Professional librarians holding a full-time continuing appointment at the University of Delaware Library hold one of four academic ranks, assigned to reflect and express the professional status and accomplishments of the individual rather than the administrative nature or level of the individual’s immediate position or responsibilities. These four ranks are Assistant Librarian, Senior Assistant Librarian, Associate Librarian, and Librarian. The assignment of rank to the individual rather than to the position is parallel to and is modeled after faculty ranks, and affirms the principle that librarianship is a profession within the academic community. The University of Delaware Library librarian career ladder is described in detail in the “University of Delaware Library Rank and Promotion System” document linked below.
Current Rank and Promotion System document:
University of Delaware Library, Museums and Press Rank and Promotion System document 2025
Previous Rank and Promotion System document:
University of Delaware Library, Museums and Press Rank and Promotion System document 2022
The 2025 Rank and Promotion System document was approved by a vote of the Library, Museums and Press peer group and was subsequently approved by the Vice Provost for Libraries and Museums and by the University Provost. The 2025 document became effective on May 1, 2026, and governs the promotion process beginning 2027/2028 and onward. The first promotion(s) to result from the 2025 document will be effective July 1, 2028.