Assistant University Librarian, Director, Hardin Library for the Health Sciences

The University of Iowa Libraries has exclusively retained Jack Farrell & Associates to find the successful candidate for this position. Interested candidates should provide a CV and cover letter by email to Amy Morse by January 12, 2026, for priority consideration.

Iowa City, IA

Assistant University Librarian, Director of the Hardin Library for the Health Sciences.

This is a pivotal opportunity for an experienced professional who is inspired by the challenge of strengthening access to health information and advancing education, research, and clinical excellence across the state of Iowa and beyond. The role is based in Iowa City, IA and relocation assistance is available. Iowa City was included in Livability’s “TOP 100 Best Places to Live 2025.”

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership to a team of 18 (with four direct reports) in the Hardin Library for the Health Sciences, ensuring that its programs, services, and initiatives align with institutional priorities in teaching, research, and clinical care.
• Serve as an advocate and ambassador for the Hardin Library and its user community, representing its interests in partnership with the University Librarian and the Associate University Librarian for Teaching, Learning, and Research at institutional, state, and national levels.
• Oversee all aspects of library operations, including strategic planning, resource allocation, and policy development, with a focus on innovation, accountability, and measurable impact in consultation with the Associate University Librarian for Teaching, Learning, and Research.
• Cultivate and sustain strong partnerships with the five health colleges, UI Health Care, and other campus libraries, ensuring seamless access to information resources and integrated research support.
• Champion the integration of information and data literacy across health sciences curricula and clinical environments, advancing lifelong learning and evidence-based practice.
• Use data and assessment to inform decisions, demonstrate value, and drive continuous improvement, setting clear objectives, and regularly evaluating the outcomes of library services and programs.
• Mentor, empower, and support library staff, modeling effective communication and cultivating a collaborative, welcoming, and future‑oriented workplace culture.
• Serve as Principal Investigator for the University of Iowa’s NNLM grant (contingent on continued funding), ensuring high‑quality program delivery and alignment with national priorities.
• Represent the Hardin Library in professional and scholarly communities, engaging with regional and national organizations to advance the visibility and leadership of the University of Iowa in health sciences librarianship.

Ideal Candidate

• Deep understanding of current and emerging trends in health sciences librarianship, information management, and emerging scholarly practices of relevance to the health sciences.
• Proven success in leading teams and guiding organizational change within complex academic, research, or clinical environments.
• Exceptional communication, partnership‑building, and stakeholder engagement skills, with a record of fostering collaboration across disciplines and units.
• Demonstrated commitment to advancing health education, research, and evidence‑based practice through innovative library services and programs.
• Established ability to design, implement, and adapt strategic and operational plans that align with institutional priorities and evolving organizational structures; and
• A forward‑looking vision for how academic health sciences libraries can shape the next decade of health education, clinical care, and research.

Why Iowa

This is a rare opportunity to make a lasting impact in a state where libraries and higher education play a vital role in advancing public health and community well‑being. The Assistant University Librarian, Director will join a university deeply committed to service, collaboration, and innovation even in a challenging environment. For the right leader, this is a chance to build partnerships, inspire progress, and leave a legacy of access, and excellence while having a visible impact on healthcare across the state of Iowa.

About Hardin

The Hardin Library for the Health Sciences at the University of Iowa is dedicated to disseminating health sciences information to students, faculty, and staff in support of education, research, and healthcare, while preserving the scholarly record for future generations. The library supports the information needs of the Roy J. and Lucille A. Carver College of Medicine, the colleges of Dentistry, Nursing, Pharmacy, and Public Health, as well as the departments of Communication Sciences and Disorders and Health and Human Physiology within the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. Additionally Hardin Library serves as the research library for UI Health Care and is the only comprehensive health sciences library in the state of Iowa. Hardin Library is home to the John Martin Rare Book room which contains nearly 6,500 volumes of original works from classic contributions to the history of the health sciences from the 15th through 21st centuries, the Network of the National Library of Medicine (NNLM), Region 6, one of seven NNLM Regional Medical Libraries, which aim to advance the progress of medicine and improve public health through increased access to quality health information. Region 6 includes the states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, and Wisconsin.

Required Qualifications

• Master’s Degree or higher in Library and Information Science from an ALA‑accredited institution, or equivalent.
• At least 8 years of leadership experience in an academic health sciences or medical library, with evidence of progressively increasing leadership, supervisory or managerial responsibility and a demonstrated record of leading large teams or organizations.
• Proven ability to navigate complex university structures, policies, and funding mechanisms and secure institutional resources.
• Experience overseeing major facilities, operational budgets, and strategic planning efforts.
• Strong background in developing and implementing strategic priorities that enhance organizational effectiveness.
• Demonstrated ability to build consensus across a variety of stakeholder groups and foster productive collaborations.
• National recognition in the field through professional society leadership (e.g., Medical Library Association) or other significant contributions.
• Demonstrate exceptional diplomacy and leadership in fostering collaboration across a variety of stakeholder groups.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience leading large‑scale facilities management projects, including renovations, infrastructure planning, and space optimization.
• Track record of successfully securing and managing federal, foundation, or institutional grant funding.
• Experience delivering library and information services in a clinical setting, supporting research, education, and patient care.
• Demonstrated success in mentoring and developing high‑performing teams, particularly in complex, evolving environments.

How to apply for the position

The University of Iowa Libraries has exclusively retained Jack Farrell & Associates to find the successful candidate for this position. Interested candidates should provide a CV and cover letter by email to Amy Morse by January 12, 2026, for priority consideration. The cover letter should address the following questions in no more than 2 pages:

1. Why are you interested in this position and why Iowa?
2. Share your path (career trajectory) that led you to be ready for this role?

Successful candidates will be required to self‑disclose any conviction history and will be subject to a criminal background check and credential/education verification. Up to 5 professional references will be requested at a later step in the recruitment process.

For additional questions, please contact Amy Morse at amy@jackfarrell.com.

The University of Iowa is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment free from discrimination on the basis of race, creed, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, pregnancy (including childbirth and related conditions), disability, genetic information, status as a U.S. veteran, service in the U.S. military, sexual orientation, gender identity, or associational preferences.

Persons with disabilities who need assistance or accommodations with the application or interview process may contact University Human Resources/Faculty and Staff Disability Services at (319) 335‑2660 or fsds@uiowa.edu.