Director of Library, Archives and Learning Services & University Librarian

Role Description

Driven by our commitment to the public good, the University of York combines pioneering research, inspirational teaching, and a strong sense of social responsibility. Since 1963, we have fostered an inclusive, high-performing environment where curiosity thrives, global challenges are tackled, and students are empowered to make a lasting impact.

Positioned at the very heart of our community, Library, Archives and Learning Services (LALS) plays a vital role in enabling this vision. Renowned for service excellence and innovation, the department oversees three vibrant campus libraries and the world-class Borthwick Institute for Archives. From providing expansive print and digital collections to developing cutting-edge learning spaces, supporting digital education solutions,  and delivering tailored academic skills provision, LALS empowers our global community of scholars and students to flourish.

As a key member of our senior leadership team, you will shape and drive the strategic vision for LALS. In this influential role, you will elevate our physical and digital collection environments, advance digital transformation and open scholarship, fuel York’s research excellence, and continually enrich the overall student experience. You will also contribute more widely to achieving the University’s objectives, through participation in and leadership of institutional projects.

Key Responsibilities

• Strategic Vision: Lead long-term strategy for library and archival services; advocate for York across Russell Group, RLUK, and international networks.
• Digital & Open Scholarship: Drive innovation in AI integration, digital research, open research and open access publishing (White Rose University Press), and digital preservation.
• Student Experience: Deliver high-impact physical and digital learning environments to enhance academic skills and support diverse students.
• Collections Stewardship: Direct the growth, curation, and preservation of physical, digital, and rare special collections.
• Leadership & Operations: Lead a multidisciplinary team of specialists and oversee multi-million-pound budgets.

Key Requirements

• Qualifications: Formal Library or related postgraduate qualifications (or experiential equivalent) with expertise in scholarly communications, digital tools, and AI-enabled learning environments.
• Senior Leadership: Proven track record of senior management, strategic execution, and leading large, inclusive, multi-disciplinary teams.
• Financial Stewardship: Demonstrated success managing multi-million-pound budgets and complex resources.
• Influence & Collaboration: Exceptional communication and stakeholder management skills to engage, advise, and influence across the institution.

Diversity & Inclusion

At York, we are committed to fostering an inclusive environment. We particularly encourage applications from candidates who identify as Black, Asian, or from a Minority Ethnic background, as we strive to address under-representation in our senior leadership.

Why Join York?

At York, we are a university dedicated to the public good. We offer a supportive, highly collaborative culture where innovation is encouraged. You will join a welcoming community located in one of the UK’s most beautiful, vibrant, and historic cities.

How to Apply

For a confidential discussion, please contact Paul Ellison (HR Recruitment Adviser) paul.ellison@york.ac.uk.

Closing Date: 06 September 2026
Interview Date: 21 September 2026

The University strives to be diverse and inclusive  – a place where we can ALL be ourselves.

We particularly encourage applications from people who identify as Black, Asian or from a Minority Ethnic background, who are underrepresented at the University. 

We offer family friendly, flexible working arrangements, with forums and inclusive facilities to support our staff. #EqualityatYork

As a Disability Confident employer, we will ensure that a fair and proportionate number of disabled applicants that meet the minimum (essential) criteria for each position will be offered an interview.  Read more about the University of York’s commitments under the Disability Confident scheme.