Special Collections Librarian for Access

Description

As the largest university library system in the Washington D.C.-Baltimore area, the University of Maryland Libraries serve 37,000 students and faculty of the flagship College Park campus. The University of Maryland Libraries share the teaching, learning and research goals of the university. Its role as a key academic resource is evident in its service to the academic community and its actionable strategic plan.

With collections including 3.9 million volumes and more than 40,000 serials subscriptions, the University of Maryland Libraries allocate 75 percent of its materials budget to electronic resources. Maryland ranks 50th among the 115 member libraries of the Association of Research Libraries and has an operating budget of $23.7 million. The University of Maryland Libraries benefit from being situated geographically within minutes of the nation's capital and its departments, agencies, and research centers. 

Position Summary/Purpose of Position: Leads planning and project direction for arrangement and description initiatives undertaken by the Access Group in Hornbake/Special Collections; coordinates with the Metadata Services department in this activity. Participates in other work within Special Collections.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES (indicate % of time spent on job duties):

• Under the general supervision of the co-leaders of Special Collections, acts as the leader of the Access Group, a functional team within Special Collections in Hornbake Library. (15%)
• Has responsibility for managing the work of the Access Group, directing and coordinating all arrangement and description work on archival and manuscript holdings in Special Collections/Hornbake Library. (45%)
• In a liaison capacity represents Hornbake/Special Collections,on the Special Collections Cataloging Team. (10%)
• Depending on subject expertise and interests, the individual in this position can expect to take on various other assignments, including but not limited to playing an affiliated role in one of the four collection groups within Special Collections (Culture & Literature, State of Maryland and Historical Collections, University of Maryland, and Mass Media & Culture). (15%)
• Other activities might include instructional assignments, reference work (including service on a reference desk), and committee assignments. (10%)
• Performs other duties, as assigned. (5%) 

Minimum Qualifications:

• Master's degree in library science from a program accredited by the American Library Association or an advanced degree with an emphasis on special collections and archival studies and evidence of formal instruction/training in arrangement and description.
• At least two years of prior work experience at the professional level in an archival repository.
• Experience in processing a variety of archival and manuscript collections.
• Experience with MS-Excel, MS-Access, or other database management and spreadsheet software
• Prior experience supervising student assistants, volunteers, and support staff.
• A thorough understanding of archival principles and practices including experience in finding aid preparation in accordance with DACS.
• Knowledge of electronic access tools including Encoded Archival Description (EAD)
• Knowledge of trends in digital technology in libraries.
• General familiarity with rare book cataloging and approaches taken in inventorying and cataloging special collections holdings in all formats, including rare books, printed ephemera, realia, and audio-visual holdings.
• Knowledge of current arrangement and description practices such as More Product Less Process (MPLP).
• Familiarity with preservation and conservation practices, and standards for making archival finding aids available to researchers online.
• Broad understanding of professional trends in arrangement and description work in special collections.
• Advanced project management and organizational skills, effective problem-solving skills.
• Excellent oral and written communications skills
• Ability to work independently and collegially in a team setting.