Head of Library Special Collections + Digital Services

Description

As part of a collaborative and dynamic team at SAIC’s Library + Special Collections, the Head of Library Special Collections + Digital Services provides direction and oversight for the Flaxman Library Special Collections and Digital Services, including the Joan Flasch Artists’ Book Collection, film and archival collections, and all digital assets and repositories. Advises, coordinates, and collaborates with Library + Special Collections staff to develop, maintain, and assess the special and digital collections to optimize and promote teaching, learning and research activities on campus. Participates in library liaison initiatives such as research assistance, collection development, instruction, and departmental outreach. Works especially close with the Flaxman Library’s Head of Collection Management and Head of Research + Access Services to ensure access to all digital services and resources. Responsible for assigning and directing the work of the Library Special Collections + Digital Services team.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

LEADERSHIP:

• Responsible for management and oversight of all areas of Flaxman Library Special Collections + Digital Services, including digitization, preservation, collection management and development, organization and description, and programming.
• Develops, directs, and assesses the work of the Flaxman Library Special Collections + Digital Services team.
• Hires, trains, supervises, and evaluates the Special Collections + Digital Services team, including supervising all positions as listed above.
• Responsible for day-to-day enforcement of all policies and procedures; communicates updated job expectations and policies to employees listed below and acts as liaison to senior management for employee complaints and initiatives; uses discretion to organize and monitor work processes, resolve operational issues, and implement new procedures.
• Collaborates with colleagues throughout the Library + Special Collections and across campus to optimize the user experience in relation to the Library’s special and digital collections.
• In collaboration with the Library Special Collection + Digital Services team, develops and maintains internal and external communications and statistical data
• Serves on internal and external committees or projects; and represents the Flaxman Library throughout the library and special collections communities, maintaining strong working relationships with colleagues at other specialized resources.
• Plays an essential role in library-wide planning, policy development, and assessment.

DIGITAL COLLECTIONS:

• Manage digital collections including establishing and documenting policies and procedures, planning workflows, and implementation of new technologies and systems.
• Responsible for the stewardship of born-digital and digitized collections.
• Works closely with departments across the Library + Special Collections to ensure an integrated and coordinated approach to acquiring, processing, preserving, managing, discovering, and delivering digital content and collections metadata.
• Develops digitization priorities and approach for all collections, and manages the development and implementation of metadata strategies that support the discovery and curation of the Library’s digital collections.
• Provides expertise on digital object metadata standards and practices, including vocabulary control, taxonomy support, database management, and metadata input and edit tools.

SPECIAL COLLECTIONS:

• In collaboration with Library Special Collections staff is responsible for all aspects of collections management and development, including developing solutions for ongoing storage and maintenance of materials such as archives, artists’ books, audiovisual materials, media collections, and digital collections.
• Responsible for oversight of daily operations, including management of facilities and collections (both physical and digital).
• Accessions, processes, inventories, and catalogs archival records; creates and updates finding aids.
• Ensures proper creation and maintenance of digital archives collections, digital objects, and their corresponding metadata.

TEACHING + LEARNING:

• Advises, coordinates, and collaborates with Library + Special Collections staff to develop, maintain, and assess the special and digital collections to optimize and promote teaching, learning, and research activities on campus.
• Serves as library liaison to one or more curricular departments or programs at SAIC.
• Works closely and independently with SAIC faculty and students to support their research and teaching needs.
• Proactively engages the School’s agenda for student success.

Performs other duties and special projects as assigned by the Dean of the Library + Special Collections.

Qualifications

REQUIRED:

• Commitment to the educational mission of the School and demonstrated knowledge of the principles of accessibility, diversity, and inclusion; the ability to work well with diverse populations; and demonstrated level of cultural competence;
• Master's degree in Library Science from an ALA-accredited school or another relevant degree with certification in Special Collections/Archives, or related field with equivalent experience;
• Four or more years of professional experience in a library, archives, or special collections, including at least one year of supervisory experience;
• Demonstrable knowledge of current technologies, issues, and best practices for digitization, digital preservation, digital asset management systems (Islandora preferred), and special/archival descriptions and collection management.
• Knowledge of, and interest in relevant analog and digital media formats and experience with computer technologies, digitization protocols, and digital copyright.
• Ability to work flexibly and collaboratively with colleagues, staff, faculty, and students fostering a collegial work environment that encourages innovation, curiosity, and inclusivity
• Experience with project planning and metadata rubrics for digital libraries;
• Proficiency using standard office software, web services, and networked environments;
• Ability to work effectively as a team leader, as well as a team member.

PREFERRED:

• Significant and progressively responsible experience in a similar position at an academic library, especially at an independent, non-profit school of art or design;
• Experience working in a large-scale bibliographic consortium; 
• Project management experience;
• Graduate degree in art history, art, design, or related field

Benefits

We offer a competitive, comprehensive benefits package:

• 5+ weeks of paid time off
• Paid holidays (up to 14 days)
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Generous parental, caregiver, and medical leave benefits
• Competitive retirement plan (up to 9% matching contribution)
• Tuition remission and Tuition Exchange Program
• Great employee discounts
• Complimentary general admission to participating cultural institutions

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