Special Collections, Digitization and Archival Services Librarian

Description

The Pritzker Legal Research Center of Northwestern University Pritzker School of Law seeks applications from highly motivated individuals for the full-time position of Special Collections, Digitization and Archival Services Librarian. Northwestern Law has a world-class Rare Law Books and Documents collection consisting of several thousand unique titles dating back to the 15th century, along with documents and manuscripts from the 13th through the 20th centuries. Information about the Center's Rare Book collections can be found on the Library's web site and at http://law.alumni.northwestern.edu/s/1479/images/gid4/editor_documents/connect-news/reporter-2-1.pdf . The successful applicant will join an energetic and experienced library staff that provides the highest level of service and support to meet the multifaceted needs of the faculty and students of Northwestern Law and the broader research and scholarly communities. We seek someone who is creative, flexible, capable of working in a dynamic environment, and is committed to excellence.

Specific duties of this position include the following:

• Manages and curates the Pritzker Legal Research Center's Rare Books collection; develops strategies for development and promotion of the collection; works to ensure that the value of the collection as a research and scholarly resource to both internal and external audiences is maximized.
• Collaborates with Access and Bibliographic Services Staff to ensure safe handling of materials and strategies for preserving damaged or at-risk items.
• Coordinates and curates digitization projects; helps develop and implement strategies for large-scale digitization projects using Special Collections and related materials in all formats.
• Works to determine relevant, curriculum-related materials for digitization projects; collaborates with relevant entities to ensure that the highest standards are used to select, process, and digitize materials.
• Collaborates with Law School, Law Library and University Archives staff to identify, manage and preserve Northwestern Law School archival material.
• Coordinates the cataloging and metadata workflow for Rare Book and other Special Collections with the Catalog Librarian and Associate Director for Collection and Bibliographic Services.
• Collaborates with the Selection Team and the Director in the acquisition, sourcing, and negotiating, for purchase of specialized materials. Includes working with the Director, the Dean's Office and Development staff to identify grant and fundraising opportunities to support strategic investments in specialized materials.
• Develops effective relationships with Law School faculty and staff users to help assess their instructional and research needs as pertinent to Special Collections; offers course-related, specialized education sessions when requested by individuals or groups. Collaborates with other Law School and University Departments and in the wider legal and academic community to develop outreach and promotion of Special Collections resources.
• Prepares bibliographies and guides as well as other instructional and research tools to enhance access to and use of Special Collections materials.
• Networks, collaborates and actively participates in local, regional, national, or international organizations regarding related issues.
• Participates in library staff development activities.
• Special projects and miscellaneous duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

Required:

• ALA-accredited graduate degree in library science or equivalent.
• Formal coursework or training in rare books, archives, analytical bibliography, and/or special collections librarianship.
• Demonstrated understanding of appropriate preservation practices for rare books and other special collections materials.
• Demonstrated experience in digitization processes and project management including knowledge of the operation and management of archival-quality digitization scanning equipment and related software.
• Familiarity with new and emerging standards and technologies relevant to the bibliographic control of digital collections, including familiarity with metadata standards.
• Reading knowledge of at least one modern non-English language, preferably French, German, Chinese or Japanese. Working familiarity with Latin and its use in 15th through 17th century printed works.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively, prioritizing work to ensure that departmental and library goals are realized.
• Aptitude for complex, analytical work with attention to detail, demonstrated problem-solving skills, flexibility, and creativity.
• Demonstrated commitment to user-centered library service, and the ability to work flexibly and creatively in a changing and fast-paced environment with a culturally diverse population.
• Demonstrated strength in written, verbal, analytical, and interpersonal skills.

Desired:

• Additional advanced academic degree, particularly in law and/or history.
• Significant and demonstrated experience providing reference/research assistance and instruction sessions in an academic or law library, or archives environment.
• Knowledge of early printing and the history of the book.
• Successful experience with donors in a special collections environment.
• Experience with planning, seeking, or administering grant-funded projects in a special collections environment.
• Demonstrated innovative use of technology to advance teaching and learning with special collections materials.
• Knowledge of and/or working experience with current cataloging rules and standards, particularly for rare books.