Director of Public Services for Special Collections

Description

Summary of Job Duties (for position posting)

This position is a tenure-track, twelve-month faculty appointment at the rank of Associate Librarian / Associate Professor or Librarian / Professor.

The University of Arkansas Libraries is seeking a highly collaborative and engaged leader to serve as  Director of Public Services for Special Collections. The Director will lead public services for the Division, including supervising the faculty and staff that comprise the research services team and the Instruction and Outreach unit comprising four or more direct reports. Additional duties will include coordinating work with other Libraries’ units, contributing to the Libraries’ growing digital collections, coordinating Division events, and seeking grant-funded opportunities.

The successful candidate will join a Division deeply committed to and engaged with its communities on campus and throughout the State of Arkansas. Reporting to the Associate Dean of Special Collections, the Director is integral to achieving Special Collections’ contributions to the land grant mission of the University through promoting access to robust archival, print, and digital collections for constituents on campus, throughout the state, and around the world. Service is core to the Division’s work. Together, Division faculty librarians and staff acquire and make available for research manuscript and print collections highlighting Arkansas and regional history; university archives; internationally significant archives related to educational and cultural exchange; national and Arkansas political papers; notable cultural and creative archives, including architecture, music, and literature; and a growing rare books collection. Through classroom instruction, exhibitions, and service, the department ensures the stewardship and promotion of the historical record and rare materials for the University community and the public.

The Director will collaborate in strategic implementation of the University Libraries’ priorities, including Division programs, services, and spaces. The Director facilitates collaborative relationship building within Special Collections, throughout the Libraries, and with community partners; coordinates Division participation in Libraries assessment programs; contributes to Division collection scope revision; and contributes to budget planning and management.

The ideal candidate will possess demonstrated leadership and coaching skills, outstanding written and oral communication skills, and analytical and problem-solving skills, including the ability to think strategically and embrace change-management strategies. Additional key attributes are a strong commitment to providing excellent customer service; demonstrated ability to interact successfully with a variety of constituents; demonstrated ability to work effectively and collaboratively to develop productive partnerships within and across complex organizations like the Libraries and University; focused attention to details, deadlines and goals; a working knowledge of statistics and statistical analysis; and familiarity with ongoing program assessment. Familiarity with modern collection management and research technologies is also essential for the Director position.

Responsibilities of this position include research, creative work, and service in keeping with the faculty requirements of the University of Arkansas. The successful candidate must have documented accomplishments commensurate with the criteria for appointment at the level of Associate Librarian / Associate Professor. A dossier will be required for appointment and hiring.

Relocation allowance available. Benefits include TIAA or Fidelity Investments, tuition reduction, and health insurance.  Annual leave starts at 15 days per calendar year and increases with years of service.

Minimum Qualifications

·       Master’s degree from an ALA-accredited program; or related advanced degree and ACA certification

·       At least 4 years of professional experience working in a cultural heritage institution with increasing management experience

·       Demonstrated experience with archival and library standards and tools, such as EAD, MARC, LCSH, and DACS

·       Demonstrated experience providing innovative public service, specifically reference and instruction

·       Demonstrated experience with automated request and workflow management systems for patron services

·       Experience with development and promotion of physical exhibits and outreach programming

·       Experience with development and collaboration for publishing of digital collections

Preferred Qualifications

·       Working knowledge of budget processes

·       Experience with grant writing and administration

·       Experience in donor relations and cultivation

·       Experience working with ArchivesSpace, Archivematica, AEON, Archive-It, or equivalent tools

·       Working knowledge of digital repository systems and digital curation

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

•      Excellent written and oral communication skills

•      Track record of collaboration

•      Extensive team building experience

•      Experience working with donors

•      Ability to advocate for the Division and its mission

•      Experience in public speaking and event planning

•      Experience with assessment and statistical analysis in an academic or library setting