Colgate University
Hamilton, NY
Job Description:
The individual in this position manages rare books and other printed materials, literary manuscript collections, early manuscripts, and ephemera collections in the Special Collections and University Archives (SCUA), including their development, organization, description, accessibility, digitization, preservation, promotion and assessment. S/he engages in educational planning and instruction, reinforcing the significance of primary source materials as curricular resources, and explores the use of technology to advance teaching, learning and research with special collections materials. S/he coordinates the Libraries’ major digital projects involving Special Collections materials (student newspaper, yearbooks, alumni magazine, course catalogs, etc.) including digital outsourcing, quality control, preservation, and storage and creates and describes resources digitized locally.
Position Duties:
Collection Management and Organization (30%)
Manage rare books, and other printed materials, literary manuscript collections, early manuscripts, and ephemera collections.
With the Head of Cataloging and Metadata, train staff, set priorities and implement local cataloging and metadata policies and procedures aligned with national standards and practices. Create original metadata for Special Collections materials in all formats.
Proactively preserve materials, and coordinate and supervise the work of the Conservation Technician.
Provide a secure environment for the safe use of rare materials that are fragile, valuable, and irreplaceable, whose use is restricted and monitored.
Assess offers of gift materials, partnering with the Collection Development Librarian in making recommendations to the Head of Special Collections and University Archivist.
Recommend new acquisitions from print and online rare book catalogs to the Head of Special Collections within the context of the collection development policy.
Educational Planning and Instruction (25%)
Enhance faculty and student access to the rare book and print material, early manuscript, literary manuscript and ephemera collections through collaboration, outreach, individual or group consultation, class instruction and scheduled reference hours, including evening and weekend shifts. Explore the use of technology to advance learning, teaching and research with special collections materials.
Assist researchers in identifying relevant materials and retrieve items from storage areas.
Create documentation, finding aids, and web guides for print and digital collections.
Participate in departmental outreach activities and design and prepare library exhibits and guides.
Coordinate Digital Projects (30%)
In consultation with the Head of Digital Initiatives and Resources, SCUA and other stakeholders, serve as the project coordinator for the Libraries’ digital projects involving special collections. Coordinate the development of strategies, methods, presentation and workflow to implement approved projects. Develop documentation to outline the scope and description of projects, procedures, and technical specifications.
Coordinate and participate in special collections digital initiatives to include communication with potential vendors, vendor selection, content selection, digitization, description, quality control, delivery, and preservation. Monitor activities and adhere to project timelines.
Promote and assess the use of digital projects.
Participate in the development of a digital preservation strategy for the university.
Maintain awareness of developments in digitization, digital libraries and scholarly communication.
In addition to specific jobs responsibilities, all library faculty (15%):
Participate in the faculty liaison program in order to promote and sustain a cooperative and consultative relationship between the library and academic departments. Participates in information literacy instruction for affiliated liaison departments.
Work cooperatively and in partnership with the Head of Collection Development and faculty in assigned departments to develop the collection.
Participate in library faculty governance.
As members of the Colgate library faculty, participate in University governance and/or serve the University in other ways as appropriate.
Demonstrate an active commitment to the library profession as described in the Library Faculty Handbook.
Performs other duties as necessary.
Minimum Qualifications:
An ALA-accredited master’s degree or an equivalent master’s degree.
2 years of experience working in a library or museum setting. Experience working at a small, liberal arts institution is highly desirable.
Knowledge of and/or working experience with current cataloging and metadata rules and standards, such as DCRM(B), AACR2, LCSH, MARC21, RDA, Dublin Core, MODS, METS, PREMIS.
Knowledge of or experience with current practices related to the organization and preservation of rare books and primary source materials.
Knowledge of or experience with best practices and standards related to the digitization of rare books and primary source materials, including metadata schemas, digitization, digital preservation, digital collections management software, and Web publishing and blogging platforms (such as Omeka, WordPress and Tumblr).
Knowledge of the history of the book.
Experience providing high quality public service, providing instruction, and building strong patron relationships.
Digital project management and vendor relations experience.
Strong written and oral communication skills and the ability to communicate clearly in presentations. Strong interpersonal communication skills that promote consultation and collaboration.
Excellent computer and technical skills.
Ability to set priorities, manage work, and meet deadlines independently and collaboratively and excel in a dynamic team environment.
Flexibility in adapting to changing departmental and organizational priorities and evolving technologies.
Demonstrated awareness of new modes of scholarship and instruction employing materials typically held in special collections and archives.
Supervisory experience with students or interns.
Ability to work a schedule which includes some evening, weekend, and holiday hours.
Ability to lift and shelve boxes weighing up to 40 pounds.
How to Apply:
http://exlibris.colgate.edu/joinus.html
Application procedure: please apply online at https://academicjobsonline.org/ajo/jobs/3975
Candidates will need to upload a letter of application, curriculum vita, and provide email addresses for three references. Official transcripts will be required of candidates selected for an on-campus interview.
Review of application materials will begin on 5 May 2014 and continue until the position is filled.
Colgate is a highly selective private liberal arts university located in Hamilton, NY, and is an EO/AA employer. Developing and sustaining a diverse faculty, staff, and student body further the University’s educational mission. Women and candidates from historically underrepresented groups are encouraged to apply. Applicants with dual career considerations can find postings of other employment opportunities at http://www.upstatenyherc.org