Remote Head of Music Library & Assistant Professor – Academic Music Librarian Leadership Role at Columbus State University

Why Columbus State University?

Founded in 1958, Columbus State University (CSU) stands as a cornerstone of higher education in the heart of Georgia. With an enrollment of nearly 8,000 students, CSU offers more than 70 undergraduate and graduate programs and consistently ranks among the top public regional universities in the South, according to U.S. News & World Report. The university’s two vibrant campuses — a 150‑acre Midtown location and a historic downtown campus overlooking the Chattahoochee River — provide a dynamic backdrop for learning, research, and community engagement.

Beyond academics, CSU is celebrated for its extensive outreach initiatives. The Cunningham Center for Leadership Development, the Coca‑Cola Space Science Center, and the Oxbow Meadows Environmental Learning Center illustrate the institution’s commitment to experiential learning and public service. The campus’s proximity to major corporations such as Aflac, Synovus, and W.C. Bradley, as well as the U.S. Army’s Maneuver Center of Excellence, creates a bustling environment filled with professional opportunities.

Now, the Schwob Memorial Library is seeking a visionary leader to helm its Music Library while serving as an Assistant Professor. This hybrid role blends scholarly teaching with strategic library management, positioning the successful candidate at the nexus of music education, research, and community outreach.

Position Overview

The Head of Music Library & Assistant Professor will be responsible for the overall administration of the Music Library, delivering exemplary public service, and acting as the primary liaison between the CSU Libraries and the Schwob School of Music. This full‑time, regular‑faculty position offers a competitive salary range of $60,000 – $65,000 and the flexibility of remote work, with occasional on‑site responsibilities at the Columbus campuses.

Key Responsibilities

The role encompasses a broad spectrum of duties that support the university’s mission of teaching, research, and service. Core responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Strategic Leadership: Plan, develop, and coordinate the overall operation, services, and resources for the Music Library to align with institutional goals.
• Collection Development: Curate and expand music collections, including scores, recordings, digital media, and rare manuscripts, ensuring diverse and comprehensive holdings.
• Staff Supervision: Recruit, mentor, and evaluate library staff and graduate assistants, fostering a collaborative and innovative work environment.
• Liaison Functions: Serve as the primary point of contact between CSU Libraries and the Schwob School of Music, facilitating communication, resource sharing, and joint programming.
• Reference & Research Assistance: Provide expert bibliographic instruction, reference services, and research consultations to students, faculty, and community members.
• Outreach & Engagement: Design and implement outreach initiatives, workshops, and events that promote music resources and support curriculum development.
• Teaching Responsibilities: Teach undergraduate and graduate courses in music librarianship, information literacy, and related subjects as an Assistant Professor.
• Professional Service: Participate actively in local, state, regional, and national professional organizations; present at conferences; contribute to scholarly publications.
• Library Governance: Contribute to the overall management of CSU Libraries as a member of the library faculty, participating in committees, policy development, and strategic planning.
• Technical Services Oversight: Manage technical workflows for music materials, including cataloging, metadata standards (e.g., MARC, RDA, Music Encoding Initiative), and digital preservation.
• Community Collaboration: Engage with local cultural institutions, schools, and community groups to expand the library’s impact beyond campus.

Essential Qualifications

To ensure success in this multifaceted role, candidates must meet the following minimum qualifications:

• Education: A Master of Library and Information Science (MLIS) or Master of Library Science (MLS) from an ALA‑accredited program.
• Music Expertise: Demonstrated strong background in music, including familiarity with music literature, performance materials, and musicology.
• Language Skills: Proficiency in at least one foreign language (e.g., Italian, German, French) to support international music resources.
• Leadership Experience: Prior experience overseeing library operations, including staff supervision and budget management.
• Technical Proficiency: Hands‑on experience with technical services specific to music materials—cataloging, metadata creation, and digital formats.
• Communication Skills: Excellent written and oral communication abilities, with a proven track record of delivering instruction and engaging diverse audiences.
• Analytical & Problem‑Solving Abilities: Strong organizational, creative, and analytical skills to address complex library challenges.

Preferred Qualifications

While not mandatory, the following attributes will be considered strong assets:

• Advanced Academic Credentials: A master’s degree in Music, Musicology, or a related field.
• Teaching Experience: Prior experience teaching at the college level, particularly in music librarianship or information science.
• Professional Involvement: Active membership in organizations such as the Music Library Association (MLA) or the Association of College & Research Libraries (ACRL).
• Grant Writing: Experience securing external funding for collection development, research projects, or outreach initiatives.
• Digital Initiatives: Experience with digital repositories, streaming platforms, and emerging technologies for music preservation and access.

Core Skills & Competencies

Success in this role hinges on a blend of technical, interpersonal, and strategic capabilities:

• Leadership & Management: Ability to inspire, lead, and develop a diverse team of library professionals and student assistants.
• Customer‑Centric Service: Commitment to providing high‑quality reference, research, and instructional services.
• Curriculum Development: Skill in designing and delivering courses that integrate music librarianship with broader liberal arts education.
• Collaboration: Experience working across academic departments, administrative units, and external partners.
• Technology Fluency: Proficiency with Integrated Library Systems (e.g., Alma, WorldCat), discovery layers (e.g., Primo, Summon), and digital asset management tools.
• Data‑Driven Decision Making: Ability to analyze usage statistics, conduct needs assessments, and align resources with academic priorities.
• Advocacy: Capacity to champion the value of music resources within the university and the broader community.

Career Growth & Professional Development

Columbus State University invests in its faculty and staff, offering a clear pathway for advancement and continuous learning:

• Promotion Opportunities: Structured promotion tracks from Assistant to Associate, then Full Professor, based on teaching excellence, scholarship, and service.
• Professional Development Funds: Access to funding for conference attendance, workshops, and certification programs.
• Tuition Assistance: Eligible full‑time employees may receive tuition reimbursement for further graduate study after six months of employment.
• Mentorship Programs: Pairing with senior faculty and library leaders to accelerate leadership skills and scholarly productivity.
• Research Support: Opportunities to lead collaborative research projects, secure external grants, and publish in peer‑reviewed journals.

Work Environment & Culture

CSU fosters an inclusive, collaborative, and innovative atmosphere. Highlights of the work environment include:

• Remote Flexibility: While the role is remote‑first, occasional on‑site meetings, workshops, and events will be scheduled to strengthen community ties.
• Inclusive Community: A commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, ensuring all voices are heard and respected.
• State‑of‑the‑Art Facilities: Access to modern library spaces, multimedia labs, and cutting‑edge cataloging tools.
• Collaborative Culture: Regular interdisciplinary collaborations with faculty from the Schwob School of Music, arts, and humanities departments.
• Employee Wellness: Programs promoting work‑life balance, mental health resources, and employee assistance services.

Compensation, Perks, & Benefits

Columbus State University offers a comprehensive and competitive benefits package designed to support the whole person.

• Salary: Annualized range of $60,000 – $65,000, commensurate with experience and qualifications.
• Health Coverage: Choice of medical, dental, and vision plans, including flexible spending accounts.
• Retirement Options: Participation in the Georgia Teachers Retirement System (TRS) or an optional 401(k) with employer matching.
• Paid Time Off: Generous vacation accrual, sick leave, and paid holidays.
• Professional Leave: Funds for research, conference travel, and sabbatical opportunities after a designated period of service.
• Tuition Assistance: Eligibility for reimbursement of tuition for approved graduate coursework.
• Employee Discounts: Access to campus amenities, cultural events, and local business partnerships.

Application Process & Required Documents

Interested candidates should submit a complete application package through the CSU online employment portal. The required materials include:

• Cover Letter: A tailored letter describing your fit for the role, leadership philosophy, and vision for the Music Library.
• Curriculum Vitae/Resume: Detailing education, professional experience, publications, and service activities.
• Unofficial Transcripts: From all post‑secondary institutions attended.
• Statement of Teaching Philosophy: Outlining your approach to instruction in music librarianship and information literacy.

All documents must be uploaded to the online portal; incomplete applications will not be considered. Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.

Equality & Inclusion Commitment

Columbus State University is an equal‑opportunity employer. The university actively promotes a workplace free from discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ethnicity, age, genetic information, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, or protected veteran status.

Next Steps – Join Our Visionary Team

If you are a dynamic leader with a passion for music, scholarship, and library innovation, we invite you to become a cornerstone of our academic community. This is a unique chance to shape the future of music librarianship while inspiring the next generation of scholars and performers.

Apply today and embark on a rewarding career at a university where tradition meets forward‑thinking excellence.