Mansfield Library Dean Search
Position Advertisement and Profile
The position has been posted on Interfolio.
We seek an imaginative and collaborative academic leader to serve as the Library’s chief academic and administrative officer, reporting directly to me. The successful candidate will hold a master’s degree in library science from an ALA-accredited program (or a recognized equivalent), will have library leadership experience, and will have a record of teaching, research, and service appropriate for appointment at the rank of full professor.
The next Dean will lead a collaborative, shared-governance process to build a future-facing vision for the Library that aligns with UM’s mission. The Dean will guide administrative structures, shared services integration, and internal communication; steward fiscal resources responsibly within the wider Montana University System library strategy; and represent the Library to the campus, alumni, donors, government agencies, and professional partners. We want a leader who champions broad and equitable access to knowledge, advances information and AI literacy, guides the thoughtful adoption of emerging technologies, and inspires trust while supporting and developing library employees in accordance with University policy and collective bargaining agreements.
Experience launching new initiatives or managing structural transitions, strong financial management, success in fundraising and donor engagement, familiarity with federal depository library requirements, and a commitment to interdisciplinary collaboration and the public mission of library services are highly desirable. So is the ability to partner with Student Success and Enrollment Management to support retention, learning, research, and wellness.
Search Committee Charge
The Library is an essential academic and cultural resource for the University of Montana, and it serves students, faculty, staff, and communities across Montana. The next Dean will shape its future at a time of rapid change in how knowledge is created, shared, and preserved.
Search Committee
Tim Nichols, Dean, Davidson Honors College (Chair)
Brian Reed, Associate Vice President, Student Success
Wendy Walker, Digital Initiatives Librarian, Mansfield Library
Jill Howard, Reference & Instruction Librarian, Mansfield Library
Donna McCrea, Archives & Special Collections, Mansfield Library
Glenn Kneebone, Program Manager, Mansfield Library
Katie Smith, Assistant Professor, AAS – Missoula College
Chloe Moore, Graduate Student, MFA Creative Writing
Lane Allen, Undergraduate Student, History
Mansfield Library Dean Search Timeline
Phase 1 | Gather Feedback
To maintain competitiveness and attract the strongest candidates, we incorporated feedback from recent listening sessions and surveys held on 18 September 2026.
Phase 2 | Review Feedback
Feedback gathered from the input sessions and surveys informed the development of the Library Dean Position Advertisement, the Search Committee charge, and the appointment of the Library Dean Search Committee members.
Phase 3 | Application and Interviews
The Library Dean position was posted the position on 30 September 2026, with applications due 1 November 2026. The Search Committee reviews applications and interviews candidates. We plan to hold campus interviews the week of 18 January 2027. On-campus itineraries will be reviewed by the Search Committee before arrangements are made.
Phase 4 | Offer and Onboard
Following the committee’s recommendations, the Provost will extend an offer to the selected candidate, with an anticipated start date in the spring or on 1 July 2027.
Last Updated: 20 October 2026