Library Manager

Position Title: Library Manager

Location: UNSW Bengaluru Campus, India

Reports To: Chief Business Officer

Position Summary

The Library Manager will provide strategic, operational, and compliance leadership for the UNSW Bengaluru Campus Library, establishing a world-class academic library aligned with global UNSW standards and Indian regulatory requirements.

The role will be instrumental in building the library ecosystem from the ground up, including physical and digital collections, systems, services, and partnerships. It will ensure seamless support for teaching, research, and student success while embedding innovation, digital transformation, and user-centric service delivery in a rapidly evolving higher education environment.

Key Accountabilities

Strategic & Operational Leadership

• Develop and execute the librarys strategic and operational roadmap in alignment with UNSWs global academic vision and the Bengaluru campus objectives.
• Establish end-to-end library operations, including collections, digital services, research support, and user experience.
• Build scalable systems and processes to support future campus growth.

Procurement, Vendor & Compliance Management

• Lead procurement of library resources (print, digital, databases) in accordance with Indian regulations and UNSW global procurement policies.
• Negotiate contracts and manage vendor relationships to ensure cost-effectiveness and service quality.
• Ensure compliance with UGC, copyright laws, licensing agreements, and international academic standards.

Digital Transformation & Innovation

• Drive implementation of modern library technologies, digital repositories, discovery systems, and access platforms.
• Develop sustainable digital-first models for resource access and knowledge delivery.
• Champion innovation in learning spaces, research services, and user engagement.

Financial & Risk Management

• Manage library budgets, financial planning, and reporting, ensuring optimal resource allocation.
• Lead risk management including data privacy, information security, and copyright compliance.
• Establish internal controls, audit mechanisms, and fraud prevention practices.

Stakeholder Engagement & Collaboration

• Partner with academic leadership and faculty to support curriculum delivery, research, and scholarly communication.
• Collaborate with student services and academic support teams to enhance student experience.
• Build relationships with external partners, publishers, consortia, and professional bodies.

People Leadership & Culture

• Recruit, lead, and develop a high-performing library team aligned with UNSW values.
• Foster a culture of innovation, continuous improvement, and service excellence.
• Promote professional development and global best practices in librarianship.

Governance & Reporting

• Provide strategic insights, performance reports, and recommendations to senior leadership.
• Ensure adherence to UNSW governance frameworks and public-sector academic values.

Skills & Experience

• Masters degree in Library and Information Science (mandatory).
• Professional accreditation (e.g., ALA, ALIA, ILA) preferred.
• 710+ years of progressive leadership experience in academic or research libraries, preferably in international or multi-campus environments.
• Strong experience in greenfield setup / institution building (highly desirable).
• Proven expertise in procurement, vendor negotiations, and contract management.
• Experience managing budgets, compliance frameworks, and audits.
• Strong understanding of digital libraries, e-resources, and academic technologies.
• Demonstrated leadership in change management and team development.
• Excellent stakeholder management and cross-cultural communication skills.
• High integrity, sound judgement, and alignment with global academic values.

Key Relationships

• Chief Business Officer strategic oversight and performance management
• Academic Leadership & Faculty teaching, research, and learning support
• Professional Services Teams student experience and academic operations
• External Partners & Publishers collaborations and resource access
• Regulatory Bodies (e.g., UGC, accreditation agencies) compliance and quality assurance