Description

Reporting to the Dean of University Libraries, this position oversees the librarians, staff, and operations of the Research and Scholarly Communication department for the Old Dominion University Libraries. The department includes 5.0 FTE librarians (AP Faculty) who provide direct research support and instruction services to ODU students and faculty, as well as collection development, outreach and engagement, and assistance with scholarly communication questions. The department also includes the Research Data Management Librarian (1.0 AP Faculty) and Scholarly Communication Strategies Librarian (1.0 AP Faculty), who lead the libraries efforts on outreach, education, and infrastructure in these key areas. The department also includes 3.0 2.0 full-time classified staff and one hourly employee who maintains and supports the online repository, ODU Digital Commons. The Head may also provide research support, collection development, instruction and outreach to academic units as needed to ensure continuity of service during department vacancies. Collaborate with research librarians at Brickell Medical Sciences Library to coordinate delivery of services to faculty and students from Macon and Joan Brock Virginia Health Sciences at Old Dominion University; collaborate with Libraries Engagement, Libraries Education & Assessment, Special Collections & University Archives, and other library partners as needed on outreach and services to faculty and graduate students. The Head of Research and Scholarly Communication serves on the Libraries’ Management Team, the primary decision-making body on all aspects of the libraries, and on other Libraries, University, regional, or national committees as needed.

How to Apply: Interested candidates must apply at https://jobs.odu.edu/postings/26296
and attach the following with their online application:
1. Cover Letter/Letter of Application
2. Resume
3. Curriculum Vitae
4. Unofficial Graduate Transcripts
5. Contact Information for Professional References

Applications should be submitted by 07/13/2026 for full consideration. The position will remain open until it is filled.

About ODU: Old Dominion University, located in Norfolk, is Virginia’s forward-focused public doctoral research
university with more than 23,000 students, a top R1 research ranking, rigorous academics, an energetic residential
community and initiatives that contribute $2.6 billion annually to Virginia’s economy.

It is the policy of Old Dominion University to provide equal employment, educational and social opportunities for all
persons, without regard to race (or traits historically associated with race including hair texture, hair type, and protective
hairstyles such as braids, locks, and twists), color, religion, sex or gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related
medical conditions), national origin, gender identity or expression, age, veteran status, disability, political affiliation,
sexual orientation or genetic information. Individuals from minoritized communities, women, veterans and individuals
with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

Requirements

Minimum Qualifications:
1. ALA-accredited MLS or MLIS degree, or international equivalent

2. Record of supervisory and personnel management experience

3. Experience providing reference and instruction services in an academic library environment

4. Record of success managing and overseeing complex projects

5. Experience planning, supporting, and evaluating technologies and their utilization for advancing research, teaching, and/or scholarship.

6. Demonstrated ability to express and implement a user-centered vision for research support services

7. Demonstrated ability to develop, coordinate, and assess library public service programs

8. Demonstrated interpersonal, analytical, organizational, problem solving, and communication skills

9. Demonstrated ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a demanding and rapidly changing service-oriented environment

10. Demonstrated understanding of current and emerging concepts and developments in research support services, scholarly communication, collection development, and/or information literacy instruction in higher education

11. Demonstrated ability to initiate and manage collaborative projects

12. Demonstrated ability to work effectively with diverse staff and campus user communities and demonstrated commitment to the University and Libraries goals of diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility.

Preferred Qualifications:

1. Demonstrated understanding of current and emerging concepts and developments in research support services and scholarly communication

2. Demonstrated knowledge of current technologies and their applications in a research and educational environment

3. Demonstrated ability to analyze user needs, develop solutions, and assess results

4. Experience providing outreach, advocacy, or services related to scholarly communication issues, including open access, digital repositories, author rights, alternative publishing models, scholarly impact, or research data management

5. Experience participating in collection development in an academic or research library

6. Experience collaborating with faculty, students, and other campus stakeholders