Dean of Libraries and Academic Information Resources
Tulane University (Tulane) invites inquiries, nominations and applications for the position of Dean of
Libraries and Academic Information Resources (Dean). The new Dean will be a creative, dynamic, and
forward thinking leader who will build upon a strong legacy of growth, excellence and resilience. The
Dean will lead the Libraries in crafting a new vision which will build upon this legacy and support Tulane's
mission to create, communicate and conserve knowledge in order to enrich the capacity of individuals,
organizations and communities to think, to learn and to act and lead with integrity and wisdom. For a
more detailed position description, please visit: http://storbeckpimentel.com/pd/Tulane/Dean_Libraries.pdf
Founded in 1834, Tulane University offers undergraduate, graduate, and professional degrees, and as a
member of the prestigious Association of American Universities, it is one of the nation’s most highly
regarded and selective independent research universities. Tulane enrolls more than 13,000 students
annually (including approximately 8,500 full and part-time undergraduates and over 5,000 graduates and
professionals) in its ten schools and colleges. As the largest private employer in New Orleans, and
among the largest employers in the State, Tulane plays an important role in the region. To best serve its
community, the University is dedicated to attracting and retaining the very best faculty, staff and students,
and is often listed as one of the top rated employers in the region. Tulane and its hometown, New
Orleans, are bonded deeply by a shared history and future. Steeped in influences from Europe, the
Caribbean, Africa and beyond—New Orleans is home to a unique melting pot of culture, food and music
and is among the world's most extraordinary cities. In short, New Orleans is a magical place with a rich
cultural tapestry. For more information about Tulane, please visit: http://tulane.edu/.
Tulane’s libraries are a key component of academic life at the University and play an important role in
enhancing cultural life in New Orleans. The University’s main library on the uptown campus, the HowardTilton Memorial Library (H-TML), is supported by 36 professional FTE, 65 support FTE and a materials
expenditure of $8.8 million. H-TML houses a research collection of more than four million volumes, 600+
electronic database subscriptions and as a member of the prestigious Association of Research Libraries
since 1967, it is ranked amongst the top 125 research libraries in North America. Also housed within the
H-TML building is the Latin American Library (LAL) which is among the world's foremost comprehensive
collections of Latin American and Caribbean research materials and ranks among the top five in the
United States. The LAL has over 510,000 volumes, including 810 current periodical subscriptions, and a
growing number of electronic resources and receives visitors from around the world who come to New
Orleans to consult its collections.
In addition to its general collections, H-TML is also home to many special collections in Joseph Merrick
Jones Hall. The Louisiana Research Collections (LaRC) is the oldest, largest, and most comprehensive
research center for New Orleans and the second largest for Louisiana. The William Ransom Hogan Jazz
Archive is the leading research center for the study of New Orleans jazz and related musical genres,
including New Orleans ragtime, gospel, blues, rhythm and blues, and Creole songs. The Rare Books unit
preserves approximately 50,000 titles ranging chronologically from a leaf of the Gutenberg Bible (ca.
1456) to recent first editions. The Southeastern Architectural Archive (SEAA) is the largest repository of
architectural records in the southern United States and has progressively sought to enhance the
preservation and conservation of architectural records associated with the built environment of the
southeastern Gulf Region, while the University Archives collects materials related to the history of the
university, offering access to the "physical memory” of Tulane University. For more information, visit
http://www.library.tulane.edu.
Additionally, the Rudolph Matas Library of the Health Sciences (Matas Library), located on the downtown
campus, reports to the Dean of Libraries and Academic Information Resources and specifically serves as
the resource library for the School of Medicine, the School of Public Health & Tropical Medicine, and the
Tulane National Primate Research Center. The Matas Library offers 24/7 access to study and computing
areas and houses print, electronic and digitized collections of rare medical and health-related materials
for the use of clinical and research faculty as well as students and fellows.
Tulane’s uptown campus is also home to five additional libraries with separate reporting lines, including:
the Turchin Business Library, Newcomb Archives & Vorhoff Library Special Collections, the Law Library,
Koch Library of Botany, and Amistad Research Center.
Reporting to the Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost, the next Dean will be a
respected leader in the field who will partner with key Tulane constituents to leverage the Libraries'
current momentum in the development of an ambitious strategic plan for the future. The Dean will be a
collaborative and energetic leader who will enhance the trajectory for the Libraries and define a pathway
for creating a library system for the digital age. Furthermore, the Dean will develop and manage a budget,
and other resources, to support the implementation of the strategic plan and achieve the new vision for
the Libraries.
The Dean will be expected to be a passionate and tireless fundraiser and advocate for the Libraries. The
Dean must possess strong interpersonal skills and the ability to engage and excite others about the vision
and mission of the Libraries. Equally, he/she must expand the Libraries’ donor base and stimulate
enthusiasm among existing and new donors to support new initiatives and enhance current programs.
The Dean must possess exceptional leadership skills and have the ability to work effectively with
University faculty and academic administrators across the campus to build effective relationships and a
collaborative environment that fosters research and teaching excellence. In leading the Libraries, the next
Dean will support the University’s overall academic program—focusing on key areas such as research,
teaching and student engagement and learning.
The Search Committee will begin reviewing applications immediately, but will continue accepting
applications and nominations until the position is filled. Applicants must submit a current curriculum vitae
and a letter describing relevant experience and interest in the position. Submission of materials via e-mail
is strongly encouraged. Nomination letters should include the contact information of the nominee. All
applications and nominations will be handled in confidence.
Alberto Pimentel, Managing Partner
Storbeck/Pimentel & Associates
6512 Painter Avenue
Whittier, CA 90601
562-360-1353 (FAX)
Email: [email protected]
Refer to code “Tulane” in the subject line
Tulane University is an equal employment opportunity/affirmative action/persons with
disabilities/veterans employer committed to excellence through diversity. Tulane will not
discriminate against individuals with disabilities or veterans. All eligible candidates are
encouraged to apply.