Grinnell College Libraries seeks applications from innovative, dedicated, and team-oriented librarians interested in becoming our Head of Technical Services. This is a renewable, non-tenure-track position reporting to the Librarian of the College and appointment is possible at either the Assistant or Associate Professor rank, depending upon qualifications. The person moving into this vital leadership role will supervise and facilitate the work of five cataloging, ERM, and acquisition staff. This position leads the development, implementation, and assessment of processes essential to information discovery and access, including processes for: original and copy cataloging; metadata creation for licensed and open-source information resources; strategic approaches to electronic resource acquisition and management; and collaboration with other library departments to support our systems and discovery platforms, primarily Ex Libris Alma/Primo. The Head of Technical services will join a team of teacher-librarians and share in departmental liaison responsibilities which include collection development and library instruction, such as one-shot sessions and research consultations in liaison area(s). The Libraries will support the successful candidate in conducting scholarship and service activities consistent with a faculty appointment and in maintaining skills and knowledge through continuing professional development. Partial remote work is possible. Salary will be commensurate with experience and qualifications, but minimum starting salary would be $76,000 for Assistant Professor and $85,000 for Associate Professor.
Required:
• Graduate degree from an ALA-accredited program.
• Minimum of 3 years of relevant library experience, pre- or post-MLS
• Supervisory experience and/or evidence of the ability to be an effective team leader who fosters an inclusive, efficient, and collegial workplace.
• Knowledge of issues related to electronic resource management, record loading, and batch processing.
• Working knowledge of cataloging conventions, such as metadata standards and schema, MARC21, LCC, LCSH, and emerging linked data standards.
• Interest in the instructional and liaison responsibilities of the position and advancing the Libraries’ foundational commitment to research education.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Flexibility, self-motivation, and a strong interest in joining a collaborative work environment.
• Ability to be effective and inclusive in working with a diverse campus community that makes heavy demands on library services.
Grinnell College is a highly selective undergraduate liberal arts college with a strong tradition of social responsibility. In letters of application, candidates should discuss their interest in developing as a librarian in a highly selective undergraduate liberal arts college that emphasizes close student-faculty interaction. They should also discuss their potential to contribute to a college community that maintains a diversity of people and perspectives as one of its core values. Candidates will need to upload a letter of application, curriculum vitae, and provide email addresses for three professional references.
Review of applications will begin Nov. 1, 2025, and continue until the position is filled. Please visit our application website at https://apply.interfolio.com/174539 to find more details about the job and submit applications online. Questions about this search should be directed to the search chair, Mark Christel, at librarysearch@grinnell.edu or 641-269-3351.
Grinnell College is committed to establishing and maintaining a safe and nondiscriminatory educational environment for all College community members. It is committed to a policy of nondiscrimination in matters of admission, employment, and housing, and in access to and participation in its education programs, services, and activities. The college does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, veteran status, pregnancy, childbirth, religion, disability, creed, or any other protected class.
An offer for this position will be contingent on successful completion of a background check.