Senior Library Manager (UAE National)

Role Overview

Senior Library Manager at Ajman University, located in the UAE. This position is open to UAE Nationals only.

Role Purpose

The Senior Library Manager provides strategic leadership, administration, planning, development, and continuous enhancement of the University Library in alignment with Ajman University's academic mission, research priorities, accreditation standards, and digital transformation initiatives. The role ensures delivery of innovative, user-centered, and high-quality library and information services that support teaching, learning, research, scholarly communication, and community engagement across the University.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Planning & Development

• Develop and implement the University Library's strategic plans, operational goals, and long-term development initiatives in alignment with the University's strategic priorities.
• Recommend infrastructure improvements, technology enhancements, and future library development initiatives.
• Assess and recommend library space requirements, facilities utilization, and long-term building and infrastructure needs.

Library Operations

• Oversee library operations, including circulation, reference services, acquisitions, cataloging, archives, technical services, and digital resources.
• Manage integrated library systems (ILS), databases, repositories, discovery platforms, and OPAC systems.
• Oversee Elsevier's PURE Research Information Management System (RIMS), including publications management, research profiles, analytics, and reporting.

Research & Scholarly Support

• Support faculty and researchers in scholarly publishing, citation management, research visibility, academic integrity, and access to scholarly resources.

Information Literacy & User Services

• Develop and deliver information literacy programs, workshops, and user training sessions.

Financial Management

• Prepare, recommend, and manage the Library's annual budget and monitor expenditures in accordance with University policies and financial regulations.
• Evaluate subscriptions, databases, vendor agreements, and resource allocations to ensure cost-effectiveness and institutional value.

Staff Leadership & Development

• Lead, supervise, and develop library staff and foster a collaborative and service-oriented environment.
• Develop workforce plans and identify staffing, training, and professional development needs.

Governance & Compliance

• Support accreditation, quality assurance, institutional effectiveness, and compliance with copyright, licensing, and information management standards.

Stakeholder Engagement

• Establish partnerships with academic libraries, publishers, and professional organizations, and represent the University in relevant forums.
• Communicate and collaborate effectively with academic and administrative units regarding library initiatives, services, and institutional requirements.
• Encourage community engagement and outreach initiatives related to library services and educational resources.

University Committees & Additional Duties

• Serve on University committees and perform other duties assigned by the Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs.
• Perform other duties assigned by the Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs to support the effective operation and advancement of the University Library.

Qualifications & Experience

• Master's degree in Library and Information Science, Library Science, Information Management, or a related field from an accredited institution.
• Minimum of 8–10 years of progressively responsible experience in academic libraries, including at least 5 years in a managerial or leadership role.
• Experience in higher education and familiarity with library technologies, digital resources, academic databases, and research support systems.
• Demonstrated experience in library technologies, digital resource management, budgeting, strategic planning, collection development, and staff supervision.
• Experience supporting accreditation and quality assurance processes is highly desirable.
• Experience with Research Information Management Systems is preferred.

Skills & Competencies

• Strong knowledge of academic library operations, systems, standards, and best practices.
• Knowledge of integrated library systems, institutional repositories, discovery platforms, and electronic resource management systems.
• Strong leadership, organizational, project management, and strategic planning skills.
• Excellent analytical, decision-making, and problem-solving abilities.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills in English and Arabic.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with faculty, students, administrators, staff, and external stakeholders.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and operate effectively in a dynamic academic environment.
• Commitment to innovation, service excellence, collaboration, and continuous improvement.

Additional Information

• Reports To: Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs.
• Supervises: Library professional staff and support personnel.