About the University

The University of York exists for public good, combining academic excellence with social purpose. A member of the prestigious Russell Group, the University of York’s global reputation rests on its outstanding achievements in teaching and research. It is one of only four universities in the UK — alongside Oxford, Cambridge and Imperial College London — which is both in the top ten in the UK for the quality of its research and has a gold ranking for the quality of its teaching.

The University of York Mumbai, located in Powai, North-Central Mumbai — at the heart of one of India’s most dynamic economic regions — will bring York’s academic standards, student-centred ethos and global outlook to Maharashtra.

Opening to students in the academic year 2026/27, the University will offer undergraduate and postgraduate programmes in:

• Computer Science (including Artificial Intelligence and Cybersecurity)

• Business

• Economics

• Business of Creative Industries

These disciplines align with the future of work and global mobility.

As a founding professional services colleague, you will play a central role in building systems, culture and operational excellence from the ground up. This is an opportunity to shape a new research-led international campus — establishing high standards, enabling academic success, and creating an exceptional student and staff experience.

We are seeking individuals who combine professional expertise, institutional judgement, adaptability and a commitment to building something of lasting significance.

About the Role

The Chief Librarian will provide strategic leadership for the University Library, overseeing its operations, services, collections and digital resources in support of teaching, learning and research.

Key Responsibilities

1. Collections and Subscriptions

• Ensure all library users (students, faculty and staff) have seamless access — including remote access — to library services and content supporting teaching, learning and wider reading.

• Lead the development of the library’s collections across formats including print, manuscripts, electronic resources and multimedia.

• Work in consultation with University of York library colleagues to align standards and resources where appropriate.

• Build relationships with publishers, agents, consortia and digital hosts to secure effective subscriptions.

• Resolve access issues related to online resources and print supply.

• Raise awareness among academic staff about new journals, databases and scholarly resources.

• Lead resource selection and deselection in consultation with stakeholders, while monitoring return on investment.

• Develop and maintain library policies including:

  • circulation

  • digital access

  • collection development

• Establish standard operating procedures for acquisition, cataloguing and archiving.

• Monitor and manage collection development budgets.

2. Customer Experience and Learning Development

• Develop and implement responsive, user-focused services across physical and digital library environments.

• Establish service delivery standards and monitor service quality.

• Analyse user feedback and management data to improve service planning.

• Conduct orientation sessions for students and faculty.

• Promote library services through newsletters, dashboards and digital communication channels.

• Integrate academic skills, information literacy and digital literacy development within teaching programmes across departments.

• Coordinate with University of York academic support services where relevant.

• Oversee resolution of user issues and complaints, escalating where required.

3. Academic Research and Institutional Engagement

• Build effective communication channels between academic departments and the library.

• Support strategic and operational priorities of the University through library services.

• Lead initiatives to strengthen reading culture and research engagement.

• Build strong partnerships with:

  • University of York library teams

  • external bodies and professional organisations

  • suppliers and scholarly networks

• Develop the library as a hub for knowledge exchange through online, hybrid and campus events.

• Support professional body accreditation and quality assessment processes.

• Contribute to institutional planning, forecasting and budget development.

• Support faculty research through:

  • database training

  • research methodology support

  • citation and referencing tools

  • plagiarism detection tools

  • bibliometric analysis

• Provide research analytics including citation reports, impact factor tracking and publication metrics.

4. Digital Library and Technology Management

• Lead the development and optimisation of library discovery and content systems.

• Provide guidance and briefings to staff on digital systems and user functionality.

• Work with IT services to ensure:

  • secure authentication access to subscriptions

  • integration with the Virtual Learning Environment (VLE)

• Ensure strong cybersecurity practices for digital collections and repositories.

• Maintain digital repositories and knowledge portals.

• Ensure compliance with intellectual property requirements.

• Maintain disaster recovery and data backup frameworks.

5. Accreditation and Compliance

• Ensure compliance with relevant UK, Indian and international academic library standards where applicable.

• Maintain library statistics and audit-ready documentation.

• Ensure copyright compliance and licensing adherence.

Person Specification

Experience

• 5–6 years’ experience in a senior role within an academic or research library.

• Experience delivering high-quality library services in a higher education environment.

• Demonstrated ability to promote library services and build engagement with academic users.

• Experience leading library services through a growth or development phase.

• Experience scaling collections and services in line with institutional priorities.

• Experience working with diverse stakeholders including international partners.

• Experience implementing library systems including:

  • library management systems

  • resource discovery systems

  • metadata management platforms.

• Ability to respond to technological developments in academic libraries.

• Strong customer-focused approach to service delivery.

Education, Qualifications and Training

• Postgraduate qualification in Library and Information Science or equivalent.

• PhD or NET qualification preferred.

• Experience working with digital library platforms and research databases.

• Knowledge of:

  • MARC21

  • Dewey Decimal Classification (DDC)

  • KOHA / LIBSYS / SOUL

• Familiarity with plagiarism tools including Turnitin and iThenticate.

• Familiarity with bibliometric tools including Scopus, Web of Science and InCites.

• Evidence of ongoing professional development.

• Leadership or management training, or equivalent professional experience.

Skills and Knowledge

• Understanding of academic library environments and student needs.

• Strong stakeholder engagement and negotiation capability.

• Demonstrable digital and information technology skills.

• Strong analytical and problem-solving ability.

• Ability to interpret data and make evidence-based decisions.

• Strong understanding of customer service excellence.

Personal Attributes

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.

• Ability to influence and motivate colleagues and stakeholders.

• Ability to work independently and resolve complex issues.

• Strong organisational and resource management skills.

• Strategic thinking and sound judgement.

• Credibility as a senior professional and subject expert.

• Self-driven with an innovative approach to service development.

• Ability to work effectively with colleagues, suppliers and technical specialists.

Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion

We welcome applications from talented individuals of all backgrounds, irrespective of caste, religion, gender, sexual orientation, disability, age, or any other characteristic.

We are committed to building a workplace that reflects the diversity of India and the global academic community, where everyone has equal opportunity to contribute and succeed.

How to Apply

Please submit:

• Updated CV

• Brief cover letter outlining your suitability for the role and Current compensation, Expected compensation, Notice period

Selection Process

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. The usual turnaround time is approximately two weeks. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted as the process progresses.

Contact

📍 One Boulevard, Hiranandani Gardens, MHADA Colony 19, Powai, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400078
✉️ hr@mumbai.york.ac.uk
🌐 york.ac.uk/global/mumbai