University Librarian Jobs – University of Saint Joseph

Job Overview

The University Librarian position at University of Saint Joseph represents a strategic leadership opportunity to shape the future of academic information services in Mbarara. This role combines traditional library management with modern digital transformation initiatives to support the university’s mission of fostering human and Christian values through quality education.

The successful candidate will provide professional direction for library operations while developing innovative services that enhance teaching, learning and research outcomes. This position requires balancing administrative responsibilities with visionary leadership to create a technology-enabled information centre that serves the entire university community.

Reporting directly to university management, the University Librarian will advise on scholarly communication and knowledge management matters while ensuring library services align with institutional goals. The role demands someone who can bridge traditional librarianship with contemporary digital trends to meet evolving academic needs.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership and professional direction for the University Library, developing vision and goals that align with institutional academic priorities and community engagement initiatives.
• Develop implement and periodically review the University Library Strategic Plan policies regulations and operational procedures ensuring they remain current and effective for changing academic needs.
• Advise University Management on library information knowledge management and scholarly communication matters providing expert guidance on resource allocation and service development.
• Develop and maintain a balanced collection of print electronic and digital information resources that support diverse academic programs across all faculties and research centres.
• Coordinate the acquisition classification cataloguing preservation and dissemination of library materials ensuring efficient access to information resources for students faculty and researchers.
• Develop and manage electronic resources including e-books e-journals online databases and institutional digital repositories to enhance accessibility and usability of digital collections.
• Promote effective use of digital library technologies and integrated library management systems through training workshops and user support initiatives that increase adoption and satisfaction.
• Ensure that library services adequately support the University’s teaching learning research and community engagement programmes through needs assessment and service customization.

Qualifications & Experience

Essential

• Master’s degree in Library and Information Science or related field from a recognised institution with demonstrated academic excellence and professional commitment to librarianship principles.
• Minimum five years progressive experience in academic library management including supervisory responsibilities and budget oversight for medium to large information services.
• Proven experience in developing and implementing library strategic plans policies and procedures that have improved service delivery and user satisfaction in academic environments.
• Demonstrated expertise in managing electronic resources including e-resources licensing digital repositories and integrated library systems within budget constraints.
• Strong knowledge of information literacy instruction research support services and scholarly communication trends essential for supporting modern academic workflows.
• Excellent communication interpersonal and presentation skills enabling effective collaboration with faculty students administration and external stakeholders across diverse groups.

Desirable

• PhD in Library Information Science or related discipline with research publications demonstrating thought leadership in academic librarianship digital transformation or information science.
• Experience with library automation systems such as Koha Alma or similar integrated library management platforms including implementation migration and customization projects.
• Familiarity with open access initiatives institutional repositories and digital preservation standards that support long-term accessibility of scholarly materials.
• Knowledge of copyright law licensing agreements and electronic resource management practices particularly as they apply to academic institutions in Uganda and East Africa.
• Experience in community engagement outreach programs and public library collaborations that extend information services beyond the traditional academic user base.
• Proficiency in data analysis assessment methodologies and performance metrics used to evaluate library impact and inform evidence-based decision making processes.

What the Role Offers

• Competitive salary package commensurate with experience and qualifications including annual increments based on performance evaluation and institutional salary scales.
• Comprehensive health insurance coverage for employee and immediate family members providing access to quality healthcare services through approved medical providers.
• Generous leave entitlements including annual leave sick leave and maternity/paternity leave in accordance with Ugandan labour laws and university policies.
• Professional development opportunities including conference attendance training workshops and further education support to enhance professional competencies.
• Housing allowance or accommodation assistance subject to availability and eligibility criteria helping to reduce living costs for staff relocating to Mbarara.
• Transport facilitation through mileage reimbursement or shuttle service access improving commuting convenience for employees living within reasonable distance of campus.

How to Apply

Interested candidates should submit a detailed CV copies of academic certificates and professional qualifications along with a cover letter outlining their suitability for the position. Please apply now by clicking the link below.

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