation of resources to cover operations while also achieving strategic goals.
   • Oversee the acquisition and management of diverse collections, including print, digital, and special collections to reflect the diverse needs of LAU’s academic community.
   • Pursue external funding through grants, partnerships, and donor engagement to support library growth and innovation.

3. Policy and Governance:
   • Develop, review, and implement policies for library operations, ensuring compliance with copyright laws, data privacy, and ethical use of information.
   • Represent LAU Libraries in institutional governance and external forums, advocating for their strategic importance.

4. Personnel Management:
   • Lead a diverse team of library professionals, fostering a collaborative and innovative work environment.
   • Promote professional development opportunities to ensure staff are equipped to address evolving trends in library operations and functions.

5. Academic and Research Support:
   • Collaborate with faculty and academic units to integrate library services in teaching, learning, and research activities.
   • Promote access to scholarly resources, including open access and digital repositories.
   • Provide leadership in research data management, scholarly communication, and academic publishing initiatives.

6. Technological Innovation:
   • Advance the use of emerging technologies in library services, including artificial intelligence, digital archiving, and data visualization.
   • Enhance the libraries’ digital infrastructure to improve access to online resources and services.
   • Promote the development and maintenance of institutional repositories.

7. Community Engagement:
   • Build partnerships with local, regional, and international library networks to enhance resource sharing and collaboration.
   • Promote the libraries as hubs for cultural, academic, and intellectual engagement within the LAU community.
   • Enhance the libraries’ visibility within and beyond the university community.

Qualifications:

1. A doctoral degree in an academic field, preferably in Library and Information Science, from an accredited institution
2. Leadership experience in academic libraries or equivalent academic units, with a record of managing operations, budgets, and personnel.
3. Demonstrated understanding of emerging trends in library sciences, including digital transformation, open access, and information management.
4. Strong record of collaboration with faculty and academic units to advance teaching, learning, and research.
5. Experience with strategic planning, resource management, and policy development.

Applications Details:

Applications should include:

•          A letter outlining the applicant’s background, qualifications and vision for this position

•          A curriculum vitae

•          Names of three referees with contact details

To apply, please send an email to librarydeansearch@lau.edu.lb . The initial review of applications will begin on April 1, 2025, and the position will remain open until filled.