Director of Access Services

at Northwestern University in

Evanston, Illinois, United States Job Description Job Opening Id:

53623

POSITION:

Director of Access Services

DEPARTMENT

Access Services

REPORTS TO

Associate University Librarian for Collections and Access

EFFECTIVE

5/1/2026

Summary:

Northwestern University Libraries seek a forward-thinking, user-focused and collaborative leader to provide strategic direction and operational leadership for the Access Services department. Reporting to the Associate University Librarian for Collections & Access, the Director of Access Services oversees a portfolio of mission-critical services, including circulation, interlibrary loan, document delivery, course reserves, and stacks management. Together, these services ensure the reliable and efficient access to library materials to Northwestern's faculty, students, and researchers. This role blends visionary leadership with operational excellence. The Director drives innovation, bold experimentation, and the thoughtful adoption of emerging technologies (e.g., workflow automation, AI) to improve the user experience and shape the future of access services in academic libraries.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES AND EXPECTATIONS

Direct and manage a forward-thinking Access Services department, with oversight of circulation, course reserves, interlibrary loan, document delivery, and stacks management operations. Provide strategic leadership in reimagining access services in a rapidly evolving research environment, ensuring that services adapt to changes in user expectations and technologies. Provide overall direction for a team of full-time staff, librarian faculty, and student workers. Directly supervise 3 FTE, including the area supervisors of course reserves, circulation, and interlibrary loan and stacks manager. Coordinate the department's work. Provide mentorship, advocacy and support to all department staff and foster professional engagement and growth Lead the exploration, evaluation, piloting, and implementation of next-generation w To view full details and how to apply, please login or create a Job Seeker account