Title: Associate Director of Access Services
Reports to: University Librarian
Position Summary
The University Libraries at Colgate University seeks to appoint an Associate Director of Access Services to join the library faculty. Reporting to the University Librarian, the associate director provides leadership and expertise for planning and management of access services operations of the University Libraries that are inclusive, high-touch, and outcomes driven. Grounded in the 2026 Association of College and Research Libraries Framework for Access Services Librarianship, this role also focuses on the development and implementation of programs and services to support the student experience within the University Libraries.
Primary Duties and Essential Functions (may include, but not limited to the following):
- Provide strategic leadership and operational oversight for circulation, interlibrary loan, collaborative resource sharing, print and electronic reserves, the automated storage and retrieval system (LASR), and stacks maintenance in both the Case Library and the Cooley Science Library.
- Serve on the Libraries’ leadership team.
- Continue the library’s exploration, implementation, and assessment of new approaches to access, resource sharing, and outreach services.
- Foster innovative library programs that promote the library as a welcoming and inclusive space for students.
- Collaborate with librarians in the outreach and engagement department to integrate their input into user experience efforts.
- Develop departmental staff through constructive feedback, professional development opportunities, and active mentorship.
- Perform other duties as assigned by the University Librarian.
In addition to specific job responsibilities, all library faculty:
- Participate in University governance, which includes appointed and elected committees and other University service opportunities.
- Conduct research and pursue scholarship of appropriate and pertinent professional focus.
- Demonstrate an active commitment to the library profession.
The minimum starting salary is $83,500. Salary will be commensurate with experience. Review of applications will begin on September 21st, 2026 and continue until the position is filled. Interested applicants should submit a cover letter, C.V., and the names and contact information of three references through Interfolio at https://apply.interfolio.com/191752.
Colgate strives to be a community supportive of diverse perspectives and identities. In their application cover letter, candidates must describe how their approach to Collections Services, Records Management, and/or Outreach and Engagement might create an inclusive educational environment.
Colgate is a vibrant liberal arts university of 3,200 students situated in central New York state. Colgate faculty are committed to excellence in both teaching and scholarship. Further information about the University Libraries can be found here.
Applicants with dual-career considerations can find postings of other employment opportunities at Colgate and at other institutions of higher education in upstate New York at this website.
Campus Crime Reporting and Statistics
The Department of Campus Safety at Colgate University will provide upon request a copy of Colgate’s Annual Security and Fire Safety Report. This report includes statistics as reported to the United States Department of Education for the previous three years concerning reported: 1. crimes that occurred on-campus; in certain off-campus buildings or property owned or controlled by Colgate University; and on public property within, or immediately adjacent to and accessible from, the campus and 2. fires that occurred in student housing facilities. The report also includes institutional policies concerning campus security and fire safety, such as policies concerning sexual assault, life safety systems, and other related matters. You may access the report from the Clery Compliance web page here. Printed copies of this report may be obtained upon request from the Department of Campus Safety via e-mail at cusafety@colgate.edu.
Required Qualifications
- An MLS/MLIS from an ALA-accredited institution or an equivalent combination of education and experience
- At least five years of experience working in libraries
- At least three years of administrative experience with direct supervision of full-time personnel
- Knowledge and understanding of trends and best practices in access services and student success
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience with one or more aspects of access services, e.g. circulation, reserves, resource sharing, automated storage and retrieval systems (LASR) and/or stacks maintenance.
- Familiarity with systems and software used within the access services unit (ALMA/PRIMO, ILLiad, Moodle, Sling)
- Strong ability to manage multiple projects at the same time
- Experience with data-informed assessment of library services
- Experience managing staff in a collective bargaining unit
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
It is the policy of Colgate University not to discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment on the basis of their race, color, creed, religion, age, sex, pregnancy, national origin, marital status, disability, protected veterans status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, being or having been victims of domestic violence or stalking, familial status, or any other categories covered by law. Colgate is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. Protected veterans are encouraged to apply.
