Job Title: University Librarian and Director of Library Services Reporting To: Deputy Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs Location: 26 York Street, Dublin 2 School (or department): RCSI Library Contract type/duration: Permanent Closing date for applications: 24th May 2026 RCSI is a community of academic, research, clinical and professional staff working collaboratively to lead the world to better health. Here, you will thrive in an innovative and inclusive atmosphere, and your personal development and wellbeing will be supported. We invite you to join us to help deliver on our exciting mission \"To educate, nurture and discover for the benefit of human health\". We seek candidates whose experience to date has prepared them to contribute to our commitment to the \"Race Equality Action Plan 2025-2029\" at RCSI. Our students come from all walks of life and so do we. We hire great people from a wide variety of backgrounds. This makes our university stronger and ensures we hire the best talent. For each of the last six years, RCSI has been positioned in the Top 300 of universities worldwide in the Times Higher World University Rankings. We are proud that RCSI ranks first in the world for \"Good Health and Well-being\" in the Times Higher Education #SDG #SDG Impact Rankings 2025. This reflects our commitment to supporting people of all ages to live healthy lives and our work to promote the concepts of well-being and positive health. Our values of Respect, Collaboration, Scholarship and Innovation continue to unite and direct our purpose. Innovating for a Healthier Future 2023-2027 is RCSI's current five-year strategic plan. Through it, RCSI is enhancing human health by meeting the health workforce needs of society, creating the insights and inventions that drive health improvements, and working in partnership with patients and the public in support of better health and well-being for all. The strategy unites the RCSI community in supporting the UN Sustainable Development Goals - with a particular focus on Goal 3, which targets good health and well-being. More details about RCSI can be ; in particular. At RCSI, our core values of Respect, Collaboration, Scholarship, and Innovation are at the heart of everything we do. We are committed to creating an inclusive and supportive environment where every colleague is valued and empowered to thrive. Our dedication to these values ensures that we foster a culture of mutual respect, open collaboration, continuous learning, and innovative thinking. Join us at RCSI, where your contributions will be recognised, and you will be part of a dynamic team making a real impact on global health. About RCSI Library The RCSI Library is Ireland's only stand-alone academic health sciences library service. It plays a significant role in the life of RCSI by providing collections, expert services, and facilities that support the learning, teaching, research and clinical activities of the university. It collects, preserves and curates material relating to the history of RCSI since 1784 and has contributed to the development of medicine and surgery in Ireland more generally. Our team includes librarians, archivists, and data specialists who provide standard university and health library services including: curriculum-embedded research skills, information and AI literacy training; research data management planning; open access publishing; advanced literature searching services and support; copyright and content licensing; research consult and inquiry services; plus online and onsite heritage exhibitions, outreach, and fact checking. Library Collections Working collections are electronic and healthcare focused with small print collections available in the main campus library and RCSI Beaumont Hospital Library. RCSI Heritage collections encompass hard copy, digitised and born digital materials. Library IT Infrastructure Library Services are underpinned by systems and technologies maintained and developed by specialists in content and metadata, and library digital systems and services development. Current systems include: library management system (ALMA), discovery layer (Primo VE), e-resource authentication (OpenAthens), room booking system (Sentry Juno), link resolver (Primo VE), archives management system (CALM), digital preservation system (Preservica), institutional open access repository (FigShare), data management planning (DMP Online), systematic reviewing (Covidence), online service delivery tools (Third Iron and SpringShare products); and other web-based applications. Library Spaces On-site services and facilities at our award-winning library in the Dublin city-centre campus have diverse spaces designed to support individual and group learning, enhance the student experience and respond to different learner styles. Similar facilities at the RCSI Library in Beaumont Hospital are available to hospital-based students and staff. Our Heritage Collections facilities are currently engaged in Museums Standard Programme of Ireland (MSPI) accreditation. Library Organisation The Library Management Team (LMT) comprises the University Librarian & Director of Library Services, the Associate Librarian for Library Services Delivery, and the Associate Librarian for Education, Research and Clinical Support. The Associate Librarian Library Services Delivery is responsible for developing and delivering strategy, policy and programming for: Customer Services & Communications encompassing but not limited to: onsite library student experience, space & facilities management, orientation and coordination of library communications, onsite customer services and online chat; Systems Support & Development encompassing the library IT infrastructure described above; and Information Resources Management encompassing vendor relationship management, procurement, licensing and negotiating of electronic resources, print materials and collections management and development. The Associate Librarian Education, Research and Clinical Support is responsible for developing and delivering strategy, policy and programming for Education encompassing but not limited to: developing and delivering information literacy, AI literacy, & research skills modules within UG and PG curricula, generating content for the Library on Moodle (RCSI's VLE) and LibGuides; Research Support encompassing open access repository management, research data management training and support, open access publishing and policy; Clinical Support encompassing clinical information and resources delivered via RCSI Library Beaumont Hospital, advanced literature searching services (PIs & Clinicians). For further information see About the post: RCSI is seeking to appoint its next visionary leader to the position of University Librarian and Director of Library Services. This post is a senior, permanent appointment within RCSI reporting to the Deputy Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs. This mission-critical role drives the ongoing innovation and delivery of library services, collections, and infrastructures that enable the delivery of RCSI undergraduate, postgraduate and professional education programmes, RCSI translational research goals, and the stewardship of RCSI heritage collections. The person appointed will have extensive senior management level experience in a university or a similarly sized health sciences library, and a comprehensive understanding of the role and purpose of library services in academic and clinical health sciences environments. They will be a strategic, tactical, and creative thinker with the drive, determination and ambition to lead the library team in developing and delivering future-focused library services, responsive to user needs, and will have a clear vision for RCSI Library services in the age of AI and the strategic position of university library services as a critical component in RCSI institutional infrastructure(s). Job Responsibilities Providing visionary, strategic and operational leadership and management for RCSI Library, including RCSI Heritage Collections based in Dublin and will collaborate effectively with our library services in RCSI campuses in Bahrain, Malaysia and China where necessary. Playing a leading role in the strategic development of institutional policies in areas such as open science, open access publishing, research data management, open education resources, and AI literacy. Being the lead advocate and negotiator for continued investment in library staffing, technologies, facilities, and collections in all formats, necessary to enable institutional education, research and clinical objectives. Actively positioning library services within, and as a critical component of, RCSI academic and research infrastructures. Fostering and maintaining collaborative internal and external relationships critical to delivering library services to diverse user groups and providing excellent user experiences in person and online. Advising RCSI senior management on library-related issues which have, or could have, a major impact on, or within, the University, e.g., any major financial impacts, national open access developments; risks to RCSI heritage collections, etc Representing RCSI on national and European consortia including but not limited to CONUL (Consortium of National and University Libraries), IReL (Irish Research eLibrary) Directors Group, SCONUL (The Society of College, National and University Libraries of UK and Ireland), LIBER European Research Libraries and AAHSL (Association of Academic Health Sciences Libraries). Leadership Develop, communicate and oversee the implementation of a compelling vision for RCSI Library that aligns with RCSI Strategy and sub-strategies for Engagement, Arts and EDI while also being cognisant of the library mission to preserve RCSI history. Ensuring RCSI Library expert services, collections, IT infrastructure, spaces and facilities are fit for purpose in a growing AI environment, continually evolving in response to user needs and are actively contributing to student success and wellbeing, impactful RCSI research, and clinical practice. Active horizon scanning and pro-actively responding to key trends in libraries & information science, cultural heritage, academic publishing, open science, healthcare education and training, and higher education that impact the delivery and development of library services and heritage collections in an academic and health sciences environment. Resource Management Overall responsibility for financial planning and prioritisation of expenditure of the library budget and demonstrating return on that investment. Ensuring appropriate policies, procedures, and systems for data capture and reporting are in place to support operational efficiency, evidence-based decisions, and internal and external reporting requirements. Oversee the strategic and operational development of library spaces, digital and physical, in response to evolving user needs/behaviours and technological advances. People Management Lead and direct a team of technical and information specialists and leverage their collective knowledge and skill sets to enable RCSI strategic objectives in education, research, public engagement, art and society. Manage direct reports, currently Associate Librarians, Heritage Collections Team and Library Administrator. Work collaboratively with the library management team to foster and promote a culture of proactivity, innovation, customer services excellence and continuous quality improvement. Ensure adherence to the Library Team Agreement in support of a collaborative, respectful and inclusive workplace. Oversee workforce planning, business case development, recruitment, and the professional performance and development of staff Actively advance RCSI's equality, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) strategy and RCSI Sustainable Development goals within the team and in informing services delivery online and onsite. Strategic Relationship Management Developing and maintaining internal and external relationships critical for the success of RCSI Library and RCSI including but not limited to RCSI senior management team, Heads of Schools, academics, students, researchers, professional services, and alumni RCSI clinical teaching sites especially major teaching hospitals in Dublin Library teams and senior management at RCSI international campuses in Bahrain, Malaysia and China HSE Library senior management National and international library consortia and professional associations Knowledge & Experience - (Essential): Primary degree and a post graduate qualification in Library and Information Science, or a cognate equivalent with demonstrated experience relevant to the role of university librarian Significant management and leadership experience in a research-intensive, academic or health sciences library, environment Strategic and operational planning, policy development, human and financial resource management experience Experience of leading, managing and motivating teams to high performance Excellent interpersonal, written and oral communication skills Strong understanding of current trends and issues impacting academic and health sciences libraries, such as scholarly communication, Open Science, content licensing, information costs, artificial intelligence, open press publishing etc A collaborative, consultative management style and the ability to work in partnership across the institution Desirable Skills Visionary thinking with the ability to articulate a clear vision and secure institutional commitment to it. Record of leading successful organisational change with library services. Strong service orientation and a commitment to providing high-quality services Creative approaches to developing existing and new library services. Excellent management/administrative/negotiating/organisational and analytical skills. Commitment to personal and professional development through membership of appropriate professional associations, e.g., LAI, CILIP, MLA, ARA. Persistence, resilience, flexibility and adaptability. Able to manage risks and make data-driven decisions in a fast-changing information landscape and to take responsibility. A broad understanding of the HE, healthcare and health education environment, the impact of government legislation and external and economic forces on the University, and an ability to position the University Library effectively within this context Experience working in a multi-cultural context and commitment to EDI We are all too aware that imposter syndrome and the confidence gap can sometimes stop fantastic candidates putting themselves forward, so please do submit an application - we'd love to hear from you. Application Process Please apply online through the RCSI careers portal on the closing date with your CV and cover letter. Informal Enquiries: Informal enquiries are invited in the first instance through Rebecca O'Brien, Human Resources Department (email: ) All applications for this post must be made through the career's webpage Rebecca can arrange for relevant queries to be addressed by the hiring manager. Please note that we do not accept CVs directly. Garda vetting and occupational health review may be required for this role, depending on the nature of the duties and responsibilities. Further information will be provided during the recruitment process. Eligibility to Work in Ireland Please note that we are unable to offer visa sponsorship for this role. Applicants must have unrestricted right to work in Ireland. Employee Benefits At RCSI, we help care for our people so they can focus on our mission to Educate, nurture and discover for the benefit of human health. RCSI truly goes above and beyond to support its employees, ensuring they have everything they need to thrive both personally and professionally. Here's a glimpse of the fantastic benefits available: Health and Wellbeing: Our Inspire Programme promotes the importance of taking care of both our general health and mental health. Inspire manages the Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) offered through SpectrumLife. Past events held by Inspire have included, workshops on mindfulness practices, yoga, nutritional advice, financial advice on mortgages, pensions & health insurance from leading experts, fitness challenges, baking competitions, weight loss programmes, annual flu vaccination campaign and many more. You can also enjoy access to an onsite gym for just €10 per month. Work -Life Balance: Maintaining a healthy work-life balance is crucial for fostering employee well-being, productivity, and overall satisfaction. At RCSI, we offer flexible working arrangements, study leave, and career breaks. In addition to 20 days of annual leave, employees receive an extra 6.5 days of university privilege days, which occur annually around the Christmas and Easter breaks. Family Benefits: RCSI offers enhanced family leave to our working parents with fully paid Maternity, Adoptive, Paternity and Surrogacy Leave. We also offer the first two weeks of Parents leave fully paid for, as well as the option to take Parental Leave until your child is 18 years old. We provide access to Platform 55, a new Parents Platform to support staff before, during, and after becoming a parent. We also offer flexible working, discounted Giraffe crche services of up to 20% and a Parents and Carers' Network. Financial Security: Benefit from automatic enrolment in a pension scheme with Willis Towers Watson with the employer contributions increasing with your length of service, Death in Service of up to 4 times your salary, long-term illness and disability income replacement, and free advice on health, motor, and home insurance. Discounted Services: Avail of discounted GP services, Taxsaver commuter tickets, the BiketoWork scheme, free eye tests at the National Optometry Centre, and discounted parking at St. Stephen's Green/RCSI car park. Recognition: At RCSI, we value and recognise the contributions of our staff through various awards and events, such as Long Service recognition, the Vice Chancellor Staff Awards, and through Research Day. Professional Growth: RCSI's Staff Learning and Development is committed to providing colleagues with opportunities and support to help them reach their full potential and thrive at work. Offerings include a comprehensive programme of staff training, management and leadership development, mentoring, coaching and funding support for further study. Staff Networks: Additionally, we support a range of staff networks, including the Women's Network, Postdoctoral Staff Network, Parents & Carers' Network, Project Manager's Network, LGBTI+ Network, Age Friendly Network etc. These networks help RCSI to foster a sense of community and inclusivity. Sports and Social Club: Engage in a variety of activities such as Yoga, Pilates and a variety of different Fitness classes. Enjoy social evenings, Book Clubs, Summer BBQs and one-off events like the Taste of Dublin, Bloom, Dublin Horse Show and Dublin Zoo. We also have a variety of discount tickets for shows and events through the year. Note: This job description may be subject to change to reflect the evolving requirements of the Department and RCSI. Similar vacancies that arise in the next 6 months may be filled from the pool of applicants that apply for this position. RCSI is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and welcome applications from all suitably qualified persons regardless of their gender, civil status, family status, sexual orientation, religion, age, disability or race. RCSI is committed to embedding equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) across everything we do. This ensures we can all work and learn in an environment defined by dignity and respect. Eligibility to work in Ireland is a requirement of this role, Proof of eligibility documentation will be required at a later date. Under limited and specific circumstances (research/ specialist roles) RCSI may be in a position to seek a hosting agreement and/or work permits. Employees are required to undertake 6 months service in their current role before applying for other internal opportunities, unless agreed in advance by the SMT representative