THE UNIVERSITY OF CHICAGO LIBRARY
READER SERVICES LIBRARIAN
DEPARTMENT OF SPECIAL COLLECTIONS
The University of Chicago Library - Department of Special Collections is
seeking candidates for the position of Reader Services Librarian. The Reader
Services Librarian is responsible for managing the successful provision of
excellent reference and related services to students, faculty, and other
users of the rare books, manuscripts, and archival collections in Special
Collections. The Reader Services Librarian plans, coordinates, and
implements policies and procedures; and shares in providing in-depth
reference to users of the department's holdings. Supervises staff
responsible for reference and reader services operations, including
circulation, overseeing the reading room, reference correspondence, paging
and reshelving, photocopying, and photography services. The department
recently implemented an automated circulation system integrated with the
Library's online system and is rapidly expanding electronic access to
non-book materials. The Reader Services Librarian participates in the
department's outreach and teaching activities to encourage and facilitate
use of the collections. Serves as the department's liaison with other
Library public services areas. Serves on the department's exhibition
planning committee; coordinates exhibitions and publications on a rotating
basis. Will participate in planning for physical modifications of the
department's public and staff spaces and stack areas as part of an overall
Library reconfiguration project. The Reader Services Librarian assists in
the development and maintenance of the reference collections. Projects will
include working to collect and analyze data about use and users of Special
Collections and other analyses as warranted. Other responsibilities include
active service on library-wide committees and task forces and participation
in local, regional, and national professional and scholarly organizations.
QUALIFICATIONS: MLS from an ALA-accredited library school is required.
Course work in bibliography, rare books librarianship, and archives; as well
as knowledge of specialized printed and online reference sources for rare
books, manuscripts, and archives are also required. Equivalent work
experience will be considered. As demonstrated by work or academic
experience, excellent oral and written communications skills and excellent
interpersonal skills are required as well as subject research skills and
conceptual skills essential to organizing library exhibitions. Demonstrated
strong commitment to quality reader services. Demonstrated understanding of
research use of special collections, including modern archives and
manuscripts. Reading proficiency in two or more Western European languages
is required with German and Latin preferred. Energy and human relations
skills to handle the pressures of reference service with accuracy and poise
are required. Must have outstanding organizational skills to balance the
demands of daily operations with project and exhibition planning. Ability to
communicate effectively and work well with colleagues and library patrons
individually and in groups is essential. Three years of public service
experience in special collections or a research library is desirable, as are
supervisory experience, an additional advanced degree in the humanities or
social sciences and familiarity with desktop and World Wide Web applications
to operations and use of special collections.
The Department of Special Collections houses the University of Chicago's
rare books, manuscripts, and archives. Rare books holdings of over 250,000
volumes are particularly strong in English, American, and European history;
literature and drama; the history of science and medicine; and the history
of philosophy, economics, philology, and theology. The manuscripts and
archival collections, totaling more than 23,000 linear feet of materials,
range in date from the second century A.D. to the present, with particular
emphasis on modern poetry, the history of the social sciences and physical
sciences, and Chicago medicine. The department maintains an active
exhibition program that typically includes three major exhibitions and
several smaller exhibitions per year, frequently accompanied by
publications. For additional information consult the Special Collections Web
site at http://www.lib.uchicago.edu/LibInfo/Libraries/SpCl/
SALARY AND BENEFITS: Appointment salary will be based on qualifications and
experience. Benefits include contributory retirement plan, insurance,
vacation, University and personal holidays, and sick leave, and a tuition
benefit plan for college-age and younger children.
APPLICATION PROCESS: Letter of application should include resume with
names, addresses, and telephone numbers of three references. Applications
will be reviewed upon receipt and continue until the position is filled.
Please submit application to: Library Personnel Office, The University of
Chicago Library, JRL 124, 1100 East 57th Street, Chicago, IL. 60637. EOE
Amie Wyrostek
Personnel Assistant
The University of Chicago Library
1100 East 57th Street
Chicago, Illinois 60637
Phone: (773) 702-8754
Fax: (773) 702-7730
e-mail: Personnel_at_lib.uchicago.edu
Received on Mon Mar 23 1998 - 11:16:09 EST