Head of
Special Collections
The Fondren Library at Rice University seeks a creative, visionary, and collaborative leader for the position of Head of Special Collections. The Head of Special Collections is responsible for leadership and the overall management and administration of the Woodson Research Center, which includes the Rice University archives, manuscript collections, and rare books. The Head of Special Collections works collaboratively with other library units and administration on digital initiatives, preservation, grants, development efforts, and public engagement, and actively participates on the Fondren Library management team. The position reports to the Vice Provost and University Librarian. The department includes four professional archivists plus temporary staff, volunteers, and student workers.
Responsibilities:
Provides
leadership in a team environment to achieve the goals and vision of the Woodson
Research Center. Develops policy and is
responsible for long term planning and strategic development of special
collections through strengthening of existing collections and growth in new
service areas in support of the fundamental goals of the Fondren Library and
Rice University. Works collaboratively
within the library, across campus and within the academic community to acquire
official records and other materials of historical significance and to promote
relevance and significance of special collections. Works collaboratively with other library
units and administration on digital initiatives, preservation, grants,
development efforts, and public engagement.
Responsible for projects that combine traditional manuscript, archival
and book processing activities with digital initiatives.
Requirements include:
ALA-accredited Master’s degree in Library
Science OR a graduate
degree appropriate to working in archives or special collections.
Society
of American Archivists certificate program OR Academy of Certified Archivists
certification.
Five
years of professional experience leading special collections/archival
services/operations and demonstrated evidence of progressively increasing scope
of supervisory and management responsibility in an academic or research library
or similar institution; Experience supervising a team of professionals;
Demonstrated experience working with analog and born-digital archival
materials; Experience that demonstrates a strong commitment to user-focused
design of collections and services; Demonstrated experience with preservation
or conservation standards and their challenges for a variety of content types.
Preferred qualifications:
Knowledge
of current and emerging trends, issues, workflows, and standards and best
practices in the worlds of archives and special collections, including digital
content acquisition and curation as well as digitization of analog formats.
Demonstrated
expertise using archival technology tools (e.g., content management tools, such
as ArchivesSpace; web publishing platforms, such as Omeka; and institutional
repositories, such as DSpace.
Familiarity with legal, privacy, and ethical issues associated with archiving digital and print content.
Experience in donor relations and growing philanthropic support.
Familiarity with metadata standards that are MARC and non-MARC compatible.
Familiarity
with Geospatial mapping software, such as ArcGIS.
Excellent interpersonal skills; Demonstrated commitment to professional
development.
Strong service orientation and interest in anticipating and supporting
information users’ values and needs.
Salary & benefits:
$90,000 minimum, with
hiring salary commensurate with experience and qualifications; no state or
local income tax; 21 benefit days; 8 study days; a range of retirement options
including TIAA/CREF; health and life insurance; and tuition waiver.
Environment: Rice University provides a
stimulating work environment, with opportunities to participate in the delivery
of innovative library services supported by leading edge technologies.
Fondren Library (http://library.rice.edu/) is a research library with over
2.9 million volumes and over 170,000 serial subscriptions. The Library
has a state-of-the-art offsite shelving facility and completed a major building
renovation project in 2006. An active program of digital resource
development and delivery is underway.
Houston
is a vibrant, multicultural city, with world-class visual and performing arts
ranging from the traditional to the avant-garde. The fourth largest city in the
country, Houston enjoys a moderate cost of living and easy proximity to the
Gulf Coast.
For
more information, see:
http://www.explore.rice.edu/explore/General_Information.asp
http://www.visithoustontexas.com/media/neighborhoods
Applications
received by September 30, 2019 will receive first consideration. Please
apply with cover letter, resume, and the names, titles, addresses, telephone
numbers, and e-mail addresses of three references at: https://jobs.rice.edu/postings/20870.
Inquiries: Melinda Reagor Flannery, Assistant University
Librarian/Search Coordinator at (713) 348-3773 or e-mail reagor@rice.edu. Rice University is an
affirmative-action, equal-opportunity employer.
