University Librarian

The Chinese University of Hong Kong

Applications are invited for:-

The Chinese University of Hong Kong Library

University Librarian

(Ref: 210002FG) (Closing date: December 3, 2021)

The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) now invites applications and nominations for the position of University Librarian.

The Chinese University of Hong Kong

Recognized globally as a leading comprehensive research university, and one of the finest in Asia, The Chinese University of Hong Kong has come a long way. Founded in 1963, with fewer than 1,400 students and 300 staff, CUHK is home to over 30,000 students and 8,000 staff members today. CUHK cherishes the vision of achieving excellence with purpose and responsibility, seeking to forge a better future for all and, in particular, to contribute to the development of Hong Kong and mainland China, through education, research, innovation and service. With the largest campus among all the universities in Hong Kong, and by far the most lush and green, CUHK is the only university in Hong Kong that offers a collegiate experience, with unique college-based learning programmes forming an integral part of the undergraduate curriculum. The University offers a broad spectrum of programmes up to the PhD level in various disciplines across its eight Faculties (Arts, Business Administration, Education, Engineering, Law, Medicine, Science and Social Science).

The University has recently introduced ‘CUHK 2025,’ a new strategic plan charting the direction of CUHK in its next phase of development. More information, including a video introducing ‘CUHK 2025’, may be found here: https://www.cuhk.edu.hk/strategicplan/cuhk2025/ and further information about CUHK may be found online at http://www.cuhk.edu.hk.

The Chinese University of Hong Kong Library

The University Library at CUHK is one of the leading research libraries in East Asia. Its mission is to partner in the creation, access, dissemination and preservation of knowledge to inspire, inform and support CUHK in its research, learning and teaching, and knowledge transfer.

The University Library was established in 1965 and has grown into a comprehensive Library that is home to one of Hong Kong's strongest and most comprehensive collections. The main University Library is located at the heart of the CUHK campus, and it is a technology-rich, versatile study space that includes the CUHK Library exhibition space. In addition, there are three residential College libraries (Chung Chi Library, New Asia Library, and United College Library) and three faculty-based libraries (the Architecture Library, Lee Quo Wei Law Library, and Li Ping Medical Library). The University Library holds over 2.7 million print and multimedia items, 5 million e-books, e-journal and full text database subscriptions, distributed over the University Library and the six branch libraries, with comprehensive subject coverage.  Further information about the CUHK Library may be found here: https://www.lib.cuhk.edu.hk/en.

The Role

The University Librarian serves as a University Officer and is responsible for the effective and efficient development and management of the CUHK Library to enhance teaching, learning and research. Reporting to the Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Education), the University Librarian engages with key leaders and stakeholders across the university and serves as the most senior leader of the CUHK Library. Given the increasingly central role of technology in university library operations, the University Librarian will also have substantial engagement with the Information Technology Services Centre of the University.

The University Librarian is responsible for leading and managing the CUHK Library; strategic planning; providing vision and direction to enact new and on-going initiatives; and leading a team of 30 library professionals and over 170 support staff in providing a wide range of library services as well as promoting interlibrary cooperation locally and overseas.

Duties include: (i) overseeing the library’s operation by effective strategic planning and supervision; (ii) developing key collaborative relationships with major stakeholders to enhance planning and implementation of strategic initiatives; (iii) strengthening the services and collections of the library for key research areas of the University, including digital humanities and digital scholarship; and (iv) building comprehensive collections across the disciplines, including digital access to content, to support the needs of academic research and teaching and learning.

The next University Librarian should have both the vision and executive leadership experience required to help define and to lead the future of the CUHK Library.  The successful candidate for this position should have:

• a higher degree in Librarianship or Information Science;
• excellent communication skills and a customer service orientation;
• substantial library administrative and management experience, with a preference for experience in an academic setting;
• demonstrated track record of applying information technology in managing learning resources, bibliometrics, and research data; and
• effective and innovative leadership in strategic planning. Knowledge of Chinese is not required but would be an advantage.

Terms of Appointment

Appointment will initially be made on contract basis for up to three years, renewable subject to mutual agreement. Salary and benefits for the position will be highly competitive, commensurate with qualifications and experience.

Applications and Nominations

The Chinese University of Hong Kong will be supported by the executive search firm Perrett Laver in this global recruitment exercise. Applications should include the following materials:

• CV 
• A brief covering letter indicating your interest in the position

Further information about the position, including how to apply, may be found at https://candidates.perrettlaver.com/vacancies/ quoting reference 5436. Initial enquiries may be directed in confidence to Dr. Felix Chan at Felix.Chan@perrettlaver.com.  The deadline for applications is Friday, 3 December 2021.

The University’s Personal Information Collection Statement will be provided upon request. All enquiries, applications and nominations will be treated in strict confidence.

Consideration of applications/nominations will begin in December 2021 and will continue until the position is filled. The University reserves the right to fill the position by invitation.

The University is an equal opportunities employer and is committed to promoting equality, inclusivity, diversity and the highest ethical standards.