JOB DETAILS

Institute Librarian

CompanyInstitute for Advanced Study
LocationPrinceton
Work ModeOn Site
PostedMarch 10, 2026
About The Company
The Institute for Advanced Study is a leading center for theoretical research and discovery dedicated to advancing the frontiers of knowledge across the sciences and humanities. Each year, 250 of the world’s most promising post-doctoral researchers and scholars are welcomed as Members to a campus dedicated to collaboration, excellence, and independent inquiry. They are mentored by a permanent Faculty, each of whom are preeminent leaders in their fields. Among present and past Faculty and Members are Albert Einstein, Erwin Panofsky, J. Robert Oppenheimer, numerous Nobel Laureates, Fields Medalists, Abel Prize Laureates, MacArthur and Guggenheim fellows, and winners of the Wolf, Holberg, Kluge, and Pulitzer Prizes.
About the Role

Description


Position Summary


The Institute Librarian is the Institute’s senior library professional with oversight for all library matters, including strategic planning, delivery of services, use of library facilities, development of digital and print collections, staffing, budgeting, and compliance. The Institute Librarian also convenes and administers the Faculty library committees and serves as the Institute’s primary liaison to the Princeton University Library and other external partners. In addition, the Institute Librarian oversees the Shelby White and Leon Levy Archives, an integral and unique component of the Institute’s collection of scholarly resources. 


Essential Job Duties


Strategic Leadership (60%)


· Develop a strategic vision to ensure that in a rapidly evolving information environment, the libraries, archives, and staff continue to deliver services appropriate to the Institute’s mission of advanced research and discovery.

· Work closely with Institute leadership, Faculty, and Members to prioritize library and archives services and the strategic allocation of resources. 

· Lead, manage, and recruit staff to further the strategic and operational goals of the libraries and the archives. 

· Oversee the continuing evolution of the Institute’s collection development policies.

· Cultivate relationships with internal and external partners that will advance the Institute’s goals and mission.


Oversight and Management (30%)


· Advance the Institute’s research mission by planning, developing, and delivering high-quality, accessible library and archives services.

· Manage the operations of the libraries and archives with a focus on meeting the diverse needs of the Institute’s scholars through exceptional service delivery and a commitment to innovation and the adoption of best practices. 

· Develop and administer the annual budgets for the libraries and archives.

· Manage the Institute’s collections in accordance with collection development policies.

· Collaborate with Faculty committees to develop agenda and priorities for consideration.

· Leverage technology to create deeper cohesion among academic resources and to support new and diverse research methodologies and interests among the Institute scholars.

 

All other duties as assigned by the Chief Operating Officer and/or the Director (10%)

Requirements


Minimum Qualifications


· Master’s degree in Library Science (MLS or MLIS).

· Five years of related experience in library and information sciences as well as academic administration. 

· Demonstrated knowledge of best practices and the ability to evaluate emerging trends and technologies related to libraries and archives.

· Demonstrated success in recruiting, leading, and managing library staff and in building cross-functional teams. 

· Demonstrated success in building inter-institutional partnerships and collaborations.

· Demonstrated success in academic institutions requiring change management.

· Excellent written and verbal communication skills. 


Supervisory Responsibilities


· Librarian (3)

· Library Assistant (2) 

· Archivist

· Bibliographic Specialist 

· Interlibrary Loan Specialist


Working Conditions


· Must be able to remain in a stationary position for prolonged periods of time.

· Public-facing position with frequent interaction with staff, faculty, and scholars.

· Ability to lift and carry up to 20 lbs

.

The Institute for Advanced Study retains the right to change or assign other duties to this position at any time. 

To perform this role successfully, an individual must satisfactorily perform each essential job duty. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions. 


The anticipated pay range for this position is $240,000 to $270,000. We offer a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental, and vision insurance; life insurance; short- and long-term disability coverage; flexible spending accounts; paid holidays; paid time off; tuition assistance; retirement plans; and an employee assistance program.


For consideration, please provide a cover letter with your resume.


The Institute for Advanced Study is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Key Skills
Strategic PlanningService DeliveryCollection DevelopmentBudgetingStaff ManagementRecruitingLiaisonArchives OversightChange ManagementInter-institutional PartnershipsTechnology LeverageScholarly Resource ManagementInformation Environment EvolutionBest Practices AdoptionVerbal CommunicationWritten Communication
Categories
Management & LeadershipEducationScience & ResearchAdministrative
Benefits
Medical InsuranceDental InsuranceVision InsuranceLife InsuranceShort-term Disability CoverageLong-term Disability CoverageFlexible Spending AccountsPaid HolidaysPaid Time OffTuition AssistanceRetirement PlansEmployee Assistance Program
Job Information
📋Core Responsibilities
The Institute Librarian serves as the senior library professional, overseeing strategic planning, service delivery, collection development (digital and print), staffing, and budgeting for all library matters. This role also involves administering faculty library committees and acting as the primary liaison to external partners, including the Princeton University Library.
📋Job Type
full time
💰Salary Range
$240,000 - $270,000
📊Experience Level
5-10
💼Company Size
468
📊Visa Sponsorship
No
💼Language
English
🏢Working Hours
40 hours
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