Head of Research Services and Assistant Curator

Description

Cornell University Library’s Rare and Manuscript Collections is seeking a Head of Research Services and Assistant Curator.   Reporting to the Director of the Division of Rare and Manuscript Collections, the Head of Research Services (HRS) will be responsible for overseeing all aspects of onsite and remote reference and research services in the Division of Rare and Manuscript Collections (RMC). In cooperation with other RMC staff, the HRS will promote the visibility and use of Cornell’s rare book, manuscript, archival, and media collections, administering reference and access services.  The HRS will play a primary role in the daily management of RMC’s active special collections reading room, overseeing the responsible use of Cornell’s primary source research collections. The HRS will also provide supervision for reference and reproduction services staff.

As Assistant Curator, the HRS will work with the Assistant Director for Collections to promote and build the collections, foster classroom use of the collections by conducting instruction sessions and other presentations, interpret RMC’s collections through the preparation of exhibitions and related outreach efforts, and assist with collection development by identifying and recommending materials for acquisition.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Research Services (60%)


Manage all aspects of research services within the Division.

Supervise research services staff and lead monthly Public Services Core Staff meetings; bring research services topics and discussions to RMC staff meetings.

Develop policies, procedures, and workflows for administering RMC reference, access, and reproduction services and maintain relevant documentation.

Establish and employ metrics for public services to enhance patron services and use of RMC holdings.

Provide oversight of Aeon system for managing the circulation of collections.

Manage scheduling of public services shifts, including reference, security, and paging.

Facilitate access to RMC’s holdings, providing reference services to the public at the reference and security desks, and responding to onsite and remote reference inquiries.


Collections (30%)


Conduct instruction sessions on the use and interpretation of RMC’s collections

Assist the Assistant Director for Collections with building RMC’s collections by identifying and recommending materials.


Other (10%)


Contribute to the collection management and public affairs functions of the Division.

Participate in CUL and university-wide committees and groups.

Participate in professional activities of appropriate archival, library, and special collections organizations and contribute to the professional literature.


       
Requirements

Required Qualifications:


Master’s degree in Library Science or equivalent combination of advanced degree and related experience.

3-5 years of experience in a special collections setting, including experience with in-person and remote reference and research services.

Experience supervising staff and/or students in a highly collaborative and team-oriented environment.

Strong oral and written communication skills.

Knowledge of primary source research methods and practices.

Knowledge of nineteenth- and twentieth-century U.S. or European history.

Teaching experience.


Preferred Qualifications:


Additional graduate degree in history, English, or another field related to RMC’s collection strengths.

Experience implementing policies and procedures in an archival or special collections setting.

Experience using Aeon.

Working knowledge of one or more foreign languages.

Record of engagement with professional groups and activities and/or contributions to professional or scholarly literature.


Benefits:

Comprehensive benefits package including 22 vacation days, 11 paid holidays, health insurance, life insurance, and university retirement contributions (TIAA-CREF and other options), as well as exceptional work/life support programs. Professional travel funding available.

Application Procedure:   Review of applications will begin immediately.  Priority will be given to applications received by Friday, May 20, 2016.  To apply for this position, follow this link.  Follow the instructions for online submission – only online submissions will be accepted.  Please attach a cover letter, resume, and the names, phone numbers, and addresses for three references to your submission (PDF or MS Word format).  Salary will be competitive and commensurate with experience. Background Check will be required.   Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

One of the leading academic research libraries in the United States, Cornell University Library is a highly valued partner in teaching, research and learning at the university. With an operating budget of over $58 million and a diverse and innovative staff of more than 400, the Library supports 2,700 faculty, 22,000 students and 94 PhD fields. Its world class collections, expert librarians, responsive services in physical and virtual library spaces inspire and nourish scholarship and learning.

Cornell University is an innovative Ivy League university and a great place to work. Our inclusive community of scholars, students and staff impart an uncommon sense of larger purpose and contribute creative ideas to further the university's mission of teaching, discovery and engagement. Located in Ithaca, NY, Cornell's far-flung global presence includes the medical college's campuses on the Upper East Side of Manhattan and Doha, Qatar, as well as the new Cornell Tech campus to be built on Roosevelt Island in the heart of New York City.

Diversity and Inclusion are a part of Cornell University’s heritage. We are a recognized employer and educator valuing AA/EEO, Protected Veterans, and Individuals with Disabilities