University of California, Merced is hiring: University Librarian in Merced

Overview

The University of California (UC), Merced invites nominations and applications for the position of University Librarian (UL). A campus with high ambitions and increasing impact, UC Merced has earned R1, Student Access and Opportunity, and Community Engagement designations by the Carnegie Classification of Higher Education Institutions. The university was recently ranked 26th nationally among public universities by US News and World Report, 1st in the nation for social mobility and 18th overall by the Wall Street Journal, and 1st in the nation among young universities by the Times Higher Education World University Rankings. Located in California’s Central Valley and part of the world’s leading public research university system, the UC Merced Library empowers researchers, celebrates the region’s diversity, expands access to information, and fosters student belonging. Since welcoming UC Merced’s first students in 2005, the UC Merced Library has served as a vibrant academic and social hub on campus. The Library is housed in the Kolligian Library Building named in honor of Leo and Dottie Kolligianthe Library, and is home to the California Agricultural Resources Archive, preserving the cultural and environmental history of the San Joaquin Valley and Sierra Nevada regions. It continues to evolve as a center for innovation, scholarship, and community engagement.

Responsibilities

As chief executive officer for the UC Merced Library, the University Librarian provides forward-thinking, strategic vision and operational leadership for the Library, with overall responsibility for:

• collections; library services; budget and planning; application of emerging information technologies; personnel; fundraising, public relations; and state and national cooperative efforts.
• Reporting to the executive vice chancellor and provost (EVCP); the UL is a member of the Academic Senate and the EVCP's leadership team, serving on the Deans' Council and collaborating with campus leadership at UC Merced and across the University of California system.
• The UL also serves on the University of California Council of University Librarians and plays a major role in coordinating policy for one of the most research-intensive university systems in the United States; UC policies significantly influence higher education on a global scale.

The UL will be a visionary, people-centered leader who collaborates with faculty, staff, and students on campus, across the UC System, the state of California, and the nation. The ideal candidate will possess administrative, budgetary, communicative, and collaborative leadership skills, including successful experience in a shared governance environment, and a track record of fostering and supporting a climate of community, inclusive excellence, and mutual respect.

Qualifications

A record of distinguished professional accomplishment and demonstrated administrative experience in research librarianship is required. A Master of Library Science (MLS/MLIS) degree from an American Library Association-accredited program is preferred.

Compensation and Application Details

The annual salary the university reasonably expects to pay for this position is $240,000 to $290,000. Compensation will be commensurate with a final candidate’s qualifications and experience.

WittKieffer is assisting UC Merced in this search. For full consideration, candidates materials should be received by November 17, 2025. All applications, nominations and inquiries are invited. Applications should include, as separate documents, a CV or resume and a letter of interest addressing the themes in the leadership profile.

Applications materials, nominations, and inquiries can be directed to: Jessica Herrington and Cathryn Davis at UCMercedUL@wittkieffer.com.

Equal Opportunity

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected status under state or federal law.

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