Music and Performing Arts Librarian

A global higher education leader in innovative teaching, research and public service, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill consistently ranks as one of the nation's top public universities. Known for its beautiful campus, world-class medical care, commitment to the arts and top athletic programs, Carolina is an ideal place to teach, work and learn.

One of the best college towns and best places to live in the United States, Chapel Hill has diverse social, cultural, recreation and professional opportunities that span the campus and community.

University employees can choose from a wide range of professional training opportunities for career growth, skill development and lifelong learning and enjoy exclusive perks for numerous retail, restaurant and performing arts discounts, savings on local child care centers and special rates on select campus events. UNC-Chapel Hill offers full-time employees a comprehensive benefits package, paid leave, and a variety of health, life and retirement plans and additional programs that support a healthy work/life balance.

At the University Libraries, you are part of a welcoming, inclusive, open library community that advances research, teaching, healing and creativity on campus and far beyond. Here, we strive to create an environment of respect and collaboration, where vision and innovation can flourish."

The University Libraries aspires to set the standard for public university research libraries in the digital age.

As one of the premier libraries in the South, we are an essential partner in the research, education, clinical care, and public service missions of UNC-Chapel Hill. The library system includes 10 on-campus Libraries, with nearly 10 million volumes, rich archival collections, and a growing investment in digital collections.

The University Libraries serves campus and broader communities that reflect the socioeconomic, ethnic, and religious diversity of the state of North Carolina, and we maintain a welcoming, inclusive, and open educational and workplace climate for all. We strive to create an environment of respect and collaboration where vision and innovation can flourish. Learn more about our Strategic Framework including our pillars, values, and priorities by visiting https://library.unc.edu/about/strategic-framework/.

This position may be eligible for a hybrid work arrangement to include a partially remote work location, consistent with System Office policy. UNC Chapel Hill employees are generally required to reside within a reasonable commuting distance of their assigned duty station.

The Music and Performing Arts Librarian works with colleagues throughout the Libraries to lead and expand research partnerships with faculty and scholars, contribute to student success, redefine the scope of collections to balance campus needs with strategic priorities and budget realities of the University Libraries and UNC Chapel Hill, and develop outreach programs that support the study of music and the performing arts. This position will join the Research and Instructional Services department made up of subject liaison librarians who work together within a dynamic and flexible interdisciplinary team structure to support research, teaching, and learning in the humanities, fine arts, sciences, and social sciences.

The person in this position serves as subject liaison librarian for programs in the humanities and social sciences as assigned, primarily for departments that work in the fields of music and performing arts, supporting the teaching, learning, and research practices of scholars by providing specialized research and instructional services, and developing core and specialized research collections.

The Music and Performing Arts Librarian will participate in the University Libraries' instruction program to deliver and shape high quality outreach and instructional services to faculty, students, and scholars by integrating new and emerging information literacy principles and technology; and will provide specialized research services and outreach to faculty, students, and scholars. The librarian will develop and maintain music and performing arts research collections and develop and collaborate on programs, exhibits, and events.

The Music and Performing Arts Librarian provides vision and leadership for the Music Library, developing programming and services to meet the current and future needs of scholars, creators, performers, and lovers of music in the UNC Chapel Hill community.

The Music and Performing Arts Librarian also works closely with many campus and external partners, such as UNC Chapel Hill's Department of Music, the Department of Dramatic Art; performing arts programs and initiatives at Carolina like Carolina Performing Arts and Arts Everywhere, regional consortia; and national and international groups to build interdisciplinary partnerships in support of local research, teaching, and learning needs.

Requires the Masters in Library Science ( MLS) degree (or foreign degree equivalent). In specialized libraries, may substitute an advanced degree in the field of specialization (e.g., legal degree for a law library, or a history degree for a special historical collection within the library setting).

Master's degree from an ALA-accredited program, or a related advanced degree.
Strong academic grounding in musicology, music composition, or music performance.
Knowledge of scholarly publishing and research dissemination practices for fields related to music and performing arts, including trends in digital scholarship.
Experience with library research resources and tools in relevant subject areas.
Experience creating welcoming and inclusive learning and research environments.
Excellent interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills.

Subject knowledge of dramatic arts, dance, and other performing arts.
Experience with library instruction, training, or classroom teaching.
Experience providing research services, preferably in an academic setting.
Experience assessing the impact of library services and/or collections.
Experience building research collections in an academic library.
Understanding of scholarly communications and open access issues related to music and performing arts scholarship.
Evidence of successful participation in collaborative projects.
Experience with digital scholarship tools and experience partnering with campus constituents on digital scholarship production.
Bibliographic knowledge of German, French, or Italian.
Ability to work independently and excel in a dynamic, collaborative, team-based environment.
Ability to work effectively and collaboratively with various user communities, including students, faculty, researchers, colleagues, and community members.
Commitment to professional development and growth.

Ability to lift up to 10 pounds with or without accommodation.
Ability to do sustained work at a computer.

For a more detailed vacancy announcement, please visit:

A minimum of three references are required upon application submission.

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or status as a protected veteran.