Dean of Libraries
Position Description
Dean of Libraries
Clemson University (CU), one of the top 20 public
universities in US News and World Report, invites
inquiries, nominations and applications for the
position of Dean of Libraries. Clemson is seeking a
leader in developing a vision for the evolving role of
libraries in quality undergraduate and graduate
education. As the chief academic and administrative
officer of the Clemson University Libraries, the Dean
reports to the Executive Vice President of Academic
Affairs and Provost, and oversees approximately 28
faculty members, 64 staff members and 65 students
in a large main library in the heart of the Clemson
campus, along with a number of smaller collections
and facilities on- and off- campus.
About Clemson University
Founded in 1889, CU is a
land-grant institution
committed both to world-class
research and a high quality of
life. Six interdisciplinary
colleges and schools house
strong programs in
architecture, engineering,
science, agriculture, natural
resources, business, social
sciences, arts and humanities,
health care, and education. A
faculty of 1,500 and staff of
3,000 support over 80
undergraduate degree
offerings, and more than 70
master’s and 40 Ph.D. programs. An annual operating budget of approximately $1 billion and an
endowment of more than $500 million fund programs and operations. Total research
expenditures in 2012 were $142 million. Major new research and economic development
activities are enhanced by public-private partnerships at three innovation campuses and six
research and education centers located throughout South Carolina. To fulfill the founder’s vision
of a “high seminary of learning” for the people of South Carolina, Clemson has emerged as a
research university with global vision and reach that remains committed to the quality of its wellknown undergraduate experience. Clemson’s unique origin and idyllic college-town setting
have carved a distinctive culture of community, collegiality, collaboration and service — traits
inseparable from the institution itself.
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Mission and Vision
Clemson University first opened its doors in 1889 with a very clear vision: to “be a high seminary
of learning in which the graduate of the common schools can commence, pursue and finish the
course of studies terminating in thorough theoretic and practical instruction.”
Thomas Green Clemson’s now famous words
left to Clemson in his will have guided the
University’s actions through the years, from a
college focusing on the art and science of
agriculture to a university teaching students in
more than 70 undergraduate and 100
graduate degree programs. Today, Clemson’s
vision is focused on the future while the
institution remembers where its roots were first
planted.
Vision Statement
Clemson will be one of the nation’s top-20 public universities.
Mission Statement
Clemson University was established to fulfill our founder's vision of "a high seminary of learning"
to develop "the material resources of the State" for the people of South Carolina. Nurtured by an
abiding land grant commitment, Clemson has emerged as a research university with a global
vision. Our primary purpose is educating undergraduate and graduate students to think deeply
about and engage in the social, scientific, economic, and professional challenges of our times.
The foundation of this mission is the generation, preservation, communication, and application
of knowledge. The University also is committed to the personal growth of the individual and
promotes an environment of good decision making, healthy and ethical lifestyles, and tolerance
and respect for others. Our distinctive character is shaped by a legacy of service, collaboration,
and fellowship forged from and renewed by the spirit of Thomas Green Clemson's covenant.
The University’s highest held values are respect, integrity and honesty.
University Description
Clemson University is a selective, public, research university in a college-town setting.
Clemson's desire is to attract a capable, dedicated and diverse student body of approximately
20,000 undergraduate and graduate students, with priority to students from South Carolina. The
University offers a wide array of high quality baccalaureate programs built around a distinctive
core curriculum. Graduate, continuing education, doctoral and research programs contribute to
the state of knowledge and to the economic future of the state, nation and world. The university
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provides bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees in more than 100 majors through five
academic colleges: the College of Agriculture, Forestry and Life Sciences; the College of
Architecture, Arts and Humanities; the College of Business and Behavioral Science; the College
of Engineering and Science; and the College of Health, Education and Human Development.
Clemson combines the benefits of a major research university with a strong commitment to
undergraduate teaching and individual student success. Students, both undergraduate and
graduate, have opportunities for unique educational experiences throughout South Carolina, as
well as in other states and countries. Experiential learning is a valued component of the
Clemson experience, and students are encouraged through Creative Inquiry, internships, and
study abroad to apply their learning beyond the classroom. Electronic delivery of courses and
degree programs also provide a variety of learning opportunities. Clemson’s extended campus
includes teaching sites in Greenville and Charleston, five research campuses and five public
service centers throughout the state of South Carolina, as well as four international sites.
The University is committed to exemplary teaching, research and public service in the context of
general education, student engagement and development, and continuing education. In all
areas, the goal is to develop students’ communication and critical-thinking skills, ethical
judgment, global awareness, and scientific and technological knowledge. The distinctive
character of Clemson is reflected in the culture of collegiality and collaboration among faculty,
students, staff, the administration, and the university Board of Trustees.
Athletics
Clemson University athletic teams are
known as the Tigers. They compete as a
member of the National Collegiate
Athletic Association (NCAA) Division I
level (Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS)
sub-level for football), primarily
competing in the Atlantic Coast
Conference (ACC) for all sports since
the 1953-54 season. Men's sports
include baseball, basketball, cross
country, football, golf, soccer, tennis and
track & field; while women's sports
include basketball, cross country, golf,
rowing, soccer, diving, tennis, track & field and volleyball.
The most-prominent athletics facilities on campus are Memorial Stadium, Littlejohn Coliseum,
Doug Kingsmore Stadium, Historic Riggs Field, and Fike Recreation Center. Clemson has won
four national championships including football (1981), men's soccer (1984 and 1987), and men's
golf (2003)
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Research
With an emphasis on research and economic development, Clemson is strongly focused on
collaboration and encouraging faculty, students and economic partners to embrace and pursue
bold ideas. Its teaching, research and outreach are driving development and improving the
quality of life in South Carolina and beyond. In fact, Clemson’s externally funded research
expenditures surpassed $100 million the past two years. Clemson is growing selected graduate
programs and building new research and economic development centers across the state.
These centers support a knowledge-based economy and are focused on advanced materials,
automotive and transportation technology, biotechnology and environmental sustainability.
Clemson entrepreneurs — students and faculty alike — are bringing technology and research
findings to market. From manufacturing to medicine, Clemson is building tomorrow’s economy
and workforce today.
Research Centers in South Carolina
 Advanced Material Center
 Clemson University Center for Workforce Development (CUCWD)
 Clemson at the Falls
 Clemson University Biomedical Engineering Innovation Campus (CUBEInC)
 Center for Optical Materials Science and Engineering Technologies (COMSET)
 Clemson University International Center for Automotive Research (CU-ICAR)
 Clemson University Restoration Institute (CURI)
 Genomics Institute
 Cyberinfrastructure Technology Integration
 Wind Turbine Drivetrain Testing Facility
Specialized Facilities
 Electron Microscopy Laboratory
 High-Performance Computing
 Light Imaging Facility
Agricultural Research Centers
 Public Service and Agriculture Research and Education Centers
 Clemson Experimental Forest
 Experiment Station
 Livestock Poultry Health
 Research Farm Services
 Regulatory Services
For more information please visit: http://www.clemson.edu/research/
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About Clemson, South Carolina
The University is the cultural
center of the city, even though a
quaint two-block downtown is
located directly to the north of the
campus. The community was
originally named "Calhoun" and
was renamed "Clemson" in 1943.
In addition to Clemson University,
the city is home to the South
Carolina Botanical Garden, Fort
Hill Plantation, and the Bob
Campbell Geology Museum.
Lake Hartwell, a reservoir, is a
popular recreation area that borders the city on the west. The Blue Ridge Mountains are located
just 30 miles (48 km) from the city center.
The Position
The Clemson University Libraries provide access to more than 1.3 million books, 480
databases, over 45,000 journals, and numerous unique digital collections. The Libraries have
strong reference and research services, a substantial instruction and outreach program,
progressive technical services, and high density remote storage facility. With an annual budget
in excess of $13 million (with more than half committed to the Library collection), the Libraries
are engaged in numerous digitization projects, and have also been involved in several initiatives
to support new forms of scholarly publishing and communication.
The Dean of Libraries will provide a clear vision of the evolving role of the Libraries’ and how
they directly support the strategic initiatives and intellectual core of the university.
Responsibilities of the position include:
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develop, implement and advance the Libraries’ strategic plan;
provide visionary and effective leadership to library faculty, staff and students to
collectively achieve the strategic initiatives;
lead the continuing transformation of the Clemson Libraries into a student center that
encourages research, academic excellence and collaboration in a technologically-rich
environment;
support intellectual inquiry by aligning library services with advances in research,
instructional delivery, curriculum development, and academic study;
foster relationships with the university community and external sources to improve library
services and facilities, enhance the quality of resources, and increase operational
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efficiency;
ensure that the Libraries stay at the forefront of changes in technology, communication,
instruction, outreach and the storage and delivery of information;
effectively plan and manage the financial resources of the Libraries to meet current
needs and allow for the attainment of strategic initiatives;
support the traditional core functions of the library for those patrons who depend on
them;
appreciate the diverse needs of research library patrons, such as undergraduates,
graduate students, professional students, faculty, staff, alumni, and the community, and
promote a service-based environment to support these constituencies effectively and
efficiently;
further encourage a responsive culture that welcomes change and innovation, and
strengthens international connections; and
cultivate external relations and development opportunities.
Qualifications
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Masters in library science terminal degree from an American Library Associationaccredited program or related discipline required
Demonstrated progressive experience in a comprehensive research or university library
A record of achievement appropriate for a position at the rank of Librarian at Clemson
University
Proven leadership in program management and interdisciplinary collaboration in a
complex research library setting
Strong collaborative and leadership skills to focus faculty, staff and student efforts to
achieve common goals
Commitment to the educational role of academic libraries, and alignment of library
activities with curricula, instruction/outreach, and research
Evidence of success in securing external funding and an appreciation of stewardship
and collaborative relationships within and beyond the university
Dedication to diversity and social justice and promoting a respectful work environment
Skill in advancing digital initiatives and coordinating with information technology units
Exceptional oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills
Salary
The salary is competitive and commensurate with qualifications and experience.
Applicant Review
Confidential applications and nominations will be accepted until the position is filled. For best
consideration, applications and nominations should be provided by February 10, 2015.
How to Apply
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Greenwood/Asher & Associates, Inc. is assisting Clemson University in the search. Initial
screening of applications will begin immediately and will continue until an appointment is made.
Individuals who wish to nominate a candidate should submit a letter of nomination including
contact information for the nominee. Application materials should include a letter addressing
how the candidate’s experiences match the position requirements, a curriculum vitae or resume
and five references. Submission of materials as PDF attachments is strongly encouraged.
Confidential inquiries, nominations, and application materials should be directed to:
Jan Greenwood, Betty Turner Asher, Partners
Julie Holley, Principal
Greenwood/Asher & Associates, Inc.
42 Business Centre Drive, Suite 206
Miramar Beach, Florida 32550
Phone: 850-650-2277 / Fax: 850-650-2272
Email: jangreenwood@greenwoodsearch.com
Email: bettyasher@greenwoodsearch.com
Email: julieholley@greenwoodsearch.com
For more information regarding Clemson University please visit: http://www.clemson.edu/
JEANNE CLERY ACT:
The Jeanne Clery Disclosure Act requires institutions of higher education to disclose campus
security information including crime statistics for the campus and surrounding areas. As a
current or prospective Clemson University employee, you have a right to obtain a copy of this
information for this institution. For more information regarding our Employment, Campus
Safety and Benefits, please visit the Human Resources - Prospective Employees web page
shown below:
http://www.clemson.edu/cao/humanresources/prospective/
Clemson University is an Equal Opportunity/ADA/Affirmative Action employer and does not
discriminate against any individual or group of individuals on the basis of age, color, disability,
gender, pregnancy, national origin, race, religion, sexual orientation, veteran status or genetic
information. We are committed to creating a diverse community of scholars. Individuals who
contribute to building a diverse community, including minorities, women and persons with
disabilities, are strongly and specifically encouraged to apply.
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