From: Sebastian Hierl <hierl_at_uchicago.edu>
HEAD OF READER SERVICES, Special Collections Research Center
This is not a purely Western European or Collection Development
position, but the position supposes knowledge of Western European
history, literatures, and languages and Reference experience (or
similar experience). Please forgive any cross-postings.
THE UNIVERSITY OF CHICAGO LIBRARY
HEAD OF READER SERVICES
Special Collections Research Center
The Special Collections Research Center at the University of Chicago
Library is seeking candidates for the position of Head of Reader
Services. The Special Collections Research Center (SCRC) is the
principal repository for rare books, manuscripts, and archives in the
University of Chicago Library. Information about the collections is
available at http://www.lib.uchicago.edu/e/spcl/colls.html.
The collections support teaching and research at the University of
Chicago in a broad range of humanities and social science disciplines.
Special Collections is rapidly expanding electronic access to
materials in all formats. In collaboration with library and academic
computing staff and faculty, Special Collections has produced several
digital collections, including Archival Photographic Files
(http://photofiles.lib.uchicago.edu/) and Chopin Early Editions
(http://chopin.lib.uchicago.edu/). The Center has an active exhibition
program that engages faculty and graduate students in working with the
collections.
The Head of Reader Services is responsible for providing leadership in
Special Collections instruction and outreach programs; and for
managing the successful provision of excellent reference, research and
related services to students, faculty and other users. Over the past
few years, class use of Special Collections has risen dramatically in
response to energetic outreach efforts in collaboration with Library
colleagues. A technology-equipped classroom is stimulating innovative
uses of Special Collections by faculty in their teaching. The Head of
Reader Services will be expected to build on these successes and
develop strategies for comparable increases in research use of the
collections. (See Research and Teaching at the Center,
http://www.lib.uchicago.edu/e/spcl/rt.html). The Head of Reader
Services reports to the Director of the Special Collections Research
Center.
POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES:
· Plan, coordinate and administer reader services policies and
procedures.
· Manage and participate fully in reader services activities.
· Supervise staff responsible for reader services operations
including circulation, overseeing the reading room, reference
correspondence, paging and reshelving, photocopying, microfilming and
photography services.
· In collaboration with other staff in Special Collections, provide
in-depth and specialized reference and research services.
· In collaboration with faculty, teach sessions for classes using
Special Collections materials.
· Work closely with colleagues in other Library public services
areas to integrate Special Collections into Library outreach and
instruction programs.
· Work with faculty, Center and Library colleagues to promote
collection use.
· Interpret patterns of collection use for colleagues to help guide
collection development, processing and digitization priorities.
· Maintain and develop reader services pages of the Center's Web site.
· Coordinate exhibitions and publications on a rotating basis.
· Work to collect and analyze data about use and users of Special
Collections, develop and apply technology to other reader services
functions.
· Serves on Center and Library-wide committees and task forces.
· Participates in local, regional and national professional and
scholarly organizations.
QUALIFICATIONS:
Education: A graduate degree from an accredited library school is
required. An advanced subject degree in a humanities or social science
discipline is strongly preferred.
Experience: Significant experience providing reader services in a
special collections or a research library is required. Teaching or
other relevant work experience will also be considered. Teaching
experience is strongly preferred. Supervisory experience is required.
Skills: Candidates must demonstrate excellent oral and written
communications skills, subject research skills, interpersonal and
organizational skills, energy and creativity. Strong commitment to
quality user-oriented reader services and understanding of research
and teaching needs of special collections users are required.
Knowledge of current trends and methodologies in scholarship and
higher education as they relate to the use of primary sources is
required. An ability to communicate effectively and work well with
colleagues, donors, faculty, students and other Library users
individually and in groups is essential. Knowledge of or interest in
Web-site development skills and application of technology to special
collections operations required.
Languages: Reading proficiency in two or more Western European
languages is required with German and Latin preferred.
SALARY AND BENEFITS: Appointment salary based on qualifications and
experience. Salary range begins at $47,600. Benefits include
retirement plan, insurance, and paid time off. There is a tuition
benefit plan for college age and younger children.
APPLICATION: Should include resume and names, addresses, e-mail
addresses, and telephone numbers of three references. Review of
application will begin upon receipt and continue until the position is
filled. Applications received by July 19, 2004, will be assured
consideration. Application by e-mail is strongly encouraged; please
send to personnel_at_lib.uchicago.edu to the attention of Denise
Weintraub. Applications may also be mailed to the Personnel Office,
The University of Chicago Library, 1100 East 57th Street, Chicago,
Illinois 60637. AA/EOE
Received on Fri May 21 2004 - 02:01:23 EDT